Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Who let the dog out ???


We had a pet dog for many years in Venezuela. This little mutt of a dog has lived in and seen many parts of Venezuela where most Venezuelans have not even seen. This little dog, named Short Stop, lived in Cuidad Bolivar with gringos, then moved to a Yanomami village, Parima, then a Piaroroa/Gringo/Yanomami/Ye'kwana village, Tama Tama, and then with us in ChajuraƱa, for ten years. We took her to the large city of Barquisimeto and when we left Venezuela she went to live with Brazilian friends in the town of Acarigua. A smart little dog! Well traveled!

But, while in the jungle, Short Stop would follow us everywhere. She was one of the most faithful church attenders! She would walk with us and sit outside the door to wait for the service to end in order to accompany us back home.


The Ye'kwana churches always open up the service so that anyone who would like to share anything at all, may have the opportunity to come forward and do so. Some people may share a verse of scripture, others a testimony or prayer request. This is culturally part of every meeting as each member of the tribe may speak his thoughts at the round house and so in the church, each member also has a chance to speak if desired.

Usually, anywhere between 5 - 20 people might share something before the pastor would bring the message. Makes for a long service, but they enjoy it!


Except one Sunday morning. It seemed no one had prepared anything to share on this morning. The pastor asked yet again if anyone at all would like to share but no one responded.

Short Stop must have decided that having lived with so many missionaries for so many years, she was as well prepared to lead the worship service as anyone else. So ...she walked right in the front door, slowly up the center aisle, directly up onto the platform. 100 eyes followed her as she turned to face the audience and, head high, let out two resounding barks, turned, walked slowly back down the aisle and out the door to await the end of the service!!!

I have never seen anything like it!

All the Ye'kwanas looked around with wide eyes and smiles and my husband decided it might be a good morning to share about Balaam's talking donkey!

27 comments:

WomanHonorThyself said...

lol..love it..what a cutie!!!

Pam--in America said...

Great story!! Your husband's a quick thinker too... Balaam's Donkey-- perfect!

Starla said...

I wonder what she said to honor God. I love this story.

Most Rev. Gregori said...

I believe that God has a special place for His "Fur Babies" in paradise. Short Stop reminds me of "Baby", the Mini Rat Terrier I had for 19 years before "Munchkin" became part of my family.

"Baby" came to all of my church services. She had a pew of her own where she would curl up and sleep until the end of the Liturgy. Then she would go down stairs with the rest of the congregation for coffee and donuts. She didn't care about the coffee, but she loved the donuts.

Thursday's Child said...

Oh, that's just priceless!

But I have to wonder, would using that as an opportunity to preach on Balaam's donkey really send the right message. Balaam's donkey thought his master was the real a** apparently. (Sorry, I just couldn't resist...bad TC, no cookie!)

~Karen_ said...

Good dog! :-)

CrimeSceneFairy said...

LOL Funny!! You make me laugh

~*♥Verja♥*~ said...

She was the best. Most definitely adorable and sweet as can be...Now she's learning Portuguese!

Kristi said...

LOL, Wonderful story! That is so funny. Even God's creatures praise Him!

Kristi

Gayle said...

LOL! Great story, Rita. I'm positive dogs understand a lot more than we give them credit for. :)

Charles said...

I absolutely had to comment here. First that is a great story.

Second I think dogs understand us. If not the words, then at least the emotion.

What covers tree? Bark
What is on top of a house? Roof
How does sand paper feel? Ruff

Some people will say this is no more than that.

But I KNOW BEYOND A DOUBT God uses all things for his purpose.

This is a funny story and one I will be sharing with my wife and homegroup friends.

Tom & Kandice Keegan said...

How funny! Once you & Jackie write that book about all of your jungle stories I definitely want to know where I can get a copy.

Brenda said...

Dogs are great! I should start writing some of my dog stories. . . I miss having one around!

Anonymous said...

That is just hilarious!!!
and mutts are always the BEST dogs, we've had one for 9 years now and we love him so.

AmberTheBlog.com said...

LOL! That is really funny

Jane said...

That's great! Well, the Bible says if we don't speak out the rocks will, I guess that goes for dogs too!!!

Tori Leslie said...

Oh that's too funny.

Anonymous said...

As my brother says, "My dog is my best friend."

They don't dump you if you run out of cash, and they'll stick with you to the bitter end.

Theresa's Notes said...

Very cute dog!

TO BECOME said...

Seemed like a very smart dog to me. I think your husband had a great idea. connie from Texas

Anonymous said...

Way funny!!

God uses miraculous things to speak to His people and those whose attention He wants!!

This brings a cuckle to me!!

Thanks for the memory!!

Melissa Lea said...

That is a wonderful story!

Findalis said...

This is what I love about your site. Such a lovely, humorous story. After all the anger many blogs (sometimes mine included) have, it is refreshing to visit a warm, loving blog.

May G-d bless and keep you and yours in good health and spirits.

MightyMom said...

oh wow, now that's just tooo good!

Unknown said...

Oh how funny! I've never heard that one! Maybe she wanted to get saved! It also reminded me of Snickers being so faithful to Smyrna!

MathewK said...

Lol. you always have an interesting story to tell JM. If i'm ever in your neck of the woods [in your case that's literally], i must invite myself for tea and a good story.

Rita Loca said...

MK, your invited!!!