Two Wives are Better Than One

Invariably, the ways in which we are able to give nuggets of truth for people to digest are not ways in which we are prepared. For instance, C was talking with one of his fellow teachers when an unexpected door creaked open. This teacher is from an African nation and comes from a large family of over 10 brothers and sisters. C was taken aback by the number and asked what it was like growing up in such a large family. The teacher explained the reason for so many siblings--his dad had two wives at the same time! It is acceptable within the regional faith for a man to have up to, but not exceeding, four wives. C asked his fellow teacher if he was planning on taking a second wife. His reply, "Of course! It is good to have two wives, because they will compete for your attention."

C used this conversation as a way to share what our Book says about marriage being between one man and ONE woman. He also threw in how he had prayed for me (how sweet!) for many years and knew that the Father had created us to live together as husband and wife. They talked for a few more minutes on the topic, but the man has not spoken with C concerning personal issues since that conversation.

Although men may have up to four wives, divorce is growing each year within this region. While teaching in the MidEast a few summers ago, I had a few divorced women in my classes. This was not something they shared openly, but privately when other students were not nearby. One lady was divorced with 2 teenage boys. She had to return to her home to live under her father's roof. When the school made arrangements for excursions around the country, she had to have her father's permission as well as one of her son's journey with us as her escort. Still, even at 35, she was subject to her father's rulings over her life. Not quite what we experience in the West.

What interesting avenues are opening up for you to share nuggets of truth? Ask...seek...knock. The doors will swing wide open if we only ask Him to allow it to happen. Then we must be obedient to walk into the conversation or situation presented.