On the World Race you are never by yourself. The concept is still very much new and uncomfortable for me. People are great and I love them to bits, but 24/7 surrounded gets to be a little strenuous. Going to the store, grab a buddy. Crossing the street, grab a buddy. Have to use the bathroom, grab a buddy. (Okay, maybe not that one, but seriously, it’s extreme sometimes.)
Coming into month three in Ireland I was upset and somewhat frustrated. I found out just a few days prior to leaving Moldova that our entire squad would be working together again this month. After a month of just 6 other people, 53 sounds a bit much. I felt the fear of feeling not utilized creep in. I felt the fear of feeling responsible to connect with 50 other people all the time. For an extroverted individual this may sound like a wonderland. But for me, the selfish introvert, it sounded like a bunch of “me time” I would have to sacrifice.
Immediately after connecting back with my entire squad I saw how blind I had been. God was obviously not surprised that our entire squad was together again. He knew all about it from day one. In fact, he has some amazing things he wants to do through this month.
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I had to accept that my vision for this month was not God’s vision. My itinerary was not God’s. His are so much greater! My eyes saw the mass of people as a hindrance. God saw the mass of people as an army ready for battle.
You may be wondering…Ireland as a place for missions? Yeah, I was to, but this month is going to be fantastic. We will be serving alongside a church here in Northern Ireland. They have 36 different ministries for us to assist them with and we will be working hard 9-5pm most days.
The vision of the church is to serve and reach the lost in their community. Their heart for God and connecting with the poor and broken is so pure. I was shocked at how spiritually mature the church body is here. They are living and breathing Jesus. I am hoping that just an ounce of their passion will rub off on me by the time this month comes to an end.
Pray with me as I continue to learn about living in a community of others. Pray for the church here, Causeway Coast Vineyard, to have the strength day in and day out to serve their community. And pray for the city of Coleraine, Ireland. Pray that we will leave a city changed for the glory of God.
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