One ministry we participated in this month was weekly Bible
studies at different people’s homes in the community. But this was so much
different that the usually weekly Bible study that I am used to. So I want to
paint a picture for you of how God’s hand has been in our ministry this month
in Ecuador.
We left the house around 5:30pm for a Bible study that began
at 8:00. Never really being sure of what will happen, we loaded into the van
with open hearts ready for God to show up. And as you already know, He
definitely showed up.
We were dropped off on a random street, paired up with
another member from our team, and given instructions. Pastor Francisco told us
to invite people to the Bible study; 8:00pm at the home of Maria Mendoza.
“Who is Maria Mendoza? And where does she live? Pastor?” we
all asked. But Francisco was already gone, talking to the people in the home
that we had been standing in front of. So, confused and slightly doubtful (as
we Americans usually are with this door to door stuff) we headed out. We had
done this several times, and saw maybe 2 or 3 people show up from the
neighborhood, slightly interested. But most would hide, or find an excuse not
to come, etc.
We finished our tour de barrio and ended up at Maria’s
house, talking and relaxing, waiting for 8 o’clock to come around. By the time
8:15 rolled around, we were still the only people in attendance of the Bible
study. And my thoughts immediately went to the Pastor, admiring the strength he
had to continually fight for these communities, never really seeing change. But
before I could complete the thought, some people started walking in. We moved
down the bench to create room for the couple, but never could create enough
room. Within 10 minutes, 30+ people filled the house of Maria Mendoza, eager
and ready to learn about the God that wants to know them personally.
Most of the time in these situations, we leave the country
knowing that God will bless the ministry but never actually getting to see the
change. But I was left speechless at the amount of people flowing into the
room, knowing we had something they needed. What an amazing God we serve.
I will never doubt the power of God, and what He can do with
such a small act of courage and obedience. Please pray that I can continue to
serve God through people like Pastor Francisco without questions or doubts,
knowing that God will continue to show up and reveal His glory.
