I’m lying in my hammock on the porch of our little bungalow, looking out over the jungle-like campground. In the quiet of the morning, He assures me that I’m right where I need to be: with my team, in the middle of nowhere with just a handful of other people around.
Okay, Father, I’m listening. Why are we here and what are You doing through it?
This month has been a month living in the unknown and focusing on walking with Him day by day. Living on mission is more than looking for opportunities to share the Gospel as we go about our day. Sure, it could look like going for a prayer walk and praying for a university student during his lunch break. It could also look like inviting fellow passengers on a boat to a card game, telling them about our motivations for traveling this year. As we have set out with this mindset to look for openings to build His Kingdom, it’s been amazing and encouraging to see God move in and through us.
Although we’ve seen awesome things done in His name, it has been frustrating not being able to speak the language well, especially here where there are some Spanish-speaking refugees. Although we’ve had relatively successful conversations to tell them about Jesus and what we believe, ultimately words fail us.
So I ask myself: what if my most important ministry on the Race is not what I say at all, but rather what I do and how I love those around me? What if the only message I preached was done without speaking the language? What if every action proclaimed the Gospel? What if every interaction with my teammates radiated the love of Christ?
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:9
The world is watching us, Church. Do we have something that they want? Are our actions speaking louder than our words? Are we preaching a message with our lives that honor and glorify God?
I know that there are many times when I failed to love the people around me, especially my team. I’ll never know the number of opportunities God had for us to be a light to others that I completely missed due to my own selfishness or disobedience. But I do know that He is good and gracious to wait with open arms for me to choose Him. Today I am in reminded that despite the mistakes I’ve made yesterday, there is hope for today. His name is Jesus.
Thank you, God, for bringing me to this place, and continuing to teach and shape me into the daughter you’ve created me to be. Thank you for reminding me that despite failing a million times before, your mercies are new every morning. Use me to bring Your Kingdom here, in my team, in South America and beyond. Help me to love others with Your love, a love that transforms hearts and brings abundant life, hope, freedom, and joy. You’re a good Father who loves his children enough never to leave them where they’re at. To You be the glory.
