A stone compound in the desert on the outskirts of Trujillo was the backdrop for all-squad month in Peru. The climate was warm, but bearable. Still, it was an adjustment for most coming from Ecuador the previous month. And the characters, oh the characters…this story is not grandiose full of heroes who save damsels in distress, or princes who slay dangerous dragons. This tale is full of characters who are far less idyllic, but far more real…made of flesh and bone, but with hearts after the very heart of God. They love each other well. They fight for one another. And they pray.
This is the story of P-squad, 3rd generation.
Today I am so thankful to be playing a small role in the story that God is unfolding in our squad. Everyday He blows me away with the way that the members of P-squad love one another, pray for each other, and push each other toward Jesus. I never would have imagined that in just two months, a group of 57 total strangers could already feel like family.
We arrived at the Savage Ministries compound and quickly adjusted to the new sleeping arrangements. Half of the squad found comfy sleep on the bunk beds, and the other half posted up on the roofs of the three buildings on the compound with their tents. But within a few days, “hammock city” had sprung up under one of the structures, with as many as 7 or 8 people between 5 columns.
We were given the first Monday to explore the city, then Tuesday morning ministry commenced! We rallied kids throughout the neighborhood for VBS, and even invited some older children and adults to the free English classes we hosted each day. We quickly realized that we were overflowing with kids, and hadn’t assigned enough teams to help with the English classes, so the girls of Team Awaken jumped right in!
On the first day we taught the kids basic introductions: “Hi my name is… What is your name?…, etc.” Easy enough, right? Ha. Well let me just say this was my first time teaching anything to someone when we don’t speak the same language. And what a challenge it was. The Lord used this experience to humble me–but also to bring me close to Himself, so I could learn what it means to do something that seems impossible, only WITH HIM.
The first little boy I partnered up with was Emerson, a precious 7-year-old with a sweet smile and soft spoken demeanor. I continually asked him in Spanish to repeat the key phrases in English, and he struggled through it. We shared mutual frustration in this language barrier, as I wanted to give extensive explanations to help him learn, and his desire to reciprocate was equally as strong. In my frustration, I decided to do something that bridges all language barriers–pray. So I said to Emerson, “Vamos a orar.”
And we prayed. Emerson in Spanish, and myself in English. We asked God to intervene, and to help us communicate. Before long, Emerson got it! With the most precious little accent he said, “Hi, my name is Emerson. What is your name?” My eyeswelled with tears and I said over and over again, “Buen trabajo, Emerson!”
The Lord met us in this situation that seems to most pretty insignificant, but He taught me a monumental lesson. He doesn’t want me to sit in my struggle, whether over “big things” or “small things”…He wants me to walk alongside Him so we can partner with Him. He’s a good, good Father. He wants us to learn how to trust Him and rely on Him in ALL things.
And to be crystal clear…P squad does this well. When someone is sick, the first thing our squad does is pray. We go the Father on behalf of our brother or sister. When there is conflict, we ask the Lord for His peace and His wisdom. No matter the circumstance, P-squad lives up to their P[rayer] squad moniker. We constantly seek the face of the Lord and His will for this squad. And we worship Him like it’s the last chance we’ll ever have. I’m learning so much everyday from these incredible men and women of God.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
