2005 I was in New Zealand attending Capernwray Bible School for three months. I participated in there ‘Adventure Bible School’ (ABS) program for 6 weeks, and then finished up the term at the regular bible school. During that time I struggled a lot; I was not physically fit enough for the backpacking, kayaking, etc. The days were long-I can remember kayaking 10 hours a day in the freezing cold, windiness that is NZ’s spring, or backpacking 14 hours with about 45 IBS on my back with a sore ankle and rain all around. I was miserable, and wanted it to end. Because of this, I was miserable and really had a hard time enjoying it. If you would have asked me two weeks into it if I would recommend someone to do it, I would have said “no way, it’s an equivalent to a Christian boot camp from you know where.” However, now I would highly recommend it to most people. Looking back on it, it was the best time of my life and in many ways my heart is still in New Zealand.
I learned many important lessons while I was there including who I am in God, and that he doesn’t make mistakes, the importance of allowing others to help you when you need it, and much more. My theme verse was (and still is today) Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength I need.” I saw God fulfill the promise many times over in the years, and he continues to fulfill them.
Today, as I am sitting on the balcony of my house listening to the sewing machines across the way, motor-bikes and cars wiz past I am reminded once again of that promise. Things have not been easy this month, and things have been quite uncomfortable. Once again last night we were attacked by insects (more mosquitos and large beetles than normal), and there were a lot more of them in my bug net. I had a mini break down involving yelling at the blasted bugs, frustration and anger. At that moment I wanted to go home; I hated Cambodia and could not take it anymore. All I could think of was how ridiculous all of this was. Sure, there has been worse bug nights but last night was the final straw. Eventually I did fall asleep once I got some of the bugs that were crawling on me off (and hopefully they are now dead), and I woke up this morning thinking of the sermon that we had on Sunday.
All these years I have been focusing on Philippians 4:13 (which, is a great verse to focus on and be reminded of), but I needed to look at verse 12 as well. It says “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want.” This is coming from a man who had a hard life and suffered much, yet he is content and proclaiming the joy that he has. I have a feeling that this will be my theme verse for the rest of this year, and hopefully I can go home proclaiming this to be true in my life as well (and, hopefully, I will figure this out before I go home). I also need to remember that the people who live in these countries have to deal with the comfortableness and hardships their whole lives. I only have to endure this for 9 more months, and even then I will find brief reprieves from it…what a humbling though.
