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I’m starting to realize that there is a difference. That there are two types of ministry; there is ministry and then there is life. Let me explain.
My time in Nicaragua is the perfect example of life ministry. We built relationships with the people and kids we encountered with everyday. Life ministry is relational.                                           

                               Me, Manuel, Luz, & Valentina on the way back from the beach

 
My time in Romania has been an example of ministry where relations aren’t necessarily felt on a daily basis. We go to a village at a certain time, we interact for a few hours (mainly through prayer, singing and a translator with rough English) and we come home. It’s more scheduled and hard to interact on a deep level. We wait for the contact to tell us what time and where to be.
Doing what we do best, singing at a church!
 
In Nicaragua, the ministry was so free that we always had kids and teens around to hang out with that it didn’t feel like we were doing ministry, it just felt like life. 
 
Ministry doesn’t feel like “ministry” when it’s placed in a relational context. 
And then I heard God snap his fingers in my head, and it clicked. 

I now know what ministry is really supposed to be like. It does not have to be to give up your comfort or life and travel to 3rd world countries just to experience ministry. Ministry can be found in your very own backyard. You just have to realize it. If God is calling you to a 3rd world country to do ministry, great, then go. Ministry is wherever God is leading you. So even in the “scheduled” ministry, look for the positives and benefits it brings forth. Ministry always brings good work, the work we were made to do. Whether it’s building a home, mentoring street kids or praying for the sick, it’s all ministry. You may not see the results at that very moment, but it’s the future results that matter most.

 “For we live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

God made me realize that my job can be a ministry. Not that I didn’t know that before, because I did, I just didn’t want to believe and admit it. 

Ministry is life and life is ministry. 

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:10-13

So who are you ministering to? Are you portraying your ministry to the best of your ability?

Just something to think about, I know I have a lot.

“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15-18