I am currently sitting in the Lima airport. Twenty-four hours from now, we will be in Argentina. Eight days from now, we will be in Africa. Such is the life of a world-racer!
We have just spent the last four days debriefing in Cusco, Peru. Andrew Shearman led several sessions to both challenge and encourage us. Andrew is never one to “take it easy” on us, and he doesn’t sugarcoat anything. But he loves us and he wants to see us living fully alive. So, I write down everything he says and pray that God will help it become reality in my life.
We were issued such challenges as:
- Die or be killed. “I have been crucified with Christ and no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20) As Christ-followers, our lives are no longer our own. “Die or be killed” means that we can surrender ourselves entirely to the God we love, or He will kill the stuff in us that keeps us from being everything He has created us to be.
- God offends. Much of the way in which God transforms us and molds us is through our relationships. Through our community, we truly learn humility, forgiveness, submission, love. Being offended is a GOOD thing. Offenses come from the Lord to teach us.
- Out of Egypt. Just as the Lord brought the Isrealites out of Egypt, so he has saved us from drudgery, humiliation, and slavery. He has called us to an abundant life in Him. It is our choice to return to “Egypt” life (living for ourselves) or to live abundantly every day that we have here.
We were also greatly encouraged by the following:
- We are so loved by God. This is why we’re here. This is why we’re doing this. Because He loves us and He loves all of His children and many of them don’t know it! He paid for us what He thought we were worth: All his blood and all his tears.
- We win. If we are walking powerfully in our identity and authority of the Lord, and worshipping Him with our lives, then Hell will take notice. But we win. The only “weapon” the enemy has are words. And the best part is that we don’t have to listen to him! In Jesus, we have victory and Truth. We do not have to be afraid, ever again in our lives. We do not have worry. We do not have to tolerate negative thoughts or condemnation. We have FREEDOM in Jesus!
- He is worth it. Even when we are tired and sick of eating peanut butter, He is worth it. It is a privilege to be called as ministers of reconciliation. We are carrying the greatest message in the world! Our Creator God loves us so much that He sent His Son to die and pay the price so we can be reconciled to Him. I cannot stay silent!!! AMEN!
After debriefing for several days (as a whole group, as teams, and individually), we spent a day visiting the ancient Incan ruins of Macchu Pichhu. Created in the early 15th century, the ancient city was hand-contructed and made entirely of rock. The Incan civilization were known for being incredibly intelligent. Interestingly, they were very “spiritual,” worshipping the sun, moon, certain animals, and “mother earth.” I understand how they could see the divine in the breathtaking creation around them, but “[they] worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator, who is forever praised. Amen.” (Romans1:25).
Macchu Picchu was absolutely beautiful, and learning about the ancient civilization was incredibly interesting. Overall, our time at debrief was both restful and energizing. Stay tuned to see how God is moving in Argentina and how he wrecking all of our lives!
I’m Yours for the Journey.
