The race is hard. I know that doesn’t seem like a real revelation, but when you’re in the middle of this season of life, it can definitely be challenging. There are so many differences between Africa and America; it’s impossible to articulate. My clothes just saw a washing machine for the first time in two months and we are starting our second month of bucket showers, which consists of a bucket of water and a cup. Scoop the water out of the bucket and pour it over your body, but this month we are able to boil the water first, so it isn’t nearly as bad. At this point, I don’t even know what water pressure is. I’m even eating most of the vegetables put on my plate; I guess I’m finally growing up! That, or I’m just always hungry and I literally eat whatever is put in front of me. Last month there were 22 people staying on the concrete floor of a 1-room church and this month there are six men staying in one small bedroom. We’ve been away from home for over two months now and we’re starting ministry in our third country. The summer camp euphoria is gone and the reality of our situation has solidified. This is my life for the foreseeable future. I’ve had quite a few conversations with God about all that’s going on. If you know me, you know I like meat and potatoes, I like at least one shower a day, I like clean clothes, and I like having my own room. I don’t feel like these are unreasonable desires, but I have learned that they are unnecessary. I don’t NEED meat at every meal, I don’t NEED to take a shower every day, I don’t NEED clean clothes, I don’t NEED my own room. To whom much is given, much is expected. I can honestly say that I have not been the best steward of all the gifts and blessing that the Lord has bestowed upon me. Over the last two months, I’ve done way more with way less. I’ve witnessed at least 75 salvations with my own eyes, and my squad has been a part of hundreds more. While I have been hungry, I have found that God’s children have been thirsty. I’ve wanted food from a Chinese buffet; they have simply wanted a drink from the well that never runs dry. Being able to point them to the One who can quench that thirst has been incredible, and I can’t wait for it to continue. Some days are easy and some days are hard, but everyday is a good day because I know I’m exactly where God wants me to be. So are you. Today is a great day to tell someone how much Jesus loves him or her. It doesn’t matter if you’re hungry, it doesn’t matter if you smell, it doesn’t matter if you’re clean, or even if you’re in a good place spiritually. Isaiah 6:8 says this:
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here I am. Send me!”
God doesn’t call the equipped; instead, He equips the called. God isn’t looking for the perfect Christian; He just wants someone with a “yes” in his or her heart. Simply say yes to Jesus, and He will take care of the rest. I am living proof of that.
