“I was an alcoholic since I was 7, met Jesus in jail, learned to read and write about 5 years ago, and oh yea… I killed someone too”
“My parents left me at the airport for a week in America with $100 because they didn’t have enough money to fly all of us, and they needed to go back to Bolivia to renew their visas”
“I come to this village, leaving my children and husband at home so that people of Lagunilla’s will know Jesus” (This town doesn’t even have ice cream… that’s how small it is)
“They bombed my house & when we got back all the windows were shattered. I was so scared for my family, but I kept going.”
Some of the people we’ve worked with below!
I draw in closer as I listen carefully to their stories on how Jesus had called them higher or to Himself. They talk with such joy as they tell the details of how He has redeemed them or led them to their calling, even if it meant leaving people/things behind. At times you can see tears running down their faces, some from the hurt that they still feel, and other times because Victory has won. Each and every story makes my heart beat a little faster as I see the beauty of Jesus in their lives. I cry along with them, and encourage them when I can. I’m left in awe at the amazement of how someone had such faith during such dark moments of their life. In the end… each and everyone never ceases to give God all the glory. Humbled… over & over again.
Some of my favorite moments on the Race has been meeting multitudes of such strong and bold people who live for the Lord. I love serving and getting to know the communities that we visit. I love that my taste buds get to be spoiled rotten this year. I love that I can have days off where I am able to explore the city. I love that I get to help the poor, needy, and sick. BUT I have to say, some of my favorite moments are simply doing life with these missionaries. You can see passion blazing in their eyes as they speak about what Christ is doing in their ministry and how they have led people to Christ. I am so so thankful that I have met such awesome sisters and brothers in Christ all around the world.
One thing that I have learned in Bolivia is that sharing your testimony can encourage and challenge someone more than you think. So, don’t ever be ashamed of your story, & share all the things that Jesus has done in your life. It is powerful, no matter what it looks like.
