I know I’ve said this before in previous blogs, but the Race has a tendency to feel like it’s passing by very quickly, but at the same time feeling like such a far way from being done. Take this past week for example. We just finished our 3rd month on the Race and are just beginning our 4th month; on the one hand, we still have 7 months to go and the end of the year seems so far off, but on the other hand we are over 25% done with the Race!! And not only that, but we have finished the first leg of it as far as continents are concerned. That’s right…after 3 months in South America, we have finally said goodbye (or in Spanish…Chao) and have started our 2nd leg: Europe!!
I’m so excited for Europe because not only have I never been there (just like any of the other places I’m going to), but also because it will be something different and new and I enjoy experiencing new things. I’m excited for a new culture, new language, colder weather, and just for new types of ministry. And already Europe has felt completely different than South America. The streets aren’t filled with combis or buses or other public transportation that just pack as many people as they can into the vehicle. The atmosphere is more low-key than the fast-paced lifestyle of South American culture. Instead of 80-degree days, we have 40-50 degree days. The architecture and housing are different. No one understands the language now. Things are just different and new…and I love that!
But as much as I’m excited for Eastern Europe and what life will look like the next couple of months, I’m also sad to leave South America, as it truly was a great experience. I’ve always wanted to come to South America and although it maybe was different from the Amazonian environment and tribal culture view that I expected to experience, it didn’t disappoint. I got to experience different indigenous cultures, different environments (desert, jungle, Andes, coast), authentic foods, and just a lot of growth in my spiritual journey. And because of that, I want to take some time to reflect on what God has done in my life thus far.
My teammate Chelsey loves to use the expression of building monuments in your life to remember what God has done in you, through you, and for you. I love this because I believe it is important and biblical and a way to glorify God as it forces us to acknowledge and give credit to God for what He’s done in our lives. And this can also be used to fight against the spiritual attacks of feeling “too sinful to be used by God” or “God’s not really growing me” that Satan often tries to hit us with. And so as I head off to Europe, I want to quickly acknowledge and reflect on and remember all that God’s taught me and done in me in South America.
Ecuador:
· God’s Kingdom is BIG!!!
o His Kingdom work reaches across the ends of the earth and has been so long before I ever show up to a place
· Community is tough to do well
o Sinful people living in tight, close community is hard
o Need to LOVE BIG and GIVE GRACE
o Take issues to the Lord
· God’s Spirit is alive and active in me
o I have the authority of Christ and can be used by Him regardless of the “too-much-of-a-sinner” attitude that I often struggle with
Peru:
· I am worthy of receiving from the Lord
o Made worthy by God’s grace
· I am a son of the Most High God
o My identity is founded on what Jesus did on the cross
· God’s created me to be a man of God
o He’s calling me into manhood and has created me uniquely to be used by Him
Bolivia:
· Don’t put God in a box (or put limits on Him)
o Some of my boxes: timing, religion, my inabilities/sins
· “Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love” Ps. 62:11-12
o He meets all my needs
· Be real with the team
o Conflict should not be avoided; it can lead to deeper relationships
Thanks for all your prayers and support! I will update you on ministry/life in Romania in my next blog!
