I never really knew much about starlings until I became one. When deciding upon our team name we agreed the coordinated murmuration of starlings was an inspirational stunner and fit the group agenda quite well, as a team we would perform beautifully together. Since then I have discovered that they are known to have strong feet, their plumage is iridescent, and they have diverse and complex vocalizations.
After our flight landed us in Peru I was not quite sure how our team would live up to the name we gave ourselves, however, in the past week I know the name was an inspired choice. With a flair of iridescence, we splashed our host home with the color of Christ, bringing more love and laughter into this already warm environment. Our diverse array of opinions and backgrounds contributes much to our coordinated efforts and strong feet which have carried the good news of Jesus to the mountains of Peru.
Although our host home is in Cajamarca the majority of our ministry thus far has been in the remote community of Negritos Bajo, which is a couple hours away from the city. The trucks could only carry us so far before we were met by villagers and horses to take the special packages we were delivering down the mountain to a small church that became our home for four days. The special packages were gift boxes from Operation Christmas Child! I’m sure that at some point everyone churched in America has put together a shoebox of goodies for a child across the world. It was an amazing experience to see the village children squeal with delight as they tore into their boxes.
The days following our arrival to Negritos Bajo were overflowing with the love of the Lord. We were generously provided with tons of food, we were brought mattresses from a town an hour away so that our stay would be comfortable, and most importantly we were invited into their hearts. Although the people didn’t have much in the way of tangible things they prayed with passion, they worshipped with everything they had and supported us as we fumbled our way through the language barrier. Taking that challenge, I prepared my testimony in Spanish and delivered it before the church on the first night! We spent our days going up and down the mountain visiting families in the community, sharing the redemption of Christ in our testimonies, singing worship songs and breaking bread together. I was blessed to receive a bouquet of flowers plucked from the garden at one home, and we all got to play with the guinea pigs that were soon to be a meal. When we prepared a program for the children, it blessed me so much to experience their abundant joy. With Jesus at their center they laughed with light heartedness as they played games with us, sang songs, and drew pictures of Christ.
At first it was hard for me to understand what I could possibly offer these brothers and sisters when so much of what they are already operating in far exceeds the maturity of my walk with Christ, until I realized we all carry a gift to give others when we have the Holy Spirit operating inside. At the point of convergence where supernatural Jesus met my natural existence is the place of my ministry. I do have much to offer! With vibrancy, some strong feet, and lots to say this little starling has spread her wings and the flight feels good, especially in murmuration with my other starling darlings!
