To start, you’re right there is no such thing.
Month one was a blur, a marvelous marvelous blur. The Almighty was at work in ways I never thought I would experience. It was an honor to watch Father grip his children and shatter their views of Himself.
One of the biggest lessons Christ taught me over month one was that I (Tyler Lee) have no power to convert anyone. I thought I knew that, I was unmistakably wrong. To explain, on our third week of the trip we where relocated to another town named Enniskillen. Days where pretty normal, go into town, smile, shake hands, and love. On our second day in town I saw an unusual looking guy sitting on a bench in the town square called the diamond. I looked at this man and the Father near instantly pushed my heart towards him, I pushed back, He pushed harder, I caved. So I continue to approach this stranger on the bench with zero idea why or what I could possibly say. I sat for a moment praying for wisdom and God gave me (I like the way you dress). So that’s what I said, and in usual God fashion it worked. The guy laughed and smiled and said thank you. I quickly found out that me and this man were having a tough time communicating, He wound up being from Romania and speaking what I’ve counted as 22 words in English, so I used those 22 to the best of my ability. I shot the breeze as best as possible and the day came to a close.
The next day went pretty similar Smile, laugh, love, ect. Walking though the square I saw the same guy sitting alone on the bench and was immediately flooded with the spirit and the draw to approach him. So I went and sat down this time equipped with a translator app on my brother Adams iphone. I talked with the man who I learned is named Sebastian for close to 4 hours. The Father led the conversation and provided me with amazing opportunities to share the good news. I learned that Sebastian knew of God, but had been taught that He was a bitter angry and unforgiving dictator. It broke my heart. I repeatedly tried to convey how merciful and how full of grace our loving dad was, but Sebastian was struggling.
The King gave me three more days with Sebastian with at least 4 hours of conversation apiece. I would love to be able to sit here and tell you He had a new revelation of the King and surrendered to Him. But I can’t. I truly believe that these great conversations were as much, if not more for me than Sebastian. Over the week I became frustrated, I would spill my heart and passion for the Father for hours at a time with what felt like no progress. As I got alone with my God and in conversation with my family it started to become clear the intent of this experience. God expects what He has called us to, and nothing more. Read that again before you disagree. There is nothing in us that is capable of doing good work except what the Almighty places. I wanted so badly to command and controlee a situation that was divinely set up to show me the lack of power I have and how my Dad’s divinity provides more than I would ever need. Rest.
That was just one experience from the month but I assure you I have story after story of my God’s endless attributes.
It is now August and I’m sitting somewhere in the middle of Ukraine. My team and me are preparing to teach English classes to some kids (12-17) for two weeks. Ukraine is far more different than I ever thought it would have been and to be honest it feels pretty dark and heavy spiritually. I ask from my family that you would be in prayer over me and my team for our hearts and spirits that we would be overwhelmed with joy and would remain centered on our purpose.
I love all of you.
In life,
Tyler
