My ministry in Guatemala looks like waking up at 6:30am and going to a village about 40 minutes outside of Chimaltenango (the city we’re staying in). In the village, Nora and I help with the feeding program at the church. The church feeds about 140 kids in the afternoon Monday through Friday. The church corresponds with the local clinic to pick kids for the program who would most benefit from a nutritional meal. We help cook, set up tables, set out chairs, and serve the kids. Some mornings we even color and play with kids at the clinic.
The kids are wonderful, full of life and bursting with joy. I think they are finally warming up to us. The typical day usually includes a whole bunch of tickle fights, lots of laughs, and maybe some piggyback rides. I may not know a lot of Spanish, but luckily, playing with kids requires little to none. Honestly, most of the time I think a smile is sufficient.
While the kids delight me to no end, the family we have the privilege to work with are the ones who never cease to amaze me. I have never met kinder people. The pastor is a joy to be around and anyone can tell his heart is pure gold. His heart is for his ministry. His wife, Molly, is sincere and kind of a boss. They make a great team, in life and in ministry. They have a son with what we think is autism, but they don’t treat him any differently. They love him just the same as their other two kids.
Everyday I am astounded by this family’s generosity and authenticity.
They give their time and resources unconditionally to us and their community. Like how Molly makes us breakfast every morning or how pastor always picks us up and drives us home. They are also real. No matter where they are or who they are with, they remain the same caring people. They are the same people at home and at ministry.
This family amazes me.
They have taught me what it looks like to live a life devoted to Christ.
Throughout my race, God has been revealing the importance of leading by example and how to let my actions characterize me as a follower of Christ. During high school, I was so determined share the Gospel purely through words. It was so important that the words come out of my mouth. I have not verbally shared the Gospel much in the past 7 months… but I have showed Christ with my actions. I have given time, love, and whatever was needed.
I have lived for Christ.
I don’t think I really knew what that looked like before the race.
How we live for Christ in the day to day ordinariness defines the depth of our obedience to our father. God wants more than our Sundays… and more than just our words of devotion. He wants the right to influence even our smallest decision. Small actions led by our relationship with Christ add up to a lifetime where Christ is seen in you at every turn. A testimony all on its’ own.
