First off, let me apologize for not updating y’all last month. Peru was so busy, and then to add to it, we really didn’t have Internet. So, to my supports, lo ciento (it means “I’m sorry” in Spanish). However, saying that, I’m not sure Bolivia will be much better on the Internet front. Word on the street is it’s pretty scarce throughout the country.
(Walking from Peru to Bolivia!)
Currently my co-leaders and I are in La Paz, Bolivia (the capitol) doing some work, planning, etc. before we head out to meet with the teams for the month. Before we headed out though, I wanted to give y’all a quick update and let you know how last month went.
In the World Race world, there’s something we like to call, “All-Squad.” Basically what that means is, your entire squad (57 people on this particular squad) all are living and serving at the same ministry for the month. Sounds a bit overwhelming, huh? LOL
It can be. Sharing two tiny bathrooms with that many people, and living together in community, can be tough for some, but I’ll be honest, it gets me fired up!
(The men decided we’d just set up camp on the roof!)
(To be in the desert we still had a pretty sweet view!)
Our “ministry” mostly consisted of VBS type work, doing evangelism around the neighborhood, and also sports ministry type stuff. All in all the squad really enjoyed it and made some solid connections with the kids, which is huge because once we’re gone, our contacts, Joel and Maria Savage, the directors of “Savage Ministries”, will continue their work there and hopefully have more opportunity to reach out to those nearby we made friends with.
(Kids dance party at the finishing night of VBS!)
(On one of our days off, our squad had the chance to go “Sand Boarding!” It was so legit!)
Like I’ve said before though, my “ministry” doesn’t really look much like your typical missions trip ministry, as I’m responsible for leading the 54 individuals who make up P-Squad (along with my two beautiful co-leaders).
It was an incredible month though for me as far as that goes. I had the blessing of sitting down most days with numerous people, having one-on-one’s to see what the Lord was teaching them and what God was doing in their lives out here on the World Race. I’ve quickly come to realize just how important discipleship really is and what it means to invest in the lives of those around you and push them closer to Jesus.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s hard, as hearing so many stories, hurts, and wounds, can be a heavy burden to help carry at times, but for me it has taught me the uttermost importance of being on my knees, daily, before the Lord. That’s the only way to stay sustained out here and keep afloat.
It was prophesied over me at training camp that this would be a season of God teaching me to not only just be an under-shepherd, but to also learn what it means to “use my staff.” It has no-doubt been exactly that. God has grown my heart for pastoral type work and I’m interested in seeing what else He has to teach me while being out here.
(One of our men, Brandon, sharing about his testimony & what Jesus is doing in his life!)
Point blank, I’ve learned what discipleship looks like and the absolutely necessity for it in our walk with Christ. I’ve been convicted a lot while being out here, because the American church doesn’t do a good job of this overall. We’ve adopted the mindset that having folks make a decision is all it takes, and nowhere in scripture do we see that. We’re called to MAKE DISCIPLES. It’s a command.
Most churches talk about how they’re dying out and have no fire for God, but it’s because the flame of the church (discipleship) has almost been extinguished. We need to fix that. When and if we did, we’d see mass revival break out and lives changed. Relationships are messy, but so worth it.
One of the highlights also last month for me was getting to preach/teach to the squad on a topic of my choice, and also getting to share my testimony with them all. It was a huge honor and I pray God will continue to use it for His glory and to set others free and bring healing.
Lastly, one of the coolest moments, not only of the month, but also in my whole Christian walk (since February 2002) was having the honor of baptizing 3 of the men on our squad on February 27th in the Pacific Ocean. It was such a humbling experience for me, one in which I felt so unworthy to be part of, but couldn’t have been more thankful that God seen fit to use me to disciple these guys this month, and then baptize them. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.
(Nick & myself, right after he came up from the water! Hallelujah!)
(Heading into the Pacific Ocean at Huanchaco Beach, Peru!)
(Brandon & myself, rejoicing at this “Risen to walk in newness of life” moment!)
So, that pretty much sums up my month in the desert of Peru. It was awesome! Even the 45-hour bus ride from Trujillo, Peru to La Paz, Bolivia was a pretty cool experience! Long, but good!
Thank y’all so much for the continued love, support, and prayers! I couldn’t do this without you.
Please be in prayer as today we head off to our ministries for the month. This is what we call, “Manistry Month”, so I’ll be serving with all the P-Squad men in the Andes Mountains in a little town called, “Apolo.”
Oh yeah, and one last thing! Guess who’s only $500.00 from being fully funded for Squad Leading?!? This guy right here!!!
(Being almost fully funded makes me so happy! God is so good, y’all!)
(My AMAZING co-leaders, Teresa & Kaylaynn! So blessed to lead with them!
Thank you to everyone who’s helped support me. You’ll never fully understand how much this means and what it will do for the Kingdom. If anybody is still interested in helping me reach the goal, or would be interested in helping me with personal money, let me know. Eating off $3.00 a day (yes, you read that right) doesn’t get you very far, so I’m using quite a bit of my personal money and could surely use a little extra here and there if you feel the Lord put it on your heart to help a fella out.
Love y’all
Dustin Mick
P.S. Check out this sweet video from our month in Peru that our squad mate, Eva Cranford, put together!
