My team and I were given the opportunity to give a teaching
and lead worship for the church youth on a Saturday night in Banos, Ecuador.
Upon arriving at the church, the pastor asked us to lead the youth in a game.
Luckily, we have Rodolfo on our team. He quickly came up with some games and
the night went rather smoothly.
Forrest and Rodolfo lead us into worship as they sang ‘This
is Amazing Grace’. Forrest led the song
in English and Rodolfo followed with Spanish. Worshiping the same God in two
different languages was such a beautiful example of how wide his love is. I’m
so thankful for my team and the talent they carry in music. Forrest has grown a
lot in the two months and has become a good worship leader.
After a few more minutes of soaking in worship, I was up.
Earlier that day, I wasn’t expecting to talk at youth group. We had originally
decided that Forrest would lead worship and Rodolfo would teach. God’s plan
doesn’t always line up with ours. So, there I was, standing in front of a room
full of youth about to teach on a message God had placed on my heart. I would
give a testimony, or what I would call a teachimony.
The topic of my testimony was about the power of words over
yourself and others. I explained how I struggled with negative thoughts and
putting myself down. I shared how when I was in a dark place God met me there.
He reminded me of the promise we made, “If I don’t give up on myself, he won’t
give up on me. And I already know he won’t give up on me”. I shared the way I
got out of that dark place and how learning what God said about me started to
change how I spoke over myself. I began to speak all the things God says I am
in Jesus Christ over my life. I showed them scripture that speaks on how words
have a power to lift up and bring life but also a power to tear down or hurt
(See proverbs and James). Words can bring wisdom and foolishness. So how we
choose to speak to ourselves or others actually does have an effect on people.
Bullying and teasing isn’t just a joke but can actually be the difference in
brightening someone’s day or crushing someone’s spirit. We spoke several
declarations over our lives during my time of sharing and then I gave the stage
to Rodolfo who led us in a great time of teaching.
After youth group, the head pastor of the church approached
us and asked me to repeat my testimony in front of church on Sunday. So I woke
up at 6 am with Rodolfo and walked to the church at 7 am to speak during first
service. Of course, a few adjustments were made during my testimony to allow a
better understanding for adults but it went great.
One of the benefits to waking up early was being welcomed
into the pastor’s home to have breakfast with him and his family. The time I
spent with them reminded me so much of home that I almost became nostalgic. It
felt like I was back in Wisconsin eating the homemade strawberry jam.
My time in Banos was my favorite time in Ecuador. We stayed
with a great family, Sterling, Donna, Isabella, Hayes, and Quinley Purdy. They made
dinner for us several times and blessed us in many different ways. If you want
to read about them go to some of my squad’s blogs:
forrestdickerson.theworldrace.org
They are wonderful people and I am thankful we could bless
them back in small ways. Please pray for them. They are looking for a hostel in
Banos to be a place to minister to Backpackers.
After our time in Banos, we went to Quito Ecuador where we
had a ministry time with two other world race gap year squads that are in their
month 7. We spent three days worshiping together, praying together, and
encouraging each other. We also went out in the city to evangelize.
Now we are in Lima Peru together as a squad and as new
teams. I will introduce you later to Team 43:19 and explain the name!
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