Hey everybody! It’s been a little bit since my last blog so I thought that I’d update you guys as to what’s been going on, and some amazing things that I’ve been experiencing.
Last week, my squad and I left our base, and headed off to Jaco Beach. We spent 5 days debriefing what had happened in the first month, resting by the beach, and praying that God continiues to do big things through Squad Q moving forward. It was a refreshing week in which I got to spend some quality time with my entire squad, and time with God just admiring his creation.
This week, the guys and myself took a bus to a Christian camp in the area called La Montaña. The name of this camp describes the terrain perfectly. The roads and paths we have been walking are ridiculously steep. I’m praying that all of this walking might add some girth to these chicken legs I have (Not too hopeful for that one). It’s been really great getting to have a week with just Team Relentless, and having a chance to bro-out, although our room constantly smells like dirty socks. We have spent the last few days building a gravel road to connect two seperate parts of this camp. The food here has been AMAZING. Tonight we had burgers with nachos and chicken nuggets. A full stomach goes a long way, and that has not been an issue this week, thankfully.
The ministry that we did tonight (10/19) is something that I really want to focus on. We took a bus back to San Ramon, and got to spend time in a homeless shelter. As soon as our car pulled around to the front of the house, and I saw the group of men that were sitting on the porch waiting to enter this house for a shower and some food, my heart broke. I realized how small my problems are compared to what these individuals go through everyday. They were so excited to see us, and were so grateful that a missions group from the States took the time to come see them. This house provides overnight shelter for up to 20 homeless people every single night. My team got to serve them, spend time with them, and Trevor and I got to share a short sermon with them. They mentioned how refreshing it was to hear a message of hope because all that they see and hear everyday is hate and hopelessness. They are constantly ridiculed and looked down upon because of their status. I was so blessed to have been given the opportunity to tell them that they have a heavenly Father that loves them unconditionally, no matter their circumstance or status. It was such a humbling experience, and one that I won’t soon forget.
This is my new friend Pablo, or J.P. as he wanted us to call him. Despite being homeless, he showed a joy and energy that took me by surprise. I could see a difference in him that I knew could only be the Holy Spirit. He told me that he had been free of drugs (crack and cocaine) for 23 days. He had met Jesus, and now had a personal relationship with him. Please join me in praying for J.P. as he battles with these addictions, and strives to know Jesus on a more intimate level. Pray for all of the men that we encountered tonight; specifically, that the seeds that were sown among them would grow and multiply.
My prayer for those of you reading this blog, and for myself is that we count our blessings, always thanking God for everything that he gives us. Also that we realize what is truly important in this life. It’s not about the things that we have or the posessions we own, but about the relationships we build. First and foremost with our savior Jesus Christ, and then with the people he places around us. These are the greatest commandments that he gave us, and something that should take priority over everything else in this life. Paul calls everything rubbish compared to the surpassing knowledge of knowing Christ Jesus. Forget the things and just love.
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself There is no other commandment greater than these.” -Mark 12:30-31
