Hi Friends!!
So quick update:
This past week I have been at the hospital with my friend and teammate Emilie. She got Malaria which is treatable but wipes you out.
She got admitted two Tuesdays ago and was finally discharged yesterday-a week later. (She is doing so much better FYI but still resting)
I’m not going to lie, I was bummed to have to miss ministry back at the village this past week but I was happy I could be there for Emilie.
I did have to find peace about it in my heart and process with God about it all but I was reminded about a lot within this last week.
*He has a plan for everything and sometimes our ministry looks different than what we desired or wanted.
*Ministry isn’t just in the field, working with a specific group or on a specific task. It’s everyday, everywhere we are.
*As Christians we are called to love others, to be kind and be intentional. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus here on earth even if that means just showing up and being present.
*I realized that I could do a better job at loving those right in front of me. Emilie, The doctor, nurses, staff, and those I encounter during the day when I step out and run errands and grab lunch.
*Sometimes in life, I give myself the excuse that I’m busy, on a set mission, or not in the mood to talk to people…but I could be missing out on so much and missing the bigger picture.
*God loves me, loves US so much…Unconditionally.
I want His love to flow in and through me to reflect that on others no matter who they are, where I am and my circumstances.
*Having compassion for others is a gift I have recently realized God has given me…but I know I can grow more in this and love more especially when things don’t line up with my own desires.
So anyways…two days ago while I was chillen in the hospital, I started to draw a picture of fall leaves. One of the nurses, a very upbeat young man, looks at my drawing and took a picture of it. He loved it.
I finished the drawing later that night and was able to show him it when I saw him again.
He wanted to keep it. I told him to give me a few minutes so I could put a bible verse on the back. (I ended up filling up the whole back side with bible verses)
When I gave it to him he was so happy and thankful. He told me he reads some of those bible verses everyday!
This opened up an awesome conversation.
He opened up about how he wants to love more, that he wants more of God in him and for God to make him a pure heart.
I loved having this conversation and being able to encourage him. I would have never known this man was a Christian, seeking for more, if I didn’t share my drawing with him and willing to talk with him.
Then another day, as I took my daily trip to the mall for lunch and errands, I passed by the security guard, Isaiah, I see everyday. He has the biggest smile when I walk bye and remembers my name: “Hi Kristen”, he always says. We shake hands and part ways.
One day I finally stopped and actually talked to him for a little longer.
It’s moments like these that I realize ministry is a choice to live a life on mission. To show up everyday and serve and love others. To care about people and make them feel seen and heard.
We don’t have to take a big trip across the world to serve a third world country. Yes people are called to that which is Amazing but what about the people in your everyday life? The people you encounter or pass by? Your friends and family? Your coworkers?
We don’t have the wait for a perfect opportunity or circumstance…
We can spread the love of Jesus everyday.
Choose to Love.
Choose to genuinely care about others.
Imagine if we all chose to Love above all else…what a difference that would make in this world today.
-God is doing amazing things friends and I love how much he has been showing me and bringing me through. It is not always pretty but it’s worth it!
-I choose to live a life on mission. A mission to love and care about others as best as I can.
Thank you for reading and your continuous support! I love you all.
If you have any questions or want to talk, please reach out 🙂
Love,
Kristen xoxox
