This month, I had the opportunity to invite my parents to Ecuador. They were able to experience what life on the field looks like for a racer. I asked them to share their experience on my blog. So here you go!
I’m thankful for AIM and the vision they have to send these kids on a God size journey. This week we were able to walk and serve along side Ashlynn and her squad in amazement of how God has grown them spiritually and matured them. I was overwhelmed at the opportunity PVT gave me, having a heart for foreign missions, to experience it with her and through eyes of someone who had now experienced foreign culture for so long. At this point it’s almost too deep to put into words because it’s God size. I watched as Ashlynn lived out “life is ministry and ministry is life” in the most humble way. It made me question how I could come back and do the same here. Was I living such a simple lifestyle that points to Jesus, in reaching out in the communities he has me in? It isn’t about conquering the world or huge tasks in Jesus name, but more about being consistent in the small things that no one sees. To be in a culture that is broken and immersed in poverty beyond what out first world problems will ever know brought me humility and a smallness that makes me recognize that only God can be sovereign and do the healing and I can only be the hands and feet of Jesus in obedience wherever He leads my heart to serve. Thank you AIM for the vision in training these young kids to become adults beyond comprehension in 9 months and to bring the work back to the states. Thank you Ashlynn for allowing us to experience it with you! My heart is forever changed!
– Michelle Kinnett
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Here are some thoughts on PVT.
For me, the best and most encouraging part of the week was the testimony and teaching time each night after worship. The racers who shared what God had revealed to them at different points during the race, were incredible. The story’s were real, each very different and all just glimpses of Gods beauty and ability to shape minds through the Holy Spirit. It’s a daunting task to stand in front of there piers and parents while speaking from the heart. All of the story’s shared and lessons learned are things that some of us don’t learn until we are 30, 40 or 50 years of age. Some lessons are never learned, this team of racers have seen God working in each individuals life and each other’s life. Then they had the ability to share it with passion and eloquence in front of a large group.
Also, the ministry partnerships in Ecuador are profoundly amazing. Each one is very different and has unique needs. But all of them are seeking help and God’s direction. It’s a humbling experience to share in each one, even if it was only for a few hours. I’m so very thankful for the opportunity to help and serve along side of my daughter. To see the racers work together, to see how their relationships have grown and developed. How my racer has matured as a leader and matured spiritually and grown as a lady.
This trip was an incredible experience, also had the chance to meet some wonderful people in the other parents. Looking forward to growing those relationships and hopefully getting to see them all again soon.
– Shane Kinnett
