Hola from the DR!
I can’t believe today is our last full day of month one. It feels like it has been three months and three days all at one time. This month our whole squad has been nestled in the jungle on Hope Mountain, about an hour outside of Santiago. We are surrounded by beautiful mountains and skies. I still don’t think I’ve gotten used to the view; I’m met with mountains and milder temperatures every morning as the sun brings forth it’s warmth. It’s been such a sweet reminder of the Lord‘s renewing mercies.
When we arrived to our host we learned of some uncontrollable circumstances that they had recently been faced with. We also learned that their three daughters that live here in the DR were very ill and during our first night here all three were admitted to the hosptial.
I personally felt like our entire group being here was such a burden on this family. Imagine facing illness, hurt, and alot of unknowns and then having 34 people pile into your home (while you aren’t even there) as they are transitioning into a new season themselves and counting on you to provide direction for ministry.
Because of these circumstances our ministry had to be changed for the month. Our first few days here we were by ourselves because the entire family was at the hospital. Our squad leaders, LeAnn and James are both incredibly knowledgeable and in love with the Lord (seriously so thankful for them). Because we were given instruction by the family not to leave the compound, LeAnn and James prayed about how we could spend our first few days here in a way that was honoring both to our host and the Lord.
During our first full day here, LeAnn spent time teaching the squad about intercession; the act of intervening on behalf of another. I don’t think that any of us could have guessed how timely this teaching would be. Again, SO thankful for leadership who ask the Lord (ATL-you’ll hear more about this later) and are obedient to what He says.
Throughout this month I’ve learned just how true the saying “ministry is life and life is ministry“ really is. I wish I could tell you I haven’t occasionally struggled this month with how inward focused our ministry has felt, but I have. However, the Lord keeps reminding me that serving my brothers and sisters in Christ who are walking through the fire is exactly what He’s asked me to do this month, that laying foundation for future Kingdom encounters is still ministry, and that He cares more about the posture of my heart than the actual task I’m doing.
This month He’s redefined ministry.
Because sometimes ministry looks like praying for an elderly woman in her home after the Holy Spirit prompts your teammate to walk through her door, sometimes it looks like shoveling dirt, carrying wheelbarrows that are heavier than you are, & throwing rocks up an assembly line to lay the foundation for a home or keep an area of land from flooding.
Sometimes it looks like spending your off days traveling to the city to revisit the same waitress at the sweetest cafe in order to build relationship and pray over her.
Sometimes ministry looks like laying on your face and interceding for a 13 year old girl fighting a battle much too big to fight on her own, for a country facing a four month long drought, for a family who is under attack from the enemy and just can‘t seem to catch a break.
Sometimes ministry is waking up every two hours to administer medication so two exhausted parents can rest peacefully knowing their daughter is being properly cared for.
Sometimes ministry isn’t nearly as complicated as we like to make it.
Because the Lord honors our hearts, hears our pleas, and sends the rain, literally.
As many of you know, we were rerouted for our first month. This family took us in last minute a month early (supposed to be month two), having no idea that they would be facing so much when we arrived. But as hard as you could try to convince me we weren’t supposed to be here this month, you couldn’t. What originally felt like big mess and being a burden turned into a clear placement from the Lord.
After a four month drought, it has rained almost every day.
After scary diagnosises and days in the hospital, all three girls are home and returning to their normal.
During attack upon attack, we spiritually went to war, stood in the gap, and walked along side this family.
The Lord has been so faithful and I could continue to tell you so many things He’s done this month. I am so excited to share more of what I’m learning and expeircing with you. Thank you for being patient with me as this first post was a bit delayed. Next week following our first debrief we will be traveling to spend month two in HAITI!
