Our testimonies are a powerful thing. Going through experiences and learning from them can really benefit those who are walking through the same difficulties. More and more, I’m starting to discover the importance of my testimony during my mission trip. This is a story of one of them.
Pastor Willy planned for us to do a hike to the waterfall in order to spend time with the youth of the church. I didn’t think this would mean anything more than getting to know them, but God uses times like this in order for us to impact a person’s life.
It all started the Sunday morning service before the hike. It was our first Sunday service here in Colombia, so the pastor wanted us to introduce ourselves to the congregation and share our testimonies if we felt lead. At first, I didn’t decide to, but when we stood up there, I felt the Holy Spirit strongly telling me that I should share, that there are people in this room that need to hear.
The testimony I shared was about my past relationships, and when it failed, how God helped me through it. How I received a peace that surpasses all knowledge and understanding. This is a peace that in the midst of pain and struggle, gives you a comfort in your heart that is not of this world. I spoke about how my church family also uplifted and helped me through these times. I spoke about the importance of loving one another in any state your relationship is in, there can always be more love. We saw that the men in the congregation felt encouraged by my testimony. This assured me of the importance of sharing my testimony at the right time.
The next day, we went on our hike. I saw an opportunity to talk to the youth at the start of our hike. One of which asked me if I was still in my past relationship. The reason why she asked was that she didn’t quite fully understand my testimony. I thought this would be a good opportunity to talk to her more about it. So when we finally arrived at the waterfall, and while waiting for lunch, I brought my google translate on my phone and asked her if she had any other questions.
She had a ton of questions! It wasn’t just about my testimony but about what it means to be in relationship with God! She started going to church about 4 Sundays ago, and she said it was the first time she felt a difference in her heart!
She had questions about drinking alcohol, partying, finding real joy, how to work through a recent breakup, the fundamentals of Christianity, and how all of us come from different church backgrounds but can be so united. So in regards to dealing with an ended relationship, I told her that it took time to process through. It started with seeking my worth in God and how he truly saw me. It included seeking the bible for answers, because God’s Word is the highest authority. I looked at the bigger picture of life, and afterlife. And I told her I had good friends from Church who helped me through all of it.
And it didn’t just end with that conversation I had with her. After having lunch, out of the excitement of being able to actually help someone, I told Connor what had happened. He then told Kaylin because he knew Kaylin had a heart for Women’s well being. So, Kaylin had a chance to talk to her. Kaylin found out that she wasn’t actually Christian yet, but wanted to be. Without knowing that she went through a break up recently, Kaylin shared her testimony about her past relationship as well! She asked if she wanted to accept Jesus into her life, but she wasn’t quite ready. With Oscar there translating, Oscar suggested that they pray for her instead. Soon after the prayer, she was in tears. She said she hasn’t cried like this in a long time. By the end of the day, she was giving Kaylin so many hugs, and telling her how she loved her.
It is amazing when we obey God’s call in our lives; it can help people! A series of events where many of our teammates were used lead to sharing our lives in order to help one person. We can see God moving in her life deeply, and we are so excited about it! There is evidence in her eyes that she has found something more beautiful than what partying or drinking can ever bring… A joy only God can provide!
If you want to know more:
1) Check out Kaylin’s blog on the left hand side of this page. She has an amazing story about our friend!
2) Check out the VLOG that has footage of our hike!
