Family!
I wish that I could hug each of your necks and exchange some hardy Christmas pleasantries face-to-face. I super hope that you’re doing well — that you’re able to get some good family time in, spend a couple moments recharging before everyone flies in, and ultimately that you’re experiencing the magnitude of Christ incarnate in a new way this year.
I’ve been really honing in on the humility of Christ lately — that before he ever sacrificed his body, he sacrificed the outward expression of his heavenly deity. I’m eternally woo’d by Paul’s expression in his letter to the Philippians (2: 6-7)
“Although he existed in the form and unchanging essence of God, he did not regard equality with God as a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself by assuming the form of a bond servant and took on the likeness of men.”
A perfect picture of humility. A compelling picture of sacrifice. The ultimate picture of love. Thank you Jesus, we love you too <3
I’ve been back on the field for just about two months now. Much of my role as squad leader was described to me in great detail months ago when I opted in, yet another portion I discover day to day. I’ve learned that the good majority of my time is best spent getting in close proximity with the Racers — striking conversation, thinking about dreams, asking the hard questions, sharing on revelation, and walking with them as they discover true freedom and identity in the Lord. Back in October when I was fresh back on the field, I’d just wrapped up a quick “month 12” back in the States before launching once again. I found myself deeply craving a nice set of roots. Maybe a dresser for unloading my clothes and a room that didn’t need to be renovated every Sunday morning before Sunday school. I asked the Lord to illuminate my eyes to see what’s at the heart of my mission. Something that could banner through my head and speak compelling purpose into the ensuing five months. Here’s what I felt him commission me with…
“I am here to inspire individuals to engage in a fully authentic version of themselves by connecting them to their Father and awakening them to their freedom through Christ.”
While much of my time looks like purpose-driven conversations aimed toward, ”Who are you in the Father, what are you purposed for, and what is freedom played out in your life”, I also get to lace up everyday to get into the ministry grind alongside my squad.
Throughout October, the whole group partnered with an INCREDIBLE ministry called Ciudad de Refugio (City of Refuge) whose main heartbeat is for the ever-increasing homeless population of Medellin, Colombia. We lived on the fourth floor of a building that houses 70 homeless men every night. The men are invited to sleep on the first floor for three months, free of charge. Thereafter, they’re required to pay a small amount, join the men’s rehab on the second floor, or leave. Every Wednesday night, we set out to the Bronx of Medellin (google it) to invite both men and women join the respective rehabs, the women’s occupying the third floor.
Another portion of our month was dedicated to a neighborhood of Colombian refugees that’s seated in the mountains above Medellin and harshly governed by a local gang. Colombia has the second highest number of internally discplaced people in the world (7.3 million), sandwiched between number one, Syria, and number two, Iraq, with drug violence primarily to blame. We spent multiple days a week hidden away in the impoverished mountains of what is otherwise a beautiful city, throwing camps, hugging necks, playing soccer, delivering dry foods, and praying over families.
In early November, the squad hopped on a 20-something hour bus ride to head for the Ecuadorian cities of Portoviejo, Cuenca, and Quito. I grouped off with team Valiant, who was sent to Portoviejo. I had the opportunity to spend my first week working in the OR next door, helping out wherever there was need and taking breaks as I watched surgeries from feet away. When we weren’t handing scalpels or folding scrubs, team Valiant and I spent our time at a local senior citizens home or the garbage dump. At the dump, we met multi-generational families who would schedule their days so that the pile would never go unmanned. When the kids finished school, they’d join their families as they dug through the trash in search for plastics and metals that could be sold back to various companies. We’d sing songs, do skits, play games, and serve food for the dozens of kids that are growing up in these conditions.
Peru. This month feels like it was designed to minister to us. Once again, I grouped off with team Valiant and headed for Cusco, a stunning cobble stoned city, seated at 11,000 feet in elevation. As North American transplants, our hosts have had vision beyond my dreams for what it’s like to live away from home during the holidays and decidedly claimed us as their own for the time being. Beyond that, they’ve empowered us each in our giftings as we’ve planned and executed numerous holiday parties, each aimed toward a different age group. We’ve also been chipping away at a church family’s home that’s in desperate need of some renovations. The one room home houses the family of six and sleeps everyone between two beds. Last week, the kids popped into the church to make jello to sell on the streets so that they could buy some new clothes. Between the six of them, they likely own about as much stuff as I do, yet their hearts remain open and tender beyond belief.
The squad and I head for Southern Africa come the end of the month, which also means that I’ve only two more months on the field. Over the last year, I’ve experienced continent changes to bring a freshness within intimacy, community, and mission. Let‘s pray together for that spirit of freshness to sweep over this whole squad, including myself.
Thank you so much for running this race with me as you continually send me in prayer and in support. Merriest Christmas to you each!
