What is a testimony? Why share it with others? How do you share it?
These are questions my team has been answering to many of the youth here in Maun, Botswana this month. As we sat in a conference room in between activities, planning many lessons (some unexpected), we asked God what He wants to do with us while we’re here. What does this community need? How can we help?
At church, one of the locals came to us and thanked us for what we are doing; for leaving the comforts of our home and spreading the gospel to the nations. He said that in Maun, many people are scared to share their stories. They don’t understand the great commission and are content in just being church-goers. Then it hit me. This is why we’re here. We are here to empower the church to share their stories!
We have been teaming up with Reach 4 Life, which is a program designed for young teenagers addressing topics like alcohol and drugs, friendships and peer pressure, how to pray, how to serve others, and who Jesus is. We go into the local schools, talk to them about what’s on our heart, and answer the many questions they have about America. It’s been a real honor spending time with them each week. On the first day, we were asked to share a little about our testimonies to relate to the kids. A couple of my teammates and I stood up in front of a classroom of about 30 kids, poured our hearts out, and let God do the rest. This was the moment I truly saw the impact of what sharing your story can do if you step into what God’s asking of you. That day, we saw 12 salvations with many of the kids telling us that we were speaking straight to them!!!!! Thank you Holy Spirit!
We made Jesus relatable and easier to understand. He isn’t just this big dude in the sky waiting to punish you when you fail. He is a Heavenly Father who loves us unconditionally and who doesn’t hold our sins over our heads. His grace is sufficient as he sent his Son to die on the cross, taking all those sins upon his shoulders, so we are washed clean. This is for every single one of us! We all fall short of the glory of God and fail miserably in this life, but he already knew that before he created us, yet we were still created. What an amazing Father!!!
We’ve spent much of our time here empowering the community to speak up. We’ve defined the Great Commission, spoken about why we’ve chosen to obey, and given examples of how we’ve seen God move. We don’t always know the impact made when we do share our testimonies. Sometimes you see people coming to know the Lord as the King of their life and other times, it’s as if you’re talking to a brick wall. When sharing your story, it isn’t about others reactions. Of course you want to see right then and there all the salvations, but it’s not about us!!!!! God has blessed us with a life worthy to share and we have absolutely no idea what He’s doing in their heart when we do share. The seed you planted isn’t for nothing. God doesn’t leave or forsake his people. So when you leave them with your story and encouragement and don’t get anything in return, know that God is still at work. It’s in His timing where everything runs perfectly.
Today, I am reminded (yet again) that this journey is not about me. It’s not about my comforts, my desires, or in my own strength. I have seen the power of the Holy Spirit move and in that, I am completely humbled. As I continue walking through this journey called life, I pray that I stay humbled and remember the impact sharing my story has.
Before I sign off, I want to leave you with 4 points answering the question, “Why share my story?”
1. It’s a desire of God’s – read 2 Corinthians 5:20
2. It builds community – read Romans 1:16
3. It defeats the enemy – read Revelation 12:11 and 1 John 5:4
4. It solidifies our identity – read Galatians 2:20 and Luke 4: 18-19, 43
Now, with all that to say, is there someone in your life right now that you could share your testimony with?
It may be scary at first, but God promises that He is always with us! I want to challenge you to take that step of boldness and allow God to speak through you, just as he’s done with me. Go take a peek at Matthew 10 and be encouraged by the Big Man Himself!
I love you guys 🙂
~A
