Faith here!
As we walk into another month, I am so thankful that the Lord put us in Cartagena. Looking back now, I see more clearly why he had our team there. There were times where we weren’t doing a lot. At times I questioned if I had a role and if it was important. Me viewing my worth in what I do and what I can do. I wanted a concrete schedule and I wanted a plan. A plan that involves me doing more or makes me feel like I accomplishing something.
The Lord is showing me more and more than plans fall through, that even with a schedule, He might be calling me to something different. Being Spirit filled isn’t a planned structured thing. I am learning to let go more and trust God and his timing and reason behind things. This past month I had to adjust my way of thinking that the Lord is always teaching and always working. Even if I can’t see what He might be doing, trusting His plan and His ways.
I am thankful we got to encourage and pray over the ministry family throughout the month. We were there to lift the Rocha family up, to speak truth over them, and to be quick to pray for needs. I was encouraged by how quickly they came to us with many needs, what their family needs and what their community needs. We were able to encourage in times where it was hard for them. Times where they felt discouraged and able to tell them what we were learning through being there. I believe we were there this month specifically to bring lift and encouragement so they can do more of that the Lord is calling them into. Alex Rocha wants to not only continue the youth center and offer Sunday school for the kids, but also feels called to start His own church. His heart is already for the community and feels passionate about leading others into what “church” can look like outside of walls. He believes too many churches around the area meet in a building but don’t be church outside of the community. He wants to revive the area into thinking what church should and could look like.
I am thankful for the times where it was slow and I was able to spend time with God, and learning more about who God is and who I am. As a team, we were able to share a close space and learn to enjoy one another in our differences and our backgrounds. We are all in this together and I am thankful for the times we were able to learn and grow, even through hard situations.
I am thankful for the kids who lived up and down the street, who became our ministry. The kids who wanted to be with us all the time, and I believe it was because what we have was different than other adult they were around. What we had was the love of Jesus. Yes we looked different, but I also think they saw something much more than our appearances.
I am thankful our hearts broke for this community and our perspectives changed to understand what we can offer is more precious than money, new electronics, new clothes, but we bring hope and gospel.
( Sunday School )
( some girls from English class )
( Some of the kids on the street )
( Enjoying La Playa Blanca with the Rocha’s )
We are currently at debrief for a few days with our squad before we head to Ecuador. Can’t wait to share with you guys what we will be doing next month and what the Lord continues to do.
