I know it’s been a while since I have posted a blog… but I’m back!
It’s hard to imagine that my time here in Guatemala is coming to an end. It’s been one of the best seasons in my life. It’s been a season of peace, gaining wisdom and understanding, and realizing the real meaning of sacrifice, which has ultimately led to experiencing true comfort in God.
One of the main reasons I came on this trip was to surrender many of the comforts of life I take for granted. I came to sacrifice my personal comforts for something greater than my own concerns. However, it’s still really easy to fill in the gaps of the comforts I’m missing from home with comforts available in Guatemala. After all, I still have the resources to fill my hunger by purchasing snacks between meals, take trips to the city on the weekends to eat at a café or relax, and access wifi (whether it works perfectly or not) to communicate with family and friends back in the states.
I can’t expect significant growth if I remain in comfort. The last few days I’ve been pushing myself to be less comfortable. First, I did a one day fast from food. Then for two days, I only ate what was provided by my host family at meal times (which is not much sometimes). I also did a “phone fast” by cutting out the comforts of smart technology communication to my family and friends. This intentional sacrifice has created less personal comfort for me but more room to rely on God and listen to His purpose for my life. Even on this mission trip, it has become convenient to fill moments in my hunger with snacks or find comfort by spending money. But why should I continue to rely on comforts that are only temporary when God promises to comfort me each and every moment, 24/7 eternally?
I desire God as my constant comfort for all things. A challenge to my readers is that you intentionally spend less time this week on comfort food and electronic devices and spend more time seeking God in prayer and scripture. While it seems like a simple challenge, it’s really all about being intentional and being more disciplined in seeking God. It’s about sacrificing personal choices so that the “comforts” in life don’t interfere with serving God and others. Ironically, the best part about of my experience of giving up personal comforts is the amazing comfort of joy God has shown me.
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Ministry Details:
We are continuing to minister to widows around us and are doing mini VBS’s and playing with local kids. I love this ministry because, while it may change day to day, it’s a ministry that always allows me to show the love of Christ to those around us, no matter what venue we use. It also allows creativity. Recently we have been singing more songs and introducing more games to the kids we hang out with. It’s common to see joy in the kids and widows here and I am certain God is at work. He deserves all the glory. We have also been doing a lot of street ministry or ATL’s. They have led us into cool opportunities and allowed us to see dark places that need God’s light.
Fun facts about my Race:
- I was water baptized in October.
- Bananas are growing on me. The more I force myself to eat them, the more I like them. (My dad would be proud of me. It’s his favorite fruit!)
- I invested in some Crocks for convenience. (The investment was worth it!)
- I gained a new teammate, a sweet girl named Claire.
- One of my little amigos ripped out some of my red hair to keep as souvenir.
