As we were finishing up month two in Tiraspol, Transnistria (A fake country within Moldova) a group from the church asked if they could throw us a going away party. Of course we were all excited, and it gave us a fun way to say good-bye. As we all climbed the stairs and walked down the dark musty hallway we were greeted at the door with them yelling and screaming and throwing balloons in our faces. I can't even describe the look of joy that covered everyone's face.
We went into the World Race knowing there will be some contacts you have who will not show much emotion when you leave, as well as some who will be genuinely sad. This was definitely a group that was genuinely sad to see us leave, yet so grateful for the time we spent with them. I can honestly say, as much as I loved the ministry we did – teaching English And yes.. even construction – the greatest joy for me was the relationships we built with the people. The people we met through the church, from our English classes, from the Family Center building site, and some of the locals around town.
As we all came into the room we've been doing classes in, we took a seat in a big circle around the room. They began to spoil us and treat us to all their traditional foods. We tried everything from their favorite drink Cvas, to a dried out sunflower seed spread, and even chocolates. It was fun to try, even though I passed most of it off to my team mate Lacey. But the best part of the whole thing was the excitement in each and every one of the girls faces as they got to serve us. What a great feeling..
But that wasn't it. It was then that they had us split into two groups, where they had pictures laid out all over the floor. They told us they wanted to give us a word from God, and they would either have us pick or they would pick for us a few pictures. At first, I have to admit I was pretty skeptical. I've seen this done before and it usually just tends to be generic things that could apply to anyones life. That was until she got to me..
For all the girls before me she picked three or four cards, but for me she rushed to grab just two. At first I as thinking, "Uh oh. Maybe God's not really speaking much to her about me." And then when I saw the pictures she had picked I literally laughed out loud. One was a kiwi cut open, and the other a black and white picture of a woman crying. My laughter was soon silenced as soon as she began to talk.
I had literally no idea what she was going to say, but before she said more then five words tears filled my eyes and poured down my face. She began saying how dark and sad things may have happened in my life, but God doesn't see that anymore. God has forgiven me for my sins, has forgiven those who have sinned against me, and sees me not as the person I was but as the person He created me to be.
This went on for a few minutes, but I truly can't tell you everything she said. I don't remember. It was like she wasn't talking to me, but to my heart – to my soul. Everything she said were words straight from God. Words I've waited years and years to hear, even words I've sworn my whole life weren't true. As much as I want to share everything she said, in hopes of giving someone else the freedom she gave me, all I can say is the most important thing I walked away from that realizing was the importance of encouraging words.
As Christians, or heck people just trying to do good, it's easy to encourage someone who is troubled or struggling. The hard part is speaking truth to those who seem to have it all together. Let me tell you, I try my hardest to keep a smile on my face or to always be happy, even if inside I don't feel like it. But the fact that this total stranger saw past that, and saw hurt and pain deep inside, and was able to speak truth over the lies I have believed for so long was so empowering, so freeing.
Words of one stranger spoken over me has given me the courage to speak over others with authority and passion, to break chains of bondage, to shine light on truths and not the lies, and to give someone new hope and freedom in our Heavenly Father. So I want to end speaking truth over YOU.
God Loves you.
God forgives you.
God knows your past, and has greater plans for your future.
If you are feeling lost or alone, God is there with you.
You are a new creation. You are not defined by your past.
The feelings, the hurt, the pain you have experienced matter to God.
I pray that through my experience God can teach you the importance of not only pouring life into those who are lost, but those who are saved – yet still struggling. As cliche as it sounds.. I love the saying Church is not a resort for the saints, but a hospital for the sinners. By joining the church, by accepting Christ as your savior, you're admitting you're NOT perfect, you DON'T have it all together, that you truly NEED help. I encourage you to ask God for guidance, and to speak His words into His children.. where ever they stand in His Kingdom.
It made all the difference to me, and I hope it does for you as well.
All my love,
Bri
