I’ve been in Rwanda since Jan.4th and already am
amazed at the passion and beauty of this country and it’s people. The other day
we were driving down the road back from a baptismal service and I saw a sign
advertising a primary/secondary school, it said “Choose to Shine“. This phrase
stuck with me the rest of the day, I really think that every day we have the
option to choose to shine Christ’s love or to just live an average life. I
believe that shining His light can look many different ways, but always stems
from an intimacy in my relationship with the Lord. How can I shine His light if
I don’t know His word? How can I shine His light if I don’t spend time talking
with Him daily….you get the picture. I’m learning how very important it is to
remain close to Christ in order that my life might reflect His glory and nothing
of my own success, because honestly I am nothing without Him.
amazed at the passion and beauty of this country and it’s people. The other day
we were driving down the road back from a baptismal service and I saw a sign
advertising a primary/secondary school, it said “Choose to Shine“. This phrase
stuck with me the rest of the day, I really think that every day we have the
option to choose to shine Christ’s love or to just live an average life. I
believe that shining His light can look many different ways, but always stems
from an intimacy in my relationship with the Lord. How can I shine His light if
I don’t know His word? How can I shine His light if I don’t spend time talking
with Him daily….you get the picture. I’m learning how very important it is to
remain close to Christ in order that my life might reflect His glory and nothing
of my own success, because honestly I am nothing without Him.
While in Africa I have been called upon to do many things
that are out of my comfort zone. Upon arriving, the word leaked out that I like
to sing, so now I am the “real singer” of Victory Mission Church this month. I
have been asked to teach the choir, teach English songs to the praise team of
another church, and every time we are gathered whether in our home or on the
street or in a church service I am asked to “bring a song” acapella. Through
every interesting experience I am learning that no matter how inadequate I
think I am, the Lord gives me everything I need. I know that when I show up at
church and am asked to lead the congregation that the Lord will give me a song
on my lips and He will be praised. I know that when I am asked to give a word
to the worship team that the Lord will give me words to share…because He has
been doing exactly that.
that are out of my comfort zone. Upon arriving, the word leaked out that I like
to sing, so now I am the “real singer” of Victory Mission Church this month. I
have been asked to teach the choir, teach English songs to the praise team of
another church, and every time we are gathered whether in our home or on the
street or in a church service I am asked to “bring a song” acapella. Through
every interesting experience I am learning that no matter how inadequate I
think I am, the Lord gives me everything I need. I know that when I show up at
church and am asked to lead the congregation that the Lord will give me a song
on my lips and He will be praised. I know that when I am asked to give a word
to the worship team that the Lord will give me words to share…because He has
been doing exactly that.
So this month…the phrase “choose to shine” for
me simply looks like being a willing vessel. I came into this country not
really knowing what to expect of ministry, and quickly learned that God had
lots in store, all I needed to do was be willing. When we step out in faith
while remaining close in communion with Him, He shines His glory, He does
incredible things. When we are weak, He is strong, when we feel inadequate, He
is enough. We all can walk in that confidence, God uses those who are willing…those
who “choose to shine” His light.
me simply looks like being a willing vessel. I came into this country not
really knowing what to expect of ministry, and quickly learned that God had
lots in store, all I needed to do was be willing. When we step out in faith
while remaining close in communion with Him, He shines His glory, He does
incredible things. When we are weak, He is strong, when we feel inadequate, He
is enough. We all can walk in that confidence, God uses those who are willing…those
who “choose to shine” His light.
“You are the light of
the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp
and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light
to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that
they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp
and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light
to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that
they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
