God chooses to work through people. What a crazy statement! Isn’t that nuts? The Creator of the universe could work everything together by Himself, but He chooses to let us play some kind of role. What an honor it is that you and I are chosen. What an honor to serve the Lord and minister to people all over the world.
I love people. I love the uniqueness of each person that God made in His image- their interests, their personalities, their quirks. I’ve gotten the chance to live with and learn from some of the most amazing people this year, and the lessons I’ve learned through them are just as big and important as the lessons I’ve learned through ministry and experiencing things all over the world. God created us for community- we are the body of Christ working together. I’m going to share some lessons The Lord has taught me through others, and I hope they’ll speak truth into your life as well. Through others, I’ve learned….
In order to grow, you have to be humble and accept that there is room for growth. It is important to be vulnerable and transparent with how you’re feeling, and God’s beauty is something to be in constant awe of. Got that from Molli Caite.
How to maintain a constant vertical vision, meaning focusing on the things of God more than the things of this earth. Also how to constantly be searching for ways to better reflect Christ. Thanks, Reb.
Leadership is by example, and leadership means following Jesus’ example. Also, it is perfectly okay to have watermelon spitting contests at a Thai church meeting. Silliness is important- right, Rachel?
How to genuinely have faith like a little child. Friendship and joy are some of the most important things in the world. Jesus loves the little children, and so should we. Actually, we should just love everyone were around really well all the time. Constantly in awe of the way Reya lives her life.
How true wisdom and strength can only come from the Lord. Also, how to enter His gates with reverence and thanksgiving. Also, how to be one heck of a worship leader. Also, it’s important to not take life too seriously. Got that from Dave.
Having a head on your shoulders is important (especially when navigating Bangkok), and tough love is sometimes good and necessary. It is entirely possible to live in the world, but not of it. Friendship sometimes means calling each other out, and pointing each other towards Jesus. Thanks for loving me and showing me how to travel well, Jill.
Showing other people how much you care can come in all shapes and forms. This includes (but is not limited to): making sushi for your team, giving away your coveted and wonderful artwork, humoring kids that want to have a karate battle after school, and giving intense head massages. Thanks for always putting a smile on my face, Mike Hord.
It is possible to be patient and kind in every situation, towards everyone. Stopping to love individuals makes the biggest impact. And sometimes, all you need is an Oreo Cadbury and a night of watching Revenge. Those nights with Katie got me through a hard month.
Loving others means just being there as a shoulder to cry on and a voice of reason to talk to. Also, thick skin is important and it’s good to be able to take a joke. Big sistering comes naturally to my good friend, Hannah.
Dreams should be God- sized, and we should look at life with a heavenly perspective. Encouragement is one of the biggest and most important things in life, and nobody does it better than my friend, Diego.
The contemplative side of things is important. We should always go to The Lord first with problems, and not rely on our own strength. Thanks, Maddux.
Whatever we do, we should work hard, like we are doing it for The Lord. An element of weirdness and strange facial expressions should also be thrown in there. Cristianne keeps me laughing amid some dang hard construction days.
Love is intentional. Conversations can and should range from very serious to belly- laugh- inducing. It is important to be confident in being yourself, being real, and being relatable. True, Court?
How to really trust the Lord, even when it’s hard. Also how to receive a good talking to, in Cambodia or Esteli. Also how to love everyone around you like a mom That ones obviously Cecily.
How to have a beautiful, kind, and caring spirit, and a smile that lights up rooms. The joy of the Lord is Kayla’s strength, and it shows.
Laughter is so necessary! There’s nothing wrong with watching Catfish and being proud of it. Be bold in who you are… Sydney never stops doing that
There is nothing wrong with being so in love with Jesus that it makes you just want to dance and shout! Getting silly for the Kingdom is so important and worth it. Katie Jane is one of the best people I’ve ever met.
So many other people this year have made a huge impact on my life, and I could write books on all the good I see in my squad. I have been so blessed with fellowship this year! I hope my friends have inspired you in some way 🙂
About one week until I’m stateside. See you all soon!
