I know you have seen all the nice places I have been. More of the beautiful places than ministry. Those are just to show you God’s wonderful creation. In reality those pictures are just a little of what amazes me and what has happened on the race. Those places are just extra and a bonus. What really takes my breath away is being here miles and miles away from home and giving up all the comfort of my bed, especially shower and bath (will not ever complain about a bath), food, clothing and being able to breathe, ok one more thing, my feet feeling soft and looking pretty. So much I have left behind just to share the love of Jesus. Everywhere we go no matter time or situation God uses us as his servants to show the people that he is real. I enjoy crossing paths with people and demonstrating the Love of Christ. Showing people that there is hope when they think there is none. I enjoy praying for a taxi driver or just someone we may cross paths on the street, market, bus, hostal, waiting at the little store, wherever. There is no limits as to where God can and will use us. These are the things that makes this World Race all worth it. It is hard leaving behind all the people God placed in font of us, especially the kids. But we will always take them in our hearts. They say we impacted their lives, but in reality they impacted ours. How we are told that we are angels from the Lord. The glory is not for us, but to the most high. He puts us where we need to be. Nobody is less than any other person and God loves us just the way we are. If I have to travel all over the world to be Jesus hands and feet, then I feel so priveleged.
I do not live in luxury while I am out here, but in South America I can say God truly has blessed us. Not because we have more money or position or better than anyone else, but because of the loving people out there whom we met that have blessed us with their hospitality and yummy cooking. Not saying we have had nice hotels or anything like that. Just saying we had had a roof over our head, clean water, even a shower and a toilet. Those are true blessings that we take for granted. Even through what we eat. I did not realize I really enjoyed ketchup. Here it is watered down “Salsa de tomate”. Even if I just had a simple glass of milk I would be happy. Have to be careful what I eat in all these places because there is a slight chance I may just get diarrhea or vomiting. Sometimes even both. But those are few things about this trip. All the time has not been grand and dandy but God always watches out for us. Yes we have gotten sick (stomach issues, breathing problems from altitude), but that will not stop us from the work we have to do. Sometimes even sleeping in a very small room and 3 have to share the space is ok. We are not here on vacation or to live in luxury but to sacrifice everything for the Lord. (Even give up air coditioner). So again, pictures have not shown our true living situation here, esta bien (it is ok).They do not define me or the trip. Being in God’s prescence and seeing what he is doing is so much more rewarding and life changing than all else.
I have learned we do not need to please people but God. People will let people down, but our Lord is loving and he knows our hearts. He knows what we do at all times. I am not perfect by any means and have failed, but I am trying to live the most kingdom like possible. That is the way it teaches us in the bible, to be Christ like. To separate ourselves from what the world does. It has taken time for me to actually be strong in that and truly be like him. In this trip I have learned many new things so far. I learned I am worth it all in his name. I want to honor him every possible way I can. I have to be example of him. Know that God is with you and does not see your past. Jesus died on that cross for you and wiped away all your sins. He wants you to walk with him but leave your old ways. He wants to take your burdens away and set you free. He wants to love you. You do not need to do anything special to earn his love. He wants to take your shame away. He wants to take you in and does not want you to be an orphan child. Accept his love and surrender to him. He will give you the peace you need. The answers you have been looking for. When I did that, I can say I experienced a joy nobody else could give me and I had long been searching for. God is good. There is suffering for a bit, but the reward will be GREAT.
I just wanted to share a little of my heart and know I am not here for the nice places. God has brought me this far to share his love and show there is still hope. Do not look at pics and think I am here on vacation. The struggle is real out here. I am definitely grateful for what I have back home and I believe many things will change going back. For now I will continue being present and cannot wait to see what else the Lord will do and reveal. LOVE HIM!!
5 people in back seat. This is how “Los Mensajeros” roll
