What defines that world racer feeling?
* Is it sleeping with mosquitoes or eating foods you can only guess the source?
* Is it knowing there’s mice in the wall or tarantulas on the premises?
* Is it your first experience preaching or witnessing a miraculous healing?
* Is it that community living that strangely becomes normal?
For me, in the last month, it’s been all of the above feels and many more. I’m like, “What is this life I’m living? I feel like I’m on the world race or something.”
On Monday our squad of 50 took a 9 hour bus trip through the Andes to cross over to Argentina. Saying goodbye to Chile tugged at my heart. I loved Santiago. I loved Valparaiso.
We had our 5 day squad debrief at a hostel in Valparaiso. It was a sweet time of resting, refreshing, and connecting with the squad and leadership.
We were in the middle of the big city so we had luxury at our fingertips but budget limited us. Thankfully enjoying God’s beautiful creation is free. As is seeking the kingdom. Seeking that redemptive presence and activity of God on the move in the world around us. In the midst of evidence of a fallen world and the brokenness of mankind can be found that redemptive presence. God is constantly on the move. Sometimes man is unwilling to seek in order to find.
One night a few of us got to partner with God in that move in a very powerful way. We were walking through the city at night after a late dinner when we met Hector and Ruth. Ruth was walking with a cane and leaning on Hector’s arm. Shannon asked if we can pray for them. Our limited Spanish did not hinder this communication and we learned it’s her knee that’s causing the problem. After prayer and laying on hands Ruth said it’s really hot! We asked her to test it out and she bent her knee, confirming that she was unable to do so for years. She needed no further prompting but turned around and asked if we can pray for her back too. We parted with hearts overwhelmed with gratitude. Not only does Jesus want to heal and work miracles, he wants us to partner with him in that work! Don’t let disappointment or unmet expectations keep you from stepping out in faith!
We are now staying at a ywam base in Mendoza for all squad month. It is beautiful here. We have yet to see rain. The weather is that perfect early summer heat with a lovely breeze. Too hot for many, but I love it! We have a dorm style building with bunk beds for sleeping quarters, but some choose the tent life. There’s plenty of trees and we’ve built an Eno village, hammocks everywhere.
Ministry for the seven teams looks quite different from group to group. There’s kids day camp to lead, painting and construction, cleaning out a ginormous pool, neighborhood intercession, street evangelism, etc.
My team and I deconstructed a greenhouse to be moved to a location more protected from the wind. Most of the hours were put into manipulating rusty screws to loosen using wrenches and all the physical strength we could muster. We’re hoping to be able to participate in some transplanting.
This weekend my team is traveling away from base to work with another church. Preaching, drama, youth ministry… come what may!
Benediciones!
