All I see is red, green and blue. They’re headed straight for my face! They’re coming at me from all sides! There’s nowhere for me to run… SMACK! I’ve been hit! I’ve been hit!
Allowing 6 teenagers to hurl large plastic spheres in my general direction is not exactly my idea of a “fun ministry opportunity.” I’ve never been one to be aggressive. Thus, games like dodgeball usually end quickly and look sort of black and blue for me.
The first time our host told us we would be participating in dodgeball tournaments; I was certain I heard him wrong. Turns out that’s exactly what he said.
During the first couple days in El Salvador, I did a lot of wondering.
I’m an introverted poet who prefers to spend most of her free time lost in the pages of a new adventure.
I do not belong in the loud, proud and outwardly affectionate Latin America.
Also, I tend to be a spacey klutz.
I do not belong on a court or field of any kind. I was not built for things like dodgeball, soccer or tennis. I was built for introspection and expression.
What on earth was I doing in a Latin American church whose primary focus is sports ministry. Nothing about me fits into a hole shaped thusly.
The only thing I have in common with these people is that I can kind of speak their language.
The Lord asked me, “Are you willing? Do you trust that I can use you here even though you’re uncomfortable?”
My answer came in a breath taken slowly and deeply… “Show me Lord. Show me whatever you want me to see.”
I decided to live my life with open hands because surely Jesus would play dodgeball with these people. Surely, He would do whatever it took to connect with them.
In their smiles, I can see that my efforts have not been in vain. I feel gratitude and joy in every hand I shake. Love and grace are etched upon their faces.
Already, in the first week, the Lord has shown me that I can do anything to love His people. Not because I have any special capabilities but because He can and I have His Spirit in me.
I shared a 5-minute testimony of the Lord’s work in my life entirely in Spanish, thanks to my new friend, Katherine. I translated my teammate’s English lessons for an entire morning. I participated in a dodgeball tournament.
All impossible feats for me. Thank God for His Spirit. Thank God He did it all for me.
I’m still uncomfortable but I feel closer to heaven than I’ve ever felt before.
Next time the Lord asks you if you’re willing, take a deep breath and open your hands. You never know what’s on the other side of your discomfort.
