Hello!!! It’s been a while. My apologizes. I’ve been going back and forth on what thoughts to share because I’ve been wanting to decorate this blog with crazy cool stories and miraculous sightings. Isn’t that what happens when you become a missionary? Yes….and no.
I think I started losing sight of the purpose behind this 11 month journey. It happens. I mean, social media always celebrates the victories and epic pictures, but what about the struggles? What about the not so good days when you just crave the comforts of home? No one really talks about that. But it’s also part of the journey. And that’s where I had been finding myself during our time here in Bolivia. To be honest, there were days where I was just kinda over it.
However, God always finds a way to gently whisper to the silence of my heart. And, that’s what happened a few days ago.
On Thursday afternoon, Marcia invited our team over to her home. Marcia is the mother of the cutest triplets and they attend the church we’ve been helping out here.
We all sat around her dining room table and she began to ask us all kinds of questions concerning church, God, and humanity. She mentioned how she sometimes feels embarrassed in church because she has so many questions, but she seems to be the only one who’s curious. Also, no one really has time to sit down and have discussions because of conflicting schedules.
My team encouraged her to keep seeking and asking and even pray that God would send her a friend whom she could confide in and grow in the Word with.
During our time with Marcia, it hit me. This is exactly what I’ve been wanting. To build relationships and have open discussions about anything and everything. I don’t claim to know all the answers, but Marcia encouraged my heart.
It feels like so many Christians now a days just accept what is taught in church and check Sunday services off their to-do lists. Also, it seems like so many Christians in America are sleep walking in their faith. Why don’t we desire more? Why don’t we seek to know biblical truth rather than subjective truth? Marcia taught me how to not simply accept what is given to me, but seek for more.
Marcia wants more from the Lord. She’s almost fifty years old and her passion for Jesus burns fiercely. In talking with her, it made me realize how complacent I’ve become. I think I’ve grown accustomed to serving Him but I’ve left out the part about serving with Him. There’s a difference.
If there is anything I leave Bolivia with, it’s this: Complacency is the enemy. The Lord does not run out of His goodness so therefore, I should never stop running in pursuit of Him.
Hasta pronto,
Ess 🙂
