We
have officially finished up our time in Mexico and I have mixed emotions of
being done with our first ministry. It was difficult, emotional,
rewarding, mentally challenging, spiritually challenging, and most of
all….stretching. I have been wrestling with how to deal with all of the
expectations that the people of the village in Arroyopalenque put on my team. I
wanted to fulfill every expectation and need that they had, but knew in my
heart that my team and I could not do this. I have not had much clarification
on the issue until Thursday night when a fellow teammate of mine, Josh Bruce,
gave a message to a YWAM(Youth With A Mission) congregation in Antigua. His
message was about Acts 3:1-10. The verses speak about a crippled man who begs
every day by the temple gates for money. Peter and John walk up to the crippled
man before entering into the gates and speak with him.
“Then
Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In
the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand,
he helped him up and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He
jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with him into the temple
courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. “
After this message and studying these verses, I have had peace with my
experiences thus far. WIth every person I meet or new area that we enter,
people will have preconceived notions about missionaries or
“gringos.” They might expect me to heal them instantly as in Mexico
or to give them money because they think that ALL americans are rich. I have
realized that I will only be able to give what I have, just as Peter did not
have “silver or gold,” he was able to give this man the faith of
Jesus Christ and the ability to walk again. And granted, I know that I might
not be able to help someone walk again, BUT I CAN give them what I have…..and
what I have is hope and faith in Jesus Christ. Even if I may not be able to sit
down with them and express that, just a smile or a friendly word can show them
the face of Jesus.
I have realized that we are all here on this trip to give
what we have, and what we have will most likely NOT be silver and gold, but it
could be something that means MUCH more than that….. a smile, a prayer, a
listening ear, the gospel, or even just showing up in their lives. I do not want
to discount the fact that though “silver and gold” might not be my
gifts to give at this point, friends and family at home have given up their
“silver and gold” so that I could have the ability to be here.
This year I will be learning that while “silver and
gold” are needed for our mission work, my gifts to the people will have to
come from a different place.
