When I first learned that our team was going to be doing Unsung Hero during the Month of March, I was excited, but also hesitant.
No agenda. No consistent contact to help us navigate the adjustments of a new country. No plans.
I was excited ‘cause, with a white board wide open for possibilities, we needed to trust God to move and lead us. And that meant we had to be listening.
Here are two of the things I learned during UH Month:
1. God hears our prayers and is working.
With no plans and no agenda, we were challenged to pray and ask for big things, claiming Ephesians 3:20.
So we did.
Since our budget for the month was tight, we prayed for:
–free housing in the first city we traveled to—Managua.
–a pool at a house we stay at,
–for life-long brothers and sisters in Christ.
God provided all three.
Our first night in Managua, we stayed with Team Agape, and…they had a pool.
The pastor in Managua we stayed with introduced us to a beautiful family from his church, who allowed us to stay with them for a week…for free.
And we established relationships with families and friends from the church that will not be forgotten. Life-long.
There were many other times throughout the month, when we didn’t know where to go, and we didn’t know how to plan our days. When we became frustrated or stressed out about it, we would stop, and pray, asking the Holy Spirit for direction.
And every time…He provided.
Through friends of friends, or through links online…in so many ways…
He left His fingerprints!
And it was more beautiful than anything we could have done with our own hands.
2. God is a Giver of Good Gifts
Not only did God answer prayers we prayed specifically, but He provided above what we hoped or imagined.
The people in Managua, and so many others along the way, took us into their homes. They fed us, showed us around, they hugged us, kissed us, prayed over us. They went above and beyond hospitality to show us love.
Sometimes it was hard to accept—we felt that our role was to encourage and lift up those around us this month-regardless of location. But so often…
…we found ourselves being encouraged.
We heard prayers being lifted repeatedly on our behalf, there were open ears and arms when we found ourselves struggling with life. We were invited into the lives of those who lived and served in Nicaragua—day in and day out. And we were told we are brave and encouraging because we are sacrificing so much to follow Jesus.
It was humbling.
And so many times I found the word, “No,” on my tongue.
But over and over, God would say…
“Stop. Accept it. Be grateful. I give good gifts to my children.”
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This couple, Scott and Jenn, are a great example of God’s gifts this month. We met them at El Puente (the Bridge) church in Granada at the beginning of the month, and had the privilege of joining up with them at the end to help host a conference for those God has placed on their hearts to reach. They were kind enough to let us be part of their lives and home, vulnerable enough to let us share in the messiness of life, and surrendered every day in a way that brings glory to God.
Our Nicaraguan family
This month was also a blessing because I got to know my teammates better. Team life isn’t all roses, but I have enjoyed learning more of their stories and seeing them grow as beloved, chosen women of God.
UH Month was unique for each of us and there are so many stories to share. I know each of my team members have shared about the ministries, and their own experiences, so please check out their blogs as well to learn more about the ministries and how God has moved for each of them personally.
And now…
We’re in San Pedro, Heredia, Costa Rica!! We are serving in a school, helping with teaching, cleaning and remodeling, and sharing love with the people in local communities and towns.
As always, prayers appreciated!
And as always, big blessings to you!
…the kind that have God’s fingerprints all over them. 🙂
