I just spent my last night in Baños, Ecuador, with a good new friend of mine, Christopher Martinez. Christopher is studying civil engineering and also is a part of the local church here in Baños that we served with. We attended services but our focus was helping out with the students. Christopher helps lead the students. Unfortunately, just as we finally had time to hangout and get to know each other it was actually our last for now. It was a blessing and encouragement to get to know Christopher. I loved being able to practice my Spanish with him as we talked about our live’s, our testimony, what God is teaching us, and we definitely talked a lot about our girlfriends. It has been so great to meet new friends and learn their stories. Christopher’s girlfriend Belen was super sweet and great to talk to. Seeing a young Christian couple was encouraging. I wish and hope maybe one day we could double date. Would be a blast. Christopher said it’s tough. I meet many missionaries and become good friends but then they leave and life gets busy. I realized how blessed I am. I have a great community of young believers where I live but Christopher said it’s hard to find other Christians his age, especially dating couples. Christopher was blessed but I know I was blessed too.
This friendship just makes me think about the importance of community. I’m reminded about first how relational Abba Father is with us, but the fact that Jesus dies for the WHOLE world. We were all adopted in the family of God. I guess I’m just pushed to continue and be available for deep relationship with people I meet. You never know what God is wanting to do. On the World Race you meet many people and your heart just breaks because some of the stories are so hard, others just are struggling in ways where you have been. Seeing all of this just pushes me to trust in God and be grateful for my part in their story. The Lord is our Shepherd. Abba Father is directing my steps just as He is directing Christopher’s. Our God is a Big God and He’s creating something special. He’s creating a family and will one day drink the last cup with us and celebrate. I can’t wait will that day. No more pain. No more sin. Only the Glory of the Lord and the praise of His Saints! I can only imagine.
Idk.. it’s a small blog but just felt led to share about this new friendship. I can’t wait for MORE.
