I knew that on this trip God was going to stretch my boundaries, take me out of my comfort zone, and make me grow, but I never realized how much all of that would happen on our first day of ministry!
Team Deliverance is in Azua in the Dominican Republic. Originally we were supposed to be with Pastor Raoul, but for the first couple of days we are staying with Pastor Luis and his wife Rebeca, and their two daughters, Brenda and Anna. They are so hospitable and welcoming. The whole atmosphere around this home is welcoming, peaceful and joyful.
On our very first day here, we went out into the neighborhood, talking to people, inviting them to church, and praying for them. It was challenging and way beyond my comfort zone because I’ve never just walked up to a stranger to invite them to church. But I guess this is where cultural differences came in to play because the people we met welcomed us into their yards, and were genuinely interested in why we were there and what we had to say. The culture is so different here that just the fact that you are taking the time to talk to them is valuable to people, and they will listen to what you have to say.
In the evening was a church service. I thought that the worship services at training camp were intense and outgoing, but this outdid them all by far. I can honestly say that this was the first church service I’ve been to where nobody even batted an eye when a conga line broke out. But this service was where I left my comfort zone the most, even beyond taking part in the passionate worship that I’m not used to.
Pastor Luis had asked one of us to give a testimony or preach, and my first thought was that wow, one of guys was going to be so great at that. I was so sure that I was not going to be the one speaking. But throughout the day, I kept getting a feeling that I was going to be proven wrong. And sure enough, when it came time for the service, I heard the Lord say to me “Its your turn. Go. Say what’s on your heart”.
Pastor Luis had asked one of us to give a testimony or preach, and my first thought was that wow, one of guys was going to be so great at that. I was so sure that I was not going to be the one speaking. But throughout the day, I kept getting a feeling that I was going to be proven wrong. And sure enough, when it came time for the service, I heard the Lord say to me “Its your turn. Go. Say what’s on your heart”.
This church service was outside under the stars, with the chairs in the street. The salsa worship music had died down, and we were asked who was going to speak. God, are you sure about this? Am I really the one you want to share? Yes? Alright then, here I go.
I should have been scared. There was a big crowd, and I was going to have to speak through a translator. But oddly enough, there was just a peace about it. I knew that God was there, and that He would give me the words I needed.
To be honest, I don’t really remember what I said. I know I was talking about what God has been doing in my life since I got here, how He feels more real and present than I’ve ever felt before, and how I’m learning to seek His presence in real and tangible ways, but what was said, or how long I spoke, I have no idea. I don’t even think I was very eloquent at all about it. But I was obedient to God and I did my best. And I am happy about it.
So, the growth has begun. Deuteronomy 6:23 says “Then He brought us out from there, that He might bring us in, to give us the land of which He swore to our fathers.” During launch we talked about this verse, and how that God has to bring us out of where we are to bring us to His glory and His kingdom. To grow, we must be willing to step outside of our comfort zones. For me, this began by preaching, through a translator, on a street corner under the Dominican stars. God has taken me out of my comfort zone to bring me in, and I can’t wait to see where this process brings me next.
