As I sit here enjoying my time in Latvia- using the internet from our two bedroom apartment- I think about how blessed I am to be here. God is truly spoiling me. The last two months in Africa were hot and sticky and we didn’t have consistent electricity or running water. We only got internet when we had off days and went to the cafe’s or hotels that had it available.
Here in Latvia we are staying on a third floor apt. in the church building. We have access to a large kitchen where we can cook our own meals, we have wi-fi, we have hot showers and our own beds. We have an actual toilet. We do our English language classes just downstairs of where we live and everything is readily available to us.
Even though things are different here in Europe, and it is very apparent that we are not in the “warm heart of Africa,” it still is such a blessing. In Africa the people were friendly and greeted you at every opportunity, the children would run to us with open arms and hug us and walk with us hand-in-hand where ever we went. Here people are a little colder. They are more hesitant to greet us. The children look at us funny when we greet them on the streets and make faces at them, the younger generation who we are trying to work with has very specific ideas of what Americans are like. Of course we have met some very wonderful people, and we look forward to learning more about them and their culture- but it is a bit of culture shock.
It all comes back to our purpose. What we are here for. Whether we are in a hot climate or a cold one, whether we have electricity and plumbing, whether we live in a tent or an apartment- we always have the same purpose.
One thing that the Lord spoke to me in Malawi was John chapter 21:15-19, which says,
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
The Lord was confirming my purpose in showing me this. He has asked me to feed His sheep and tend His flock. My purpose is to care for others, and to show the love of Christ in everything that I do. I am to follow Him and then nothing else will matter. There will be times of struggle and times of ease, but if I follow Him and lean on His word, I will be fulfilling His purpose.
Even in just the two months that I have been gone, I have learned and grown so much. The Lord is working in me and through me. I want to thank all of you for all your encouragement and support!! I know that the next 9 months will be even more meaningful as I continue to learn and grow and follow the Lords will.
As you may or may not know, my next financial deadline is April 1st, in which I need to have 11,500.00 in my account. I currently sit at 7,585.00 – so I still need 3,915.00. I know this still seems like a lot, and it’s not even the total- but I know God will provide. I have met each deadline just in time to keep me here so far, and I know that the Lord’s hand of blessing is not only on me, but on each of you who decide to support me.
Please continue to keep me in your prayers, and also be praying about any opportunity you may have to contribute. Whether it is financially, or prayer, or through sharing my information with any others you know who may be able to help also.
May God continue to bless you and show you YOUR purpose.
Thank you,
Kim
