God has been showing me just how much He loves His little children. Even as the messed up little ragamuffins that we are- He loves the heck out of us and I am so thankful for that.
Just last Sunday, God gave us a huge reward. Again we were asked to share stories of our travels and at the end of the service the Lord dropped on the pastor’s heart to ask the congregation for an offering for us. In amazement I watched every member of the congregation get up out of their seats to give what they had for our service to the Lord. These are people without jobs!
Bulgaria is the poorest nation in the EU and here they were joyfully giving to us (citizens of one of the richest nations in the world). A part of me felt like, ‘I can’t accept this. The other part knew that I would be robbing them of their blessing of joyfully giving this gift.’ So we humbly accepted His love, provision through their generosity.
After the service many came over to us to thank us for coming and sharing our hearts in what English they knew.
I thought to myself, how many missionaries have come from other countries to visit my church back at home? How many times do I go up to them to encourage them? Never. Not once have I. Why? Fear of awkwardness (what will I actually say? -aka pride). Even a simple thank you was enough to encourage me. To let me know that God is using me to make a difference in these people’s lives, that what I am doing is not for nothing, but it is appreciated. I felt welcomed, I felt loved, I felt appreciated and encouraged, just when I am feeling fatigued, tired and ready to go home and be with my family and loved ones God sends people to show me love.
Now this is the true body of Christ at work- loving each other and living sacrificially! I want/need to get this. So blessed!!!
