I have a strong feeling that I will be saying this often during the World Race: “If it makes me more like Jesus, it is worth it.” However, it is very true and very good.
Debrief in Banos was amazing, but also difficult. I was faced with some feedback about myself that I didn’t agree with. As I reflected on this feedback, the enemy began to speak lies to me. These were lies about my worth, value, contribution to my team, and to the squad. I suddenly began to realize how I need to always be on my guard concerning my mind and who is allowed to speak to it. Scripture came more alive to me than ever before in those moments. We must always be filling our minds and hearts with Truth, Truth from His Word.
Our travel time to Peru was long (over 20 hours in total bus travel time), tiring, and not very comfortable. However, I am praising the Lord that He got us here safely. I am thankful.
Soon after we arrived in Trujillo, we noticed the heat. Then, while sharing 2 bathrooms with 56 other people, a few of my squad-mates became sick. I even had a little sickness a few days ago.
We have so much fun doing English teaching and VBS with so many local children every day. The children here in Trujillo, Peru are surrounded by unfaithful fathers, drug-addicted brothers, abusive family members, and dangerous gangs. Savage Ministries (our ministry hosts), seeks to change the community by sharing the Gospel in word and deed. However, it can be exhausting to do our ministry, especially in the extreme heat here.
I’ve learned that every difficult circumstance I go through is worth it if it makes me more like Jesus.
If waking up with extreme fear from the enemy and fighting back with Truth makes me more like Jesus, so be it.
If sitting sick on the toilet or suffering through annoying headaches makes me more like Jesus, so be it.
If having “not what I expected” conflict with another teammate or squadmate makes me more like Jesus, so be it.
If having multiple sleepless nights makes me more like Jesus, so be it.
If singing the same three children’s songs over and over again makes me more like Jesus, so be it.
If having to share every part of your “personal space” with others so that “personal space” becomes a foreign concept makes me more like Jesus, so be it.
See a pattern here? Every inconvenience, every annoyance, every difficult experience, every sickness, every feeling of inadequacy, every feeling of loneliness makes me more like Jesus. Why? Because those things are shaping my character. They are the refining fires that I desperately need. I remember asking the Lord once to do anything it takes to make me more like Him. That is a dangerous prayer, but a most beautiful one, to pray. I challenge you to do the same. I thank the Lord for all who have made me or are making more like Him. He is always good.
Please continue to pray for us, that we would be healthy and safe. That we would grow in love and service. That we would each become more like Jesus.
In Christ who gives us strength,
Lauren
