Hi there, it’s been a while. So much has happened since my last post and I have wanted to share my experiences, but I felt like my words could not give the experiences justice. This morning I was convicted and realized I should be sharing what I am learning even if I feel like my words are inadequate. So here is my first, of hopefully many, blog posts to come after my month and half silence.
My team did a variety of different ministries in Nepal. We played with children who lived and worked on the streets, we listened to the stories of refugees from Pakistan, we spoke at churches, and we taught English to bright Nepali women. We saw God move in so many ways. The ministry that had the biggest impact for me in Nepal was listening to the stories of the refugees. All of the families we talked to had been well known members of their communities. We talked to business owners, a pastor, social activists, and school teachers. It was because of what they were doing in the community that they became targeted by extremists in their country. One man was thrown in jail and tortured every day while being told he needed to convert. A family that Julia and I became friends with told us they kept being followed by this extremist group. They were followed in their car and pulled over. The men held the father and son at gunpoint while the rest of the family sat in fear. The stories we heard were not easy to listen to, but the strength they found in God was overwhelming. They left everything behind in Pakistan and moved to a new country and into very modest apartments compared to what they were accustomed to. Even though the families did not have much, they always provided a snack or drink for my team. They wanted to bless us for the good work we were doing.
Matthew chapter 5:
Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,
2 and he began to teach them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you,persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
I was reading in Matthew this morning when I came to chapter 5. As I read the Sermon on the Mount my mind immediately went to those families. How well they exemplified the Beatitudes. They were persecuted and still found things to rejoice in everyday. They mourned the loss of their lives in Pakistan, but found comfort in the Lord. The families and individuals we had the privilege of meeting in Nepal have inspired me and excited me about the months ahead. By witnessing the faith of these extraordinary people I am beginning to have my own faith broadened, because they have shown me the strength it takes to live the kind of life we are all called to when everything pushes against it. I am anxious to learn more about my God through the individuals I am going to meet in the coming months. And don’t worry- I’ll keep you posted.
