Surprisingly, it was easy enough not to be very challenged culturally or in terms of comfort while we were in Europe. Most of the places we were at were fairly westernized. About 90% of the time I was able to sleep on a bed. I keep my clothes clean and shower often enough. If I got hungry, there was always food available. Still, I definitely experienced growth during my three months there. The ministries were varied from relational to construction/farm work to volunteering at a refugee transit camp in Greece. I learned to slow down and listen for the Lord’s voice. I learned I am not defined by my role or the opinion of others, but by the blood of Christ alone. I learned, alongside my brother, Abel Ballew, to “Live in the moment, not for the moment.” In other words, walk in the moment God has given you to glorify Him right now instead of trying to live in a future you desire but He hasn’t given you yet. I think that was my biggest lesson learned. All in all, Europe was incredible, especially since while I was learning these hard lessons, I was able to lean on some comfort.
Then we hit Africa.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I had spoken with a few friends who had been before and loved it, but I admit I was still pretty anxious to see what it would be like for myself.
The men and myself spent two weeks in a small village called Bokspits right over the border of Botswana. Our ministry while we were there was to build a new roof for a small local church. So, after three months in Europe, we are on a small mini bus traveling on an empty road in the middle of the desert, all our food and water for the next two weeks in a trailer being pulled behind us.
When I say we were in the desert, I mean the desert you see in the movies. Absolutely no water anywhere. The village we were in was nicknamed “The Place of Thirst,” and we learned that it wasn’t uncommon for the children to be one or two years old before they see rain for the first time.
Our home fore the next two weeks was on a plot of land, probably around 4-5 acres, on the edge of the village. There were three buildings: a tiny church, a 10×10 one room hut, and a toilet and “shower” building. All of us either slept on the ground in our tents, or in our hammocks we rigged using the two trees on the land and the pavilion outside the hut. The nights were cold, and the days were smoldering. I would not say we were comfortable, but God had some lessons He wanted to teach us in our discomfort.
The first came when I was laying in my hammock two or three nights in. If you know me very well at all, you probably know that I absolutely love stars. The night sky in Bokspits was incredible. There was no ambient light at all so I saw more stars than I think I ever have before in my life. It was in this moment I heard God more clearly than I have in a long time. No matter where I am in the world, no matter how much comfort or discomfort I may be experiencing, no matter the circumstances surrounding me, He is the same God. He is the same Father who adopted me into His family almost four years ago. He loves me as much now as He did the moment I gave my life to Him. His promises are firm and He is faithful.
That leads me to my second lesson. It happened when I was given the opportunity to preach that Sunday morning in the church. Let me tell you, God is pretty cool. I’m sure I am not alone in experiencing this, but He has a way of giving me a message to deliver to the church that ends up being exactly what I needed in that moment. My message was on walking in the assurance of the faithfulness of God and not walking by sight of the circumstances before you.
It was hot. There was sand everywhere. The work was exhausting. I have no idea what life looks like for me after the Race. I was uncomfortable, but God has proved His faithfulness, both in my life and through Scripture. When He promises something, He always follows through.
If I am walking in the assurance of His faithfulness, I can rest in confidence that He has called me to the Race with purpose. He has a plan. I don’t have to worry about figuring it out, but only have to trust that where I am at is part of His perfect design and instead, do all I can to make the most out of every moment, pursuing and glorifying Him.
Those two weeks weren’t easy, but God has this way of using our discomfort and weakness to show His comfort and strength.
“And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NASB)
