Month one of the race has come and gone. As surreal as it is to type those words, it’s no big shocker to my heart.
The only right way to describe this initial month is full.
We spent four weeks serving in children’s ministry, preaching the Word of God, raising up a daughter church, praying over the sick, and bringing lift to our ministry host. We followed direction and took initiative. We did the things that missionaries do on the World Race.
All those things we did this month were invaluable. I loved learning about serving the people of El Salvador and walking it out. I hold dear the opportunities that each day brought as I stepped into ministry with a ready heart. At the same time, no combination of activities can equate to the fullness that comes from the teachings of the Father.
Yes, this month was full; full to the brim. But perhaps the fullness I experienced is different than you’re anticipating.
Month one was full of being shepherded through the practice of abandonment. Abandonment of pride, fear, and timidity was painful, yet I had no lack in guidance from Him.
Full of witnessing the Holy Spirit move through the words and actions of my teammates. He used this to minister to me in bigger ways than they will probably ever realize.
Full of watching God create deep bonds despite my broken Spanish. His love is so much bigger than the limits of human communication.
Full of experiencing true biblical community for the very first time. This looked like learning that it’s not this cookie cutter idea that Christian culture tends to make it out to be. Community is messy and that’s okay.
Full of butt-kicking, growth-spurring failures. These reminded me that God can use anything to bring us closer to Him.
Full of rejoicing in answered prayers. It will never stop being cool that God hears our hearts cry out for Him.
Full of abundant joy in seeing other people step into their Kingdom purpose and as a result, stepping further into my own.
Month one has been so special to me. I met people that will stay in my heart for eternity. I obeyed the voice of the Lord even when it was hard. I am not walking away wishing I did more because I know I gave it everything I could. I received the fullness of God’s love in so many forms, and poured it back jinto the world.
That’s what this whole thing is about, right? It’s not about the number of people who hear me preach or the amount of hospital beds I pray over. It’s about living life in a way that draws people near to a God that loves them beyond comprehension.
Here’s to hoping that month two brings a deeper revelation of what that means.
Until then,
McKenzie
