God used me.
I want to share how the Lord used me to be His vessel last night.
My team was asked to come along side two YWAM staff to attend a church that YWAM has never ministered to. We were previously at another church earlier in the week helping out with evangelism and this other church had heard about our World Race team in Mendoza and specifically asked for us to come see them. We helped put on youth group for a group of kids and then led a young adult service shortly afterwards. We were at the church from 7-11pm that night.
We sat in a large circle with about 20 young adults and my team each told the group why God called us specifically to go on the World Race and Sauna (YWAM staff) translated everything we said. After, Zach and I had the opportunity to share each of our testimonies. We felt as a team that God was leading Zach and I both to share because we knew someone in the room could relate to the things we’ve specifically walked through in life.
Now, I have the tendency to downplay a lot of things in my life. I don’t try to do this on purpose, but it’s been something i’ve had to be aware of and work on. Now, right before I shared, I asked the Lord to allow me to be a vessel and to share all the hardships I’ve endured. I left nothing out this time and when I shared my testimony I spoke freely about how my obedience to God has brought redemption to almost all areas of my life. I also spoke about how even when I became a believer, the hardships continue, but I can rest assure in the goodness and comfort of God.
After we shared, we had a time of worship and we asked if any of them needed prayer over anything specific. Almost instantly, they made their way over to us. As we started praying over them, the hurt and sadness each of these young adults carried with them was evident. Even though they couldn’t understand what we were praying, they cried. These tears seemed like they had been stored up for years and they could finally let them out.
I had one young man in particular seek me out. His name is Ricardo and is 24 years old. As he approached me, I was curious with what he wanted prayer for. Suana came alongside me and translated the entire conversation. Ricardo told me, my testimony resonated with him deeply and he was very afraid to tell the entire group out loud and wanted to speak with me in private instead. He also rarely goes to church and was embarrassed to even approach me. Ricardo told me he had a very similar upbringing and struggles with a lot of the same hardships and brokenness. I began praying over Ricardo and asking God to reveal himself to Ricardo right in this moment and for redemption to come to his family. He began crying and I could tell he was deeply moved by the spirit.
With teared filled eyes, Ricardo told me he wanted the same spirit as me. So get this, Ricardo then asked me if I could pray for him to receive the holy spirit. He asked ME. I have led people to Christ before, but NEVER have I had someone ask me personally to accept Jesus into their life, i’ve always had to be the one to ask them. I was speechless and stoked all at once!!! I had Ricardo repeat after me and we did the prayer of salvation. I told Ricardo that all of his sins are forgiven and he is washed new.
I’m still blown away at the magnitude of this. My World Race team was suppose to go to this church last night and Ricardo who decided to come to church for the first time in a long time, was suppose to hear my specific testimony.
This one man alone has made the entire year worth it and I praise God for using me as His vessel.
Would you guys please pray with me that Ricardo will keep attending church and that he could find a mentor to build him in his relationship in God and that he would be able to tell his brother what he was walked through, so Ricardo himself can walk in newly found freedom?
Also heads up ya’ll, we’re getting ready to head out to Bolivia next week. Our bus ride is predicted to be about 36 hours long. I’m eager and nervous about what our next month of ministry will look like. Bolivia is one of South America’s poorest countries and is filled with a lot of crime. I’ve also heard our wifi might be very limited this month. However, I hope to be in contact with you guys soon, much love!!!
Pray, donate and subscribe.
-Meg
