Community.
What comes to your mind when you hear this word?
-Excitement?
-Fear?
-Joy?
-Disappointment?
-Fun?
-Frustration?
I’m sure we have all experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly of community living. Whether that involves friends from high school and college, church friends, spouses, or family; we have all been affected by the people that God has placed in our lives. Sometimes we choose community and sometimes it feels like it chooses us!
During this journey, I have definitely experienced a new type of community. And I’ll be honest, there are days when I feel overwhelmed and wish that I could get away. But, then God gently reminds me and throws in those good days when I am so thankful for the wisdom and insight of my teammates and squad mates.
And now that I am half-way through this race (can you believe that?!) I have found that this specific community has been given to me by the Lord. And I am learning to find joy and contentment in the simple, every day life that I get to live with each one of them as we travel and serve the Lord together around this beautiful world!
Also, I have been searching the scriptures to help me understand how to appreciate community in a new way. I hope this encourages you as it has encouraged me!
Galatians 6:9-10:
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Ephesians 4:1-3:
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
I John 1:7:
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
I pray that whatever community you find yourself in – you can see the good, you can be patient with the bad, and you can forgive the ugly. Because it is through the fellowship of other believers that we can learn and be discipled. For God never intended us to be alone on our journey. He uses our family, our friends, and our community to help us become more like Christ!
Just for fun…
Here’s a few friends from my new community. Meet Andrea, Kristine, and Joey. I’m thankful for the laughter amidst the busyness of traveling and ministry! 🙂
Also, here’s a quick recap of the past few months of my race…
After our time in Nepal, our squad spent a week traveling through Tibet, and then we served in China for three weeks, and now we have entered Kazakhstan for the month; our seventh month of ministry. It has been a busy time for my squad, but we continue to rely on God’s strength for the remainder of this journey. What a privilege it has been to see and pray for these great nations!
Just for fun take two…
Here’s a few pictures of my time in Tibet and China!
1.) The beautiful mountains of Tibet!
2.) We were able to visit the Potala Palace in Tibet.
3.) We were able to visit (and pray) at The Great Wall of China. What a surreal moment! 🙂
4.) We had a time of worship with some local believers.
5.) One of the Summer Olympic Torches in Jiayuguan, China.
Thank you again for your prayers and support as I continue to run this race set before me.
Much love and until next time!
Melissa
