NOTE THAT THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAS BEEN EDITED FOR SAFETY PURPOSES.
This month, the Lord has placed me in ____________. This is another country where “m” work is illegal, so I must be cautious to protect both my hosts and my team.
However, I couldn’t dream up a more beautiful place, and I can’t believe I get to be here for three weeks, but more beautiful than the physical location are the people of this country.
For example, I love the sweet smile and embrace of our breakfast lady when we visit her stand each morning. We can’t communicate with words, but we see each other and meet one another with love.
You see, this month, ministry is all about building relationships.
Sometimes, I sit across the table from 20-somethings in a small pizza restaurant, and we talk and joke in English. We play Uno while discussing slang words and correct forms of grammar. Slowly, they realize something is different, and bit-by-bit I get to reveal more about my faith.
Other times, I can more boldly share my testimony with an intermixed group of believers and non-believers, and I get to see the fruit of the World Racers who have come before me. I get to spend time with the same people another team has already met with love.
Then, there are times when I get to visit a park for an early morning fitness session or ballroom dance class, and then I get to have coffee with the locals. I go back to the same places over and over again, to shine the light of Jesus. I pray for the people and the businesses. I even tried to learn Chinese Chess. I will do just about anything if it means I will be able to bond with someone new.
You see, Jesus cares about every person, so each relationship I walk into matters. Whether we communicate in smiles and sounds, or in fluent English, or somewhere in between, I have to believe the light of my God shines brightly enough for them to see.
Until the Whole World Hears,
Mia
