One of the greatest blessings I will miss, as my experience in the World Race wraps up in just over 2 months, are the people I meet along the way. From the different contacts, to long term missionaries, to meeting up with friends in countries that I have already visited. It is THOSE people who are leaving a mark on the country they are in. I realized early on in my missions experiences that, perhaps one of the greatest thing that ‘short term’ missionaries can do during their time, is to encourage and bless the full time missionaries.
Through a simple conversation with this months contact, being here in the Philippines, has confirmed that with me. Coming into this month, my attitude sucked. Truth be told, I didn’t want to be here. I didn’t want to serve. I simply didn’t want to ‘love people’ anymore. I could blame it on, ‘oh its month 9…the ‘hardest’ month’, but that would only be an excuse. Bitterness and un-thankfulness had set in. In my heart, I had lost sight of the energy, passion and drive that God had has placed within my heart. That is, to serve. TO LOVE the way He has called me to love. I had forgotten that.
Praise Jesus, that HE REDEEMS.
This month, we haven’t done much “ministry”. Sure, the guys have helped in the construction of rebuilding the church here and us ladies have led a LOT of bible studies. We have done two youth events, along with each Sunday morning service. I preached and shared my testimony one Sunday as well. Truth is though, other than a few exceptions, our days consist of sitting around, eating (Filipinos love their food!), colouring, laundry, team time, tricycle runs to the local Dunkin Donuts, Disney movies with the kids, journaling, conversations and just simply “being”. Our ministry this month has simply been LIVING WHERE WE ARE, sharing DAILY life with the pastor and his family.
You know what?
I love it.
When we leave in 3 days, I will miss it…A LOT
It was in those moments, when I looked up from the Disney page that I was colouring, towards April, the 3-4 youth and MM, who had joined me in colouring. It was then, that I saw the smiles on their faces and I heard the laughter in their voices. It was then that Jesus spoke to me and said, “Nikki, THIS is why you are here”.
It was in those moments where April, the pastors wife, would come up to me, thanking ME for being here, for loving and serving the way I have. She told me, that us (the World Race team) being here, has been “food for the soul” for her and her husband. They constantly pour out to people and the community 24/7. They don’t have ‘off’ days or ‘vacation time’. This is their life.
How often do we forget that? How often do we get so wrapped up in our own minds that we forget to be a blessing to those around us?
I know I was am guilty of that.
Praise Jesus that HE REDEEMS
So what are you waiting for? Get out where you are this moment.
Jesus is at the door.
Will you answer?
