While on Mid-Point Debrief, a time we take to reflect, process, and rest from normal life on the field, we took the afternoon to do “ATL” and evangelism around the town. For people who are not familiar with this term, ATL means “Ask the Lord.” It’s where you ask God what He wants to say or do. Going into this afternoon, I didn’t have the best attitude since I never truly feel like God moved during past times I had specifically done ATL. However I decided to go into this afternoon with a positive attitude and expect God to show up.
We were focusing on the verse Matthew 28:19-20 while doing ATL today. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always till the very end of the age.” Specifically we focused on the word “Therefore” in this verse which literally means “as you are going.” So as we went out to explore the town and do normal life, we were also going to focus on listening to God and who He wanted us to talk to.
My group was Nathan, Gel, Megan, and Sumer. I haven’t had the chance to do ministry with these people before, besides Sumer since she’s on my team, so I was excited to see how it would go. We prayed before going out to a coffee shop Nathan felt called to. It was a short walk there. We weren’t for sure where it was which meant it took some time wandering around to find. Once we finally found it, it was closed! Taking full advantage of this opportunity, Megan encouraged us to pray over the building and their business before leaving for the next spot God called us to. So we did that!
Since today’s focus was listening to God while going about normal life, I suggested going to get some ice cream and see if God had anything for us there. On the way there, Gel asked us to stop and ask God for vision. Nothing specific in terms of vision. Just sit and ask God if He wanted to show us something before we went on with the walk. We sat down and God started showing up.
God told Nathan something about a mountain and walking up it with God and for God instead of just struggling on the hard climb. Megan saw God patting His children on their heads saying how proud He is. I heard the five of us laughing around a table while enjoying a sweet treat. Gel saw a child who dropped their ice cream ball from the cone and God telling the child I have something so much bigger and better for you. Don’t cry and be sad. Lastly, Sumer kept seeing the color blue, which represents Heaven, and hearing the word healing. After sharing, we decided to continue on our way to the ice cream shop and keep our eyes open for what God just shared with us.
While walking down the street, my eye caught a journal that reminded me of my mom. It had a dabbing Groot, from Marvel movies, which my momma loves!! (SHOUT OUT TO MY AMAZING MOM!) I said something to my friends but continued walking since I already bought my mom a journal in Antigua. All the sudden I got a feeling in my gut telling me to turn around and look at the journal. So we did!
I began to look at the journal while Gel talked with the man who owned the shop. After we shared that we’re missionaries living here for 3 months, he shared with us how he is a Deacon at his church and loves spending time in the Word. He began to show us his Bible and all the notes and highlights in it.
While that was going on, Sumer had convinced me to ask how much the journal was just to see. I didn’t have much in my wallet, so I didn’t even know if I would be able to buy it if I wanted to. So I asked. It was a very good price for such a beautiful handmade journal. I decided to look in my wallet. And hear this….. I had exactly the right amount of money that the journal cost. I knew instantly that I had to buy this and support this man’s business.
We continued talking and he shared amazing things in his life. During the conversation, I noticed he was wearing all blue. (Part of Sumer’s vision) I felt called to ask if he needed any pray for healing in his life. He mentioned his throat gets very congested and tight sometimes and loneliness in his heart. So I prayed switching back and forth between Spanish and English words. I felt confident and faithful that God was going to answer this prayer for him.
Nathan was also able to speak to him about his vision of climbing a mountain. He reassured him that he is climbing God’s mountain, and God is cheering him on every step of the way to holiness. We talked a little longer and then left for the rest of our adventure with God.
We eventually made it to the ice cream shop and just relaxed as friends. There was laughter and stories shared. We were ecstatic about the day we had and how evident God had shown up. We even had a little girl show up trying to sell bracelets and Gel was able to pray for her to understand how proud God is of her. It was incredible.
God answered each and every one of our visions in His own unique way. God gave me so much joy. I can confidently say, this is one of my favorite days of the race so far! Thanks Jesus for an amazing day!
Thanks so much for reading!! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and questions about this day on the field.
Lots of Love,
Paige :):)
P.S. We went back the next day and the man said his throat felt so much better. Thanks God for answering that prayer!! I also got these earrings from him to help me remember this day!
P.P.S. Thanks for walking with me for the first half of my race. We’re half way through this, and I can’t wait to see how God is going to show up the last half. Thanks for the continuous prayers and support that will help me with the last half of my race. See ya in 4 and a half months Ankeny!! :):):)
