We hear these two words a lot in America – unqualified & unequipped; usually it’s in regards to a career or some other vocational aspect. We are often told that we don’t possess the credentials or qualities to do a job or perform a task. I remember at one point in my life, I was between jobs and was looking to become a server; the hours weren’t terrible and the tips are usually good. I had a college degree in one hand and 3 years of managerial experience from a Fortune 500 company in the other, but was told I didn’t have enough experience to be hired as a server.
Now, I don’t say this to discredit servers in any way, I know this job can be stressful and good servers are hard to come by.
I say this only because… it blew my mind.
It blew my mind by how unqualified I was made to feel even with my job history and proof I could juggle collegiate classes and sports.
So, imagine my surprise when I flew half way around the world and was partnered with Latter Glory Ministry in Togo who asked us, me, to teach at their pastoral college twice a week. You read that right, TEACH PASTORAL CLASSES. *This is a girl who truly broke open a bible for the first time in January of this year – yes, they still let me on the Race.*
Had I been to church many times before and read scripture given in sermons? Yes.
But had I actually dug into the word for myself and understood what it meant, what the history was, who the people were, what the cultural climate was like at the time, how life was lived, etc.? No, absolutely not.
I couldn’t have even quoted the infamous John 3:16 to you before I launched (and let’s be clear, I still don’t have it fully memorized). I had no idea that Matthew only contained 28 chapters and if you told me to turn to Habakkuk, I would’ve just thought you had something stuck in your throat. Yet, last month I was asked to teach a classroom of pastors about different biblical topics.
Our ministry included, but was not limited to:
- Teaching similar messages in surrounding villages where Latter Glory has set up pastoral classes (45 in total, however, due to logistics and time, we were only able to visit a couple).
- Teaching Sunday School messages (essentially shorter sermons, but with room for questions at the end)
- Preaching sermons on Sundays (like, actual hour-long sermons, to the congregation)
- Children’s ministry during Sunday church
So again, imagine how completely unqualified and unequipped I felt when we were told this was what our month would look like. Not because God told me I was, but because it had been drilled into my head that if you don’t have 2 degrees and 5 years of work experience directly out of college then you’re basically worthless in the workforce. That’s why last month was so freaking awesome! It was a true testament to just how much God believes in who we are as followers! He never asked us to go there prepared and perfect – all He asked for was our obedience in telling people more about Him. Because truth be told, He prepared the way before we had ever given Togo a second thought. He perfectly aligned the hearts of the people we would be speaking to so that they would hear exactly what He needed them to. He has been equipping us since the day He thought to create us. Our jobs there weren’t to be the next Steven Furtick or Bob Goff.
Nah, our jobs were simple – tell people the truth about who God is and teach them about the unconditional love He has for us.
I loved the time I got to spend in Togo – fully submerged in the Word, teaching, preaching, and getting to know the people and my squad mates better. Every day wasn’t easy, but the things most worth fighting for usually aren’t. Thanks, God, for making me feel completely qualified and equipped to share about you and your love around the world. I pray that you prepare the hearts of those back at home as well to hear more about You and what you have for them.
