Coming into the World Race, I had this mental image in my head of how the life of a missionary is supposed to be. We’d be praying over people, going out in the streets to evangelize, building shelters, helping with kids, etc. Those are the “requirements” of a missions trip, right? I thought I’d be helping others to grow intimate with God.
After being in Colombia for 4 days we’ve actually done every single one of those things, and it’s been amazing to see how Holy Spirit has used our squad to touch the lives of those around us. I never really focused a whole lot on how my relationship with Christ would change. I knew I’d come back a different person, but this year was about discipling people, not the other way around. I figured I’d gain perspective by ministering to people that needed Jesus’ love. That’s a rational assumption if you ask me.
The thing is, ministry isn’t a one way street. Our first host, Mao, works with universities building up a generation of God-loving students. Right now he is understaffed, but the passion and care he has is unparalleled to anyone else I’ve encountered. The first night we all sat down to hear about his ministry. I assumed he would talk for a few minutes and then we’d all go to bed, but instead we were up way past our bed time listening to this man of God speak life into us. I’m not kidding when I say this dude literally overflows with unconditional love and humility.
Seeing his passion and love for the Kingdom was a huge eye opener for me. I couldn’t help but dwell on the fact that I don’t have what Mao has. I focus too much on the next success or the next adventure that’ll be bigger than the last. When God gives me a small task or one piece of the puzzle, I have a tendency to grow complacent and wish I was impacting more people or doing something bigger and better with my time. I keep myself from enjoying His small blessings because I’m looking for the grande finale. I never seem to stop and walk with Him. I’m always trying to run ahead of Him.
It was hard to realize I wasn’t letting Holy Spirit use me in the little ways he so desired. One of my teammates worded it best: “If we can learn how to receive the small blessings from God, He’ll be able to bring about the big things that He has planned for us.” My Father wants to walk with me, one small step at a time. It’s going to take time but I can already see His desires are for me to be able to live presently in Jesus’ unconditional love.
Our team recently arrived in San Andres to work with a youth ministry based around theater and street evangelism. Please pray that God will continue to mold me, and that I can live for the small blessings of today and today only. Pray that I don’t lose sight of His teachings, so that I can be passionate and extend love without constraints. Please pray for Holy Spirit to use us in any way He needs, and for us to continue to be open to our callings.
You guys rock.
Patrick
