Hello from Jamaica!
My team, Magic School Bus, is here in Brown’s Town! We are staying at a house owned by a local Pastor and his wife. We are partnering with many church around this area, meeting the needs they may have. This week, we have been with New Testament Church in a small town called Alexandria. Ministry has been broad as we have been helping mix concrete for their new fellowship building, while also painting the outside of the church, and finally doing evangelism in the local community.
Evangelism is what I love. This past Wednesday, we were able to walk toward the town and speak with anyone we saw. We met one man who really touched my heart. His name was Aaron. He was so encouraging and loving. He is going through some things in life right now that we were able to pray over. It was evident that Aaron was a believer, and just simply needed encouragement. So that is what we did.
Just before we met Aaron, I had a wonderful conversation with a man named Ryan. We walked into Ryans yard as there were 3 men standing against his house, and Ryan was in the back yard with a grinder powertool. The group I was with began speaking with the 3 men at the house while Ryan stood alone in the back yard. I felt compelled to go strike a conversation with him. As we began to talk, I just learned about who he was, what he does, and what he loves about Jamaica. The conversation was driven towards the topic of Christianity and who Jesus was. I began to share with him who Jesus was in my life, and that the same free gift of salvation I had was free for him also. Ryan was FILLED with questions. I answered the majority of them, but many of them could only be answered within himself for his belief. I talked with him for a while about the gospel of John and how it would be a good starting point to learn about who Jesus really is. Ryan shared with me that he has troubles understanding the bible. It did not take me long to figure out that he is reading a KJV bible with little education (It is kind of hard to read with with a college degree). At this point, my group had finished talking with the three men and were ready to go since we were kind of on a time crunch. I was finishing up the conversation with Ryan, but he was still filled with questions and concerns. He expressed his desire for me to come back for a visit so we could speak more about this gift that God has to offer him (I ask that you be praying for Ryan’s heart).
Through this time of evangelism, I just felt so satisfied and joyful. I feel as if the entrance to a fulfilling life is right where you begin to follow your passions. My heart is so happy to see the true transforming power of the Holy Spirit moving amongst the people I come in contact with. I see the rebelling hearts (Hebrews 3) turning to receiving hearts because of the love that God has for them and shows them. The compassion God has for people is beautiful. To see the looks on their faces when they understand this? Priceless.
I myself am unworthy to carry such a powerful message across this world, but through the blood of my Lord, I am able to walk boldly with the power He has given me. God deserves all praise, honor, and glory for my life. He is good. All the time.
In Christ,
Preston
