As I reflect on this month in Chile, I can easily pick out areas I could have improved or done more. Seeing where I fall short or could have done better is easier than realizing where I’ve been obedient. However, before I could let my mind wander into the land of what-ifs, God gently reminded me that “His grace is sufficient for me, for His power is made perfect in my weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). This verse helped me to see where Jesus met my team and me this month when our human ability came to a dead end.
- The countless children we’ve been given the privilege to make smile just by listening to their stories and praying for them
- Protection while we’ve been here and a willingness to pursue community and relationship with Jesus as well as each other
- Enjoying a 34 km bumpy bike ride through mountains and valleys with limited water to the Valle de Luna
- Being flexible with our time and laying down our preferences to serve others
- Jen embracing the Spanish language by attempting to speak and willingness to learn every chance she gets
- Jaclyn initiating prayer and having it be an initial response even when she feels distant from God
- Taylor accommodating our food preferences spectacularly and cooking us dinner almost every night
- Alli sharing her testimony and praying with a wonderful man named Anibal that we’ve invited to church and had great conversations with
- Marissa giving her testimony during a missionary event at the church and communicating effectively with the translator
- Tori’s excitement and willingness to teach English classes to high school students
- Looking for opportunities to serve our host and partner with his ministry- cleaned/organized common area, sanded and painted children’s bible study room, deep cleaned church kitchen and bathrooms
- Being vulnerable and stepping out of our comforts zones with each other as a team and truly taking the time to listen to one another
“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying.” Romans 12:9-12
At training camp we talked about 3 circles of living out our call to missions. They are mission, community, and intimacy.
This month God has grown me in community and He is teaching me how to truly love others and serve them well. While I have no problem extending grace to children and loving them where they are, with adults it is a bit more difficult. God is teaching me how to love and find value in people’s differences by letting Him transform the way I think. God has been pointing out areas that are my preferences and areas where I need to speak up and follow through on accountability.
God is showing me that there is beauty in feedback despite how awkward and uncomfortable as it can be. I am truly thankful for the team and people in Chile that God has placed in my life! I have loved being able to serve alongside our host and reach out to the community in Calama. Thank you for joining me on this kingdom journey and helping me serve others in love. I am still $1,500 away from the November financial deadline. Please prayerfully consider joining me on this great mission and investing in others’ lives around the world! God bless 🙂
