Adventures in Missions has this term, ATL which means “Ask The Lord.” This past week we were asked to live this out by listening to the lord for direction in ministry. This is similar to another term, “Life is ministry and ministry is life.” I love these terms, as you can be anywhere in the world and live them out. It is funny because being abroad is actually equipping me for life back in the states. Life is all about relationships and loving others well. It is awkward, uncomfortable and scary to step into this lifestyle, however it will radically change you.
I am a decently social person as most of you know but I get nervous bringing up Jesus in conversation. This is crazy since my whole life revolves around him and I literally wouldn’t exist without him. Here is how God has challenged me this week in being open about my faith and loving others:
Gualdina- Guys, all it took was awkwardly standing next to her in the market on our first day in Cusco for God to work his magic. Her vendor is just small hills of souvenirs and baskets of fruits, nothing more than a five-foot radius. I awkwardly said, “Hola!” And then a friendship was made. I made it a point to see her every day I can. The first time I sat down and actually spoke with her, she took my hands in hers and pulled me close to pour her love onto me. We shared our love of Jesus with each other and she broke out into songs of praise onto the Lord. With each day I say hello, ask her how she is and learn a little more about her. She now asks me to pray for her each time and my soul smiles because I know God is with her. I am thankful to have gained another sister in Christ.
Juan- Sorry I don’t have a picture of him…I don’t want to encompass the “white savior complex.” I am not a savior, I am not doing anything here, it is all Jesus. Anyway, Similar to Gualdina, I try to see Juan every day I can. The first day I saw him, God highlighted him. I walked past him and Alicia (teammate) turned to me and said, “Want to turn around?” I said yes and walked up to him. Every day, he sits in his wheelchair with his hands folded in his lap as if in prayer. His clothes worn, his eyes hardly opening in the bright sun, a cardboard sign strung around his neck he peered up to me as I touched his shoulder. With that touch, God filled my heart with love for him. I was blessed with the opportunity to pray with him. Yes, pray with him! As I prayed over him he prayed in his native tongue as well. Every time I see him I get to share in prayer to the Lord with him. God sees him for sure.
Weeping Woman- (again, no picture) My team and another team decided to go to Mass here in Cusco. I have never been so I thought it would be an interesting experience. Little did I know God had a plan. Next to me sat a woman, well dressed and appeared to have her life together. She got down on her knees and poured her heart out in prayers to God the entire service. Tears flowed from her eyes and she never ceased praying. After Mass I had to speak with her. Still on her knees in prayer, I placed my hand on her shoulder gently. I used my translator app to speak love over her. My heart yearned for healing for her. I know God heard her prayers and is with her. I will never see the fruit of that moment but I know God will provide healing.
Trash Man- (as you can guess…no picture) So, I saw a man digging through the trash for water bottles to sell to make money. Up front I did not realize this but I was furious that an elderly man had to dig through the trash for a living. I told Rebecca (teammate), “Watch my stuff, I’ll be back.” I approached the man with two fruits I had and stood before him with my arms stretched out toward him. His eyes lit up with joy as he took the fruits from me. I could tell he had not bathed in a long time but he hugged me and kissed my cheek in thankfulness. I didn’t care who he was on the outside; his heart was so joyous and thankful. I then asked if I could pray for him and he said yes (mind you, I did not have my phone so I was doing some crazy charades to communicate). Then he hugged and kissed my cheek again! I was blessed to see him how Jesus sees him. I was blessed trying to bless another.
This is only four of my many encounters. I hope this encourages you to be confident in who you are and to step out of your comfort zone. Talk with your mailman, the cashier at your local grocer, your neighbor, or any random person you encounter. You never know how God will bless it.
