Hello everyone,
Since I started this journey I’ve made a lot of mistakes. However, I’m quite okay with that… Because the majority of those mistakes occurred while seeking understanding. And the more I sought her, the more I realized how small I am compared to God. Now, although she is far greater than any golden treasure. I’ve learned that she is quite difficult to find. Therefore, today I want to share a bit of life with you and tell you about a challenge I’m experiencing.
I am currently writing you from Ungenhi Moldova. This is my 3rd ministry location already this month and it’s only half way through September. Being an international missionary isn’t always as fun as it sounds. I’m learning that the greatest part of this ministry is also the absolute worst.
Let me explain…
Traveling around the world is exhilarating! You never know what to expect when moving from place to place. Each country/city has things you thoroughly like and thoroughly dislike. However, as you experience different living situations your intake on life is revolutionized. Your eyes are opened and little things in life that went unrecognized become so evident. Yet, beyond this lesson lies a lesson I found even greater. REAL”friendships” are far more valuable than Bill Gates bank account. Over the last 3 months Rhakeem Harris (my teammate) and I have built a wonderful friendship. It’s funny because at first we both disliked each other… But now we friends who consistently hang out, joke around, pray together, discuss scripture and build valuable friendships with the locals together each month. We are a great team and God has definitely blessed our friendship & ministry. Yet, one thing we have both had a hard time with is saying goodbyes. We have made some amazing friends on this journey! However, saying goodbye to someone you may never see again is never fun. Therefore, this point goes back to my quote from earlier.
“the greatest part of this ministry is also the worst.”
Although building cherished friendships all over the world is life changing… Leaving them behind month by month becomes spiritually draining. You invest in someone so much and then pack your bags and leave every month. It’s amazing how well you get to know someone in just 2 weeks. You’d be quite surprised! This month has been even more difficult too because we have already relocated 3 times . When we arrived in Ungheni (our 3rd location in Moldova) my thoughts were “screw building relationships here, I’M TIRED!” Ironically enough a day later the pastor asked me to give a short sermon later that evening. So while I was preparing a sermon I was quite exhausted physically and spiritually drained. I wanted a break from ministry and a break from any sort of spiritual conversation… UNTIL I opened my bible to Psalm 38. This passage is so beautiful because David confesses how pathetic and weak he is in the flesh and ultimately whom his strength resides in!
“I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning.”
“My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body.”
“For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me.”
Lastly…
“For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear me O lord my god.”
After reading this I was clearly reminded of whom my strength is in. It’s easy to SERVE God while I’m in good health, well rested, my stomach is satisfied, and I have a lot of money in my pocket…
BUT It’s another thing to SERVE God when I’m exhausted, sick and starving.
God Bless you and remember,
Psalm 18:2-3
2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised:
