Wow! My time in Guatemala has been absolutely incredible!
As I sit and reflect on my 2nd month I can’t help but thank God for His understanding, relentless, unconditional love.
My prayer coming into this month was to be challenged in a big way.
That prayer was answered immediately, when I found out I’d be teaching English to 3 different classes throughout the week.
Why is this challenging?
1. A classroom is probably one of my least favorite places to be.
2. Teaching is one of my weakest areas.
3. How can I make this a ministry?
As I sat in that dreaded classroom on day one, I couldn’t help but shake my head and thank God for giving me exactly what I asked for.
I prayed….
“Thank you for the challenge Father, but I’m a little overwhelmed. Can I switch to a different ministry? I’m not ready for this challenge.”
He responded….
“My son I gave you what you asked for, a challenge. You also have the opportunity to switch ministries with someone. Either way I’m going to use you. But you asked for a challenge because you want to grow, and I gave you a challenge. So what are you going to do about it?”
Now I’m sitting there marinating in my convictions while these kids stare at me, their teacher, waiting for me to…. well, teach.
Long story short I accepted the challenge.
God did so much in that classroom!
As soon as I gave control to the Lord and allowed Him to use me I began to grow.
I was forming relationships with these kids.
I was actually TEACHING English!
And loving it!
I hardly ever wanted to stop!
As time went on…..
that classroom became one of my favorite places to be.
Teaching began to feel more like a strength and a gift of mine.
And by the end I was at a point where I could actually see myself doing this full time!
So how did I make this a ministry?
Sometimes in the mission field you aren’t being asked to preach, lead bible studies or evangelize the streets.
Sometimes in the mission field you’ve got to get creative, dig deep and pray about your opportunities to reflect Jesus.
Sometimes you just have to let it be known that you are following Jesus and be the best example you can be.
God will do the rest.
This month God wanted me to be a patient man.
He wanted me to be patient and loving towards students who probably don’t see men reflecting Jesus often.
He wanted me to persistently pursue and fight for these kids.
Just like Jesus would.
It was an absolutely rewarding experience.
Last week I was invited to a nearby church.
I decided to go check it out. Little did I know a few of my students would be performing in a talent show there. The theme was to show off the gifts God has given us.
As I sat in the back row watching my students perform, I had the most ridiculous smile stuck on my face.
I had little droplets of joy forming in my eyes.
And I had an indescribable love for these kids in my heart. I felt like a proud dad.
Then God spoke to me….
“My son! You accepted the challenge and fought for love! The way you feel watching these kids perform is how I feel when you perform. Your obedience makes me a proud dad.”
I didn’t always have the best attitude this month, but I fought for it. And God put people in my life that fought for me.
I fought every day to be like Jesus in my actions and attitude. I learned a lot about how much of a difference a Christlike attitude makes. And I want to challenge you…….
Wherever you are, MAKE IT A MINISTRY!
You don’t have to travel to 11 countries to change the world. You can do it right where you are.
Keep a Christlike attitude wherever you are! The U.S needs Jesus just as bad as anyone else. I can’t be there, just like you can’t be here. Let’s change the world together with a Christlike attitude, and make our daddy proud!
