This morning I was conversing with my teammate Laura about the many new insights God has been revealing to us as our worldview continues to expand. We discussed many things, but the topic I felt most intrigued by was the differences in the positive reception of our services between the countries we have traveled to.
In Albania and Cambodia for example, our service in ministry was primarily the same. In both countries we taught English to similar age groups of children, however, teaching in Albania turned out to be a more stretching feat. This is largely due to the fact that our efforts to educate and provide new opportunities through learned language were not well received by the students we taught. In reflection, some of our “best” months of ministry, were the ones in which our services were well received by the people we lived with.
It is so much easier to serve when you know that your work is appreciated. I believe these feelings are partially natural; we, as human beings, want to be wanted. This feeling though, of satisfaction and success (or lack of), can be toxic if we lose focus of our primary objective to be an example of Christ to all.
Service requires sacrifice; whether it is a sacrifice of time, money, resources, or perceived success. Coming and now serving as a missionary on the World Race required sacrifice. My heart, and I believe the heart of our squad, is to glorify God through this sacrifice. Jesus told us that following Him would not be easy. There was and will continue to be months where our work takes more effort because it is not appreciated. These times are difficult, but when we remember God is using our work regardless if we see, feel, or perceive it, it makes everything we are doing worth it.
So here’s to 7 months completed, and 4 more months of growth and service!
