This blog is one lesson that caught me by surprise. Steadily a consistent part of my journey but I didn’t realize God would use it to convict me as well. God asked, “Do you see yourself in the gospel?”
Flashback to Lesotho
Flames to Fire, my previous ministry team, had an opportunity to sit and chat with three shepherds. We caught them in the middle of a break. A couple weeks before we had prayed and spent time with one of the shepherds, Edmond, and his father Solomon. He shared his heart regarding his family, profession and current prayer requests. Edmond said he felt really encouraged as we left and kept waving to us from a far, throughout the week.
Going into the last week of ministry we prayed for God to lead us in the houses we revisited. Everything that day seemed normal; the blazing sun, our pacing as we climbed the village hills, and the usual greetings as we passed people along the way. Solomon welcomed us warmly into his house and this time we got to meet his younger son since the eldest was out working. The conversation flowed and it ended in prayer. Just when I thought the visit was over Edmond along with two other shepherds was outside with their baby calf and seemed to be taking a break.
Edmond was excited and welcomed us over! As we chatted more they all took seats and it became evident that they were eager to hear more. There was so much back and forth dialogue between them and Teboho, our translator, that we just allowed God to us him in answering their many questions. But one thought stayed with me that he translated, “I thought the gospel was only for white people.” In closing they asked each of us to share a scripture and our thoughts with them. Edmond, even took out his bible. We took pictures together and wished them well as we parted.
Presently in Jeffrey’s Bay
The shepherd’s comment about the gospel only being for white people stayed with me. I heard God speak through a random chat with a stranger as we sat on bean bags. It brought me to thoughts on what/how people bring the gospel throughout ministries in the world and its impact on faith within that culture. I’ve seen the complete glorification of white people, the under representation of color, and the beneficial effects of truly equipping all people to reach the nations.
God has given each individual, race, ministry and church a unique gift that he wants to accent. Think of the word harmony, one sound but layers of distinct notes made to complement each other. The gospel is an equal opportunity (Col. 3:11) to walk in the father’s inheritance NOW and experience his greatness. The more we learn to see our own selves in the gospel as legitimate SONS and DAUGHTERS of Christ the more God can amplify the gifts he has already placed in us. Not as idolizing what someone else has or negating the value others posses. So I challenge you to do a heart check in the way that you see yourself, the people God put’s around you and how you share the gospel.
Fundraising Update
The official deadline is March 31st. Since the last update fundraising has reached $12,172 with $4825 left to be raised !!! Adventures In Missions does its best to keep us on the field but ultimately we cannot move forward in some areas of ministry without funding. I am asking those of you who can, to partner with me through:
DONATIONS– Ask what God might be putting on your heart to give?
NETWORK– Show people in your networks about the World Race through my link just by forwarding an email or creating your own w/the link. Networks like church groups, work, or anywhere/anyone who might be able to help.
MEDIA– Continuing to share Instagram posts, blogs and videos of my journey. This ultimately invites others to follow along.
PRAY– Continue to pray for the work that God is doing worldwide. Our local individual stories are only a small speck of his plan at work. I challenge you to zoom out and see the impact the gospel is having on LARGER scale. Ask God how he would have you be his hands and feet?
