For the last week my team and I have been going to roughly 3 villages a day and putting on a service at each of the villages. We sing for them and give a message and then pray over those that would like prayer. I have struggled with what to say until today. I would stand in front of the crowd and say something that I thought might impact them. But what do I say to a group of people that have lives so different than mine. What do I have to offer them? How can I identify? My words felt empty. Why Lord does it feel empty? Today while on another one of our long bumpy rides to the next village I sat quietly before the Lord asking about these things and what I should say. He reminded me of the story He has written in my Heart. The story of my own personal experiences and struggles, sacrifices and trials and the healing and joy He brought me in the midst of it.
That's evidence of the gospel….
The truth that in our sin we are separated from God with no hope of being good enough to earn
favor,but in our depravity and insufficiency He redeems us and gives us hope!
The truth that there is a God who knows us and loves us and invites us to give our life away in
exchange for the Life He offers us. (And what a wonderful exchange that is!)
I didn't feel like my story compared to theirs after seeing the poverty they lived in. But as He spoke through me to these people with my own story He said sacrifice and suffering come. It is no respecter of persons. It shows up differently in everyones life but it comes to everyone. I can testify that He brings Healing and Hope because I have experienced it. And that truth transcends situations and cultures. Thank you Lord for reminding me of my story. Of the experiences that you have given me that I can share with others and thank you for the boldness to share.
2nd story from today…
Immediately after that village we headed to another village. We were asked to get out of the car and then our contact said share the gospel. No service, no song, no building. RIght here in the middle of the muddy street to a group of people that were 80-90% Hindu. So I stepped out and shared the gospel with a group of 30 people standing around staring at this group of Americans looking so out of place. But the Lord gave me boldness to speak confidently and clearly. I may not see the fruit but I trust the Lord that He is working and I am so grateful to be a part of it.
