So, this whole obedience to the Holy Spirit thing is pretty cool. Just buying in to the little hints of where The Holy Spirit is leading me Has been a really cool experience. Yeah, it pushes me out of my comfort zone, but if nothing else I definitely feel like I didn’t let the opportunity pass me by. There was one time in Quito, Ecuador when I honestly felt like the Holy Spirit was trying to grab my arm to lay hands on this lady and pray for her. I resisted at first because I thought, “What will people think?” which is where I first went wrong. I prayed for her eventually, but I still felt like I let the moment pass me buy. It felt almost the same as that breaking of fellowship when we fall into sin, but more like a missed opportunity. Well, I decided that for one, I hated that feeling, and two I didn’t want to let that happen again.
This past week has honestly felt like a whole month, but has felt like one of the most spiritually productive weeks in my life. God has made me realize through this process of obedience that now it’s time for me to start pouring into others as I have been poured into, and trust me, my cup was deep and wide! I pray that God does the same through me as He did for me. At training camp I had so many people speak life into me and prophesy over me. After training camp it was a matter of speaking like into my self, then to top it off God spoke life into me Himself. Now I get to be a vessel pour out all the same stuff!
Another great thing about this week is that I’ve gotten to be a part of the worship team! I’ve always wanted to play an instrument and sing! I bought a djembe (African hand drum) Right before launch. The first month I accidentally left it at the airport and one of my squad mates (Lauren Leabheart) was awesome enough to take good care of it for me! Thanks Lauren! But since receiving it back I’ve learned how to play and have had more than enough opportunities to play and cultivate God’s presence with the drum. By the way His name is Djerry, Djerry The Djembe! Playing and singing on the other side of the room gives a whole new perspective of worship, and how much God uses us. It was like I was a tool he was using. Not only that, but to see everyone and here what was being lifted up to God was amazing.
From a mental standpoint I’m learning to be just as much a thinker as I am a feeler. God is teaching me to think out situations rather than just go off the cuff and run with what I first feel. He’s also working me in the way knowing that He is always there, even when I don’t feel Him.
This first week in Peru has been awesome! I hope, pray, and know God will continue to work on me and have me grow in Him.
Be Blessed,
Steven Buffington
P.S. My mullet fundraiser is almost over. I think I’m going to give it to the end of the month so hurry and donate and vote! I have full confedance that God will provide the $2,400 to get me to the next deadline!
