Where the heck are the men?
Umm, all around.
No, I mean men who really love and fear the Lord?
As we walk through the streets of Nicaragua we get honks, whistles, bonita Gringa, and stares. It is not welcome or appreciated, but it is every other man here. They look at you like meat.
But us experiencing this is nothing compared to how the women who we are working with this month have been treated by men. It is honestly inconceivable!
Breaking Chains is ministry that has taken in women who have been on the streets selling themselves. They have a 90 day discipleship program these women walk through. They are poured into, taught, counseled, taken through major healing, receive fellowship, grow, and learn how to then go out themselves and make disciples.
One of the leaders going through John with ladies.
What is discipleship? Well, we have the perfect example of Jesus in the Bible. He took twelve core guys and poured into them, he lived life with them. He didn’t just sit across from them at a coffee shop, he had them join into his ministry. He did not just teach by speaking but by doing as well!
This may come across harsh, but honestly I am sick of the complacency I see and all the talk that happens instead. We can talk for hours on end about how sick and corrupt this world is. But the question is are we obeying God? Going out and making disciples is not a suggestion it is a command (Matthew 28:19-20). Men’s hearts can be changed through the transforming power of the gospel….they can mature and become champions to battle evil as they are discipled. Human trafficking could be dealt a crippling blow if men’s hearts are changed…..and of course, like many things it starts with me and you……..
Who are you pouring into?
2 Timothy 2:1-2 “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”
You may say, well no one is pouring into me. I played that game. Well, I am sorry and I pray that God will change that but for the mean time God will be your mentor…He is the best one out there. Someone has to start. Yes it takes time, dedication, pursuit, energy, and suffering frustration, but boy does it ever bring joy!
Please hear me! God used the least of these to make disciples. Some were ordinary fishermen who weren’t accepted into rabbinical school, another was an unpopular tax collector. They did not know everything, but they had willing hearts. More importantly, before Jesus went out to call the twelve, the Spirit of the Lord came on Him. We get the same! The Holy Spirit is really the one who is going to be discipling through you. Yes, we need to grow and get knowledge, but it doesn’t mean we cant start sharing the truths that we already know about God with others!
I had a fear that I would teach something wrong or not have an answer. But if we fear the Lord and are listening to Him we will not go wrong. And if we dont have the answerwho cares. We are not God! We can seek and find it out. And if we mess up then we get to experience grace and others get to learn how to give grace!
So ask God now! Who does He want you to have the honor of pouring into? I have no doubt He will tell you, but you have to be willing. Only God knows the hearts’ of men and women. Be encouraged, it is not too late. The Lord gives us such great opportunities!
P.S. I know many of you who read this have been great examples to me on what it looks like to be a disciple, and have been a huge encouragement to me! So thank you!
