From the moment she (the Pastor's wife) first shook our hands, she called us angels sent from God to her and has treated us like nothing less. We were welcomed, appreciated, and honored each and every day of doing ministry with these wonderful people. We came here to serve them, bless them and encourage them; however, it was my life that has been the most blessed. Each and every person I have met from this church greeted me with a wa
rm smile and kind heart. They are some of the most beautiful people I've ever had the privilege to work with.
The Bible says in Romans 15:7: "Welcome and receive [to your hearts] one another, even as Christ has welcomed and received you, for the glory of God." And that is exactly what they have done for us. Over the past few weeks, we have been serving with this ministry assisting in their Art & Music School for kids ages 4 – 10 years old. Mainly, we have been teaching English, creating lesson plans for the fall, cleaning and playing with the children. Honestly, I have felt every day that I wish there was more I could do. But they thank me each day as if I have just saved their baby from drowning. Their gratitude is truly humbling. We have also preached at their church, lead worship with them, spoken in the prisons with them and done some manual labor.
Last night, they wanted to do something special to honor us for all we have done, so they threw us a party! Laughter and tears filled the air; it was incredible! There was music, dancing, karaoke, food, and more. They prepared a delicious feast for us.
NOTE: The woman who prepared all the food had just given birth to her second son only 7 days prior. Her and her husband feel God has a call on their lives, and were jealous of what we were doing. But they wanted to sow seed into our lives and she felt like cooking us a meal was the way to do that. HELLO! This woman is amazing. One week after delivering a child and she wants to spend the day in the kitchen on her feet for ME?! I was moved to tears.
After we ate, they wanted to pray for us. Literally, I am tearing up again just writing this blog. They prayed some of the most precious things over us. How am I living this life? How I am so honored and lucky to be able to experience this kind of love and appreciation? We only just met 3 weeks ago. We speak different languages. We are basically strangers most would say…but Jesus. We are joined together by something greater than a language barrier or cultural differences. One Spirit. One God. I do not want to leave this place. It feels like home here. Only God can do that!
I came here to serve, but last night they served me. Not only was it humbling, it was convicting. Would I honor someone back home like this? Do we serve our neighbors, co-workers, friends and even family with this kind of love and honor?
Life isn't about us. Life isn't about Tiffany, as much as sometimes I wish it was. My little "blip on the radar" of the big picture of time isn't to revolve around me. I was put on this planet to carry the precious and priceless gift of the Gospel to each person, in all nations. My purpose is to mirror my Master who, as it says in Matthew 20:28, came to serve and not to be served.
"The Son of Man did not come for people to serve Him. He came to serve others and to give His life to save many people."
