Hey! My name is Tres and thanks for checking me out. Let’s start with a simple definition which will come in handy later.
Audible: The act of or an instance of
changing the play at the line of scrimmage by yelling out a new one; to
change the play at the line of scrimmage. (ref: en.wiktionary.org/wiki/audible)
changing the play at the line of scrimmage by yelling out a new one; to
change the play at the line of scrimmage. (ref: en.wiktionary.org/wiki/audible)
Ive had a lot of time to reflect and see that God was
continuously working throughout my life and brought me here. By no
means does this translate to a better understanding of what He’s up to
or my purpose in His kingdom any better, but it does help with
listening and obeying as He continues to audible.
continuously working throughout my life and brought me here. By no
means does this translate to a better understanding of what He’s up to
or my purpose in His kingdom any better, but it does help with
listening and obeying as He continues to audible.
Chapter 1 : Where it all began…
I think it’s safe to say I always knew God was with me. My father
is a pastor in Houston, Texas and my mother was always involved in the
church. If we weren’t at Sunday prayer meeting or Wednesday night bible
study, we were visiting other churches across the greater Houston area
or the sick in the hospital. My parents didn’t have much both
economically or institutionally but they always knew that it didn’t
cost anything to share the glory of God’s love with others; ensuring I
knew the value for both the contributor and the benefactor. I’ve always
believed in Christ and always had a strong support system to encourage
that. However, I’ve had my challenges in life which have caused me to
question a lot about who I am and what I’m doing with my life for
God… leading me to be in a place that is closer to God than I’ve ever
been, in His grip.
is a pastor in Houston, Texas and my mother was always involved in the
church. If we weren’t at Sunday prayer meeting or Wednesday night bible
study, we were visiting other churches across the greater Houston area
or the sick in the hospital. My parents didn’t have much both
economically or institutionally but they always knew that it didn’t
cost anything to share the glory of God’s love with others; ensuring I
knew the value for both the contributor and the benefactor. I’ve always
believed in Christ and always had a strong support system to encourage
that. However, I’ve had my challenges in life which have caused me to
question a lot about who I am and what I’m doing with my life for
God… leading me to be in a place that is closer to God than I’ve ever
been, in His grip.
Chapter 2 : The awakening…
This past year has been extremely difficult, but rewarding all the
same. Not only did I loose my mother, I also lost my
engagement/relationship of 6 years. I was engaged to the woman of my
dreams all the while focused on building a family with her; possibly
for all the wrong reasons and definitely the wrong way. I was more
focused on the relationship than the foundation. Although I couldn’t
see it then, God had greater plans for me. The separation which came
out of nowhere, much like the cancer that ravaged my mother’s body,
would be best described as abrupt, immediate deterioration. God wanted
me to put Him first and there were so many times in this relationship
where I chose another path. All along I had been asking God to lead me
and allow me to have a closer walk with Him, but it was always on my
terms. It’s been said, “If you want God to laugh, tell him your plans.”
God must have busted out laughing when he heard what I had to say –
there was no chuckling here folks; just belting out loud at how well I
had life “planned” out. The relationship was so surface and far away
from what God had envisioned for me I never realized it until I started
to listen to him and what he was asking me to do and believe. After I
came to the realization of what was really happening I understood that
I had two choices:
same. Not only did I loose my mother, I also lost my
engagement/relationship of 6 years. I was engaged to the woman of my
dreams all the while focused on building a family with her; possibly
for all the wrong reasons and definitely the wrong way. I was more
focused on the relationship than the foundation. Although I couldn’t
see it then, God had greater plans for me. The separation which came
out of nowhere, much like the cancer that ravaged my mother’s body,
would be best described as abrupt, immediate deterioration. God wanted
me to put Him first and there were so many times in this relationship
where I chose another path. All along I had been asking God to lead me
and allow me to have a closer walk with Him, but it was always on my
terms. It’s been said, “If you want God to laugh, tell him your plans.”
God must have busted out laughing when he heard what I had to say –
there was no chuckling here folks; just belting out loud at how well I
had life “planned” out. The relationship was so surface and far away
from what God had envisioned for me I never realized it until I started
to listen to him and what he was asking me to do and believe. After I
came to the realization of what was really happening I understood that
I had two choices:
1.) I could take the typical stance of the world and blame
everyone and everything for my circumstances while seeking retribution
and retaliation for what had been done to me – driving me deeper into
the constraints and chains of the worlds expectations of what life
would look like after I had been through what I had been through or,
2.) Draw closer to God and seek His ultimate will for my life.
Rededicate my life to understanding my ultimate purpose in Him and
decide to love, lead, laugh and live for Him more than I would do for
myself or anyone else. I’ll give you one guess what I decided. I found
myself crying over scripture seeking to understand the meaning of it
all under the moonlight on a dry Florida winter night. I prayed harder
than ever and drew closer to God, not knowing where this would lead me
and determined to never let myself feel like this again… but totally
aware that He is in charge. Most people say that when you go through
something tragic in your life..give it some time..you’ll bounce back. I
consider this more of a “CRACK” and “SPLAT” kind of motion…which is
exactly what needed for me to let my light shine through.
everyone and everything for my circumstances while seeking retribution
and retaliation for what had been done to me – driving me deeper into
the constraints and chains of the worlds expectations of what life
would look like after I had been through what I had been through or,
2.) Draw closer to God and seek His ultimate will for my life.
Rededicate my life to understanding my ultimate purpose in Him and
decide to love, lead, laugh and live for Him more than I would do for
myself or anyone else. I’ll give you one guess what I decided. I found
myself crying over scripture seeking to understand the meaning of it
all under the moonlight on a dry Florida winter night. I prayed harder
than ever and drew closer to God, not knowing where this would lead me
and determined to never let myself feel like this again… but totally
aware that He is in charge. Most people say that when you go through
something tragic in your life..give it some time..you’ll bounce back. I
consider this more of a “CRACK” and “SPLAT” kind of motion…which is
exactly what needed for me to let my light shine through.
I stand with a clear vision for who’s in control and a renewed
purpose to serve as my mother always had and lead as my father always
will. As for my relationship, a friend shared a quote with me that put
my expectations for a earthly relationship in perspective; “A woman’s
heart should be so deeply hidden in Christ, that a man should have to
seek Him to find her.” – Maya Angelou. This is all I desire; His will
and not my own. And through a change in lifestyle and perspective, the
most important relationship with my heavenly Father has strengthened a
flomillion, trazillion, billion, gazillion times over.
(Translation…God IS ALL THAT I WANT: Side note..peep the skills, I am
a fierce “SCRABBLE” player! ha ha ha…I kid, I kid… – shout out to
my girl, MJ!)
purpose to serve as my mother always had and lead as my father always
will. As for my relationship, a friend shared a quote with me that put
my expectations for a earthly relationship in perspective; “A woman’s
heart should be so deeply hidden in Christ, that a man should have to
seek Him to find her.” – Maya Angelou. This is all I desire; His will
and not my own. And through a change in lifestyle and perspective, the
most important relationship with my heavenly Father has strengthened a
flomillion, trazillion, billion, gazillion times over.
(Translation…God IS ALL THAT I WANT: Side note..peep the skills, I am
a fierce “SCRABBLE” player! ha ha ha…I kid, I kid… – shout out to
my girl, MJ!)
So, now I come to God with open arms pleading…”here I am, send
me.” Unaware of the play He’s going to call next and confident that I
don’t deserve to be there, because of my past and constant reminders of
disappointment and self-centered glorification; He continues to ask me
to be a part of this movie called…”The art of the Audible”.
me.” Unaware of the play He’s going to call next and confident that I
don’t deserve to be there, because of my past and constant reminders of
disappointment and self-centered glorification; He continues to ask me
to be a part of this movie called…”The art of the Audible”.
Chapter 3: The Great Commission
After the last year I realized that God was tugging at me to grow
in ways that I never imaged. I never saw myself actually serving others
across the globe anytime soon. I was too caught up in myself, what I
was doing, and what needed to get done before I was ready to fully turn
my life over to Him. I was definitely not ready at this age, I was too
young and I had too much of MY life to live; and I definitely was not
going at this alone, this would be something I did with my family to
benefit my kids. But wouldn’t you know it, God called an audible better
than Payton Manning on a Monday night football game with less than
2minutes on the clock against the Denver Broncos. (note: The
following skit covers a recent period in my life where I struggled
with God’s in exchange for not only a new name, but a new passion for
me. Hopefully this is more entertaining than just reading about me..)
in ways that I never imaged. I never saw myself actually serving others
across the globe anytime soon. I was too caught up in myself, what I
was doing, and what needed to get done before I was ready to fully turn
my life over to Him. I was definitely not ready at this age, I was too
young and I had too much of MY life to live; and I definitely was not
going at this alone, this would be something I did with my family to
benefit my kids. But wouldn’t you know it, God called an audible better
than Payton Manning on a Monday night football game with less than
2minutes on the clock against the Denver Broncos. (note: The
following skit covers a recent period in my life where I struggled
with God’s in exchange for not only a new name, but a new passion for
me. Hopefully this is more entertaining than just reading about me..)
THEATER TIME : The Art of the Audible:
My personal struggle with God January 1, 2007
(For all my competitive sports fans out there – – I hope you enjoy)
[Scene 1] In the huddle
Me: I come in from the sidelines with the play
thinking to myself…”…oh man, I got this one..I got this one…I
can’t wait to see ME on the BIG screen after I dust this guy!!! (preface: 2nd leading in all receiving stats and knows I am the reason this team is playing at this level.)
thinking to myself…”…oh man, I got this one..I got this one…I
can’t wait to see ME on the BIG screen after I dust this guy!!! (preface: 2nd leading in all receiving stats and knows I am the reason this team is playing at this level.)
Jesus: Laughing..Ahem, spit, clear throat – “Ok, here we go audible at the line..listen for my call – Washington, you ready ..?”
Me: Yeah, but Coach said..
Jesus: …Washington …YOU READY..?
Me: frustrated with my head down…thinking “man I hate it when He does this”…
“READY BREAK”
[Scene 2] At the line of scrimmage.
Jesus: swivels head left to right, as if this is
His first time seeing this line up. The other team was aware of His
accolades and with fear in their eyes approached the scrimmage line.
Something I had seen countless times, and never understood why they
even show up..? He has received every award there was since His
coming. MVP in every category and never, ever, ever to be contested
and always a fierce competitor. But there are those who still doubt…
His first time seeing this line up. The other team was aware of His
accolades and with fear in their eyes approached the scrimmage line.
Something I had seen countless times, and never understood why they
even show up..? He has received every award there was since His
coming. MVP in every category and never, ever, ever to be contested
and always a fierce competitor. But there are those who still doubt…
They would shout out names from the stands..“El Emet” – The God of Truth, “El Tsaddik” – The God of Righteousness, “El Shaddai” – The All Sufficient God, “El Olam” – The Everlasting God.. and one of my favorites “El Roi” – The God who sees me…
“…Matthew 4:19, Matthew 4:19..” He screams.. “Matthew 4:19” – defense shifts…continuously..
Me: I noticed the defense shifting and couldn’t
help but wonder how this was going to work. I had very little
experience with this play. I only knew how to run my favorite routes.
This one didn’t make sense to me. How were we going to run this route
with this defense, and why did He have to ask me if I was ready..? I’m
always ready…Is He crazy? As a matter of fact, I bet I can run this
play and any other play better than Him, especially considering what I
see right now…
help but wonder how this was going to work. I had very little
experience with this play. I only knew how to run my favorite routes.
This one didn’t make sense to me. How were we going to run this route
with this defense, and why did He have to ask me if I was ready..? I’m
always ready…Is He crazy? As a matter of fact, I bet I can run this
play and any other play better than Him, especially considering what I
see right now…
I thought about calling a timeout to see if I could make some suggestions about another play instead…then He audible again…
Jesus: “…Mark 1:17, Mark 1:17”..even louder and
looking directly at me this time. By now, I’m thinking…”I can’t do
it! I literally just learned this play last week and I haven’t
practiced it yet…I got really nervous and my palms began to sweat
profusely. For the first time I started to question the only person on
and off the field that was historically capable of anything and
everything. I had seen Him do miraculous things countless times…
Me: “but this was different” I said to myself..
But I was still apprehensive, so I went in motion across the field
in order to hear the audible better. He waved me back and did yet
another audible…
in order to hear the audible better. He waved me back and did yet
another audible…
“…Psalm 46:10, Psalm 46:10″…
As I made my way back across the formation, frustrated and scared… I heard one last audible…
“…John 16:33, John 16:33…” ready…hut – hut..
All I can remember is knowing that I was not alone. I sprinted
down the sidelines past the defenders without breaking stride and rest
assured that all there was left to do was leap into the end zone and
receive His blessings for me through faith in Him. As I came up from, I
felt life again in me as the water ran down my brow and I wiped my eyes
so that I could see, only to have them filled with tears of instant
love and compassion overflowing from my heart…
down the sidelines past the defenders without breaking stride and rest
assured that all there was left to do was leap into the end zone and
receive His blessings for me through faith in Him. As I came up from, I
felt life again in me as the water ran down my brow and I wiped my eyes
so that I could see, only to have them filled with tears of instant
love and compassion overflowing from my heart…
CROWD ROARS – It’s a game winner folks….GAME WINNER…THE
CHRISTIANS DO IT AGAIN… (spirit fingers for those of you who need
more expression right now.. ” hahahaha, Im such a dork!)
[ Scene 3:] Stadium field 30min. after the game…
Me: I walk out on the field still in awe that it
all worked out. “Why did I doubt” I asked. “I’ve seen you do this
countless times before.”
all worked out. “Why did I doubt” I asked. “I’ve seen you do this
countless times before.”
Jesus: “Because you thought you were alone..”
Me: “I wasn’t, was I”…
Jesus: “You never are and never will be. Even
when you don’t understand what’s going on, trust Me. There will be
times when what I’m asking you to do will not make sense to you, but I
need you to trust Me. What you often forget is not only do I know how
the game is going to end, but I wrote the play book. So I can promise
you…it will all work out – for your good. I am especially fond of you
George, and have great things in store for you. Just continue to run
towards me with reckless abandonment from self righteousness and the
lies of this world with what you “think” you know. Seek Me and trust in
Me and what I will show you the way. The rest is up to Me. “
when you don’t understand what’s going on, trust Me. There will be
times when what I’m asking you to do will not make sense to you, but I
need you to trust Me. What you often forget is not only do I know how
the game is going to end, but I wrote the play book. So I can promise
you…it will all work out – for your good. I am especially fond of you
George, and have great things in store for you. Just continue to run
towards me with reckless abandonment from self righteousness and the
lies of this world with what you “think” you know. Seek Me and trust in
Me and what I will show you the way. The rest is up to Me. “
Me: “…well that’s kinda cheating isn’t it. I
mean you do hold all the records, power and glory. You are doing all
the work?..I feel so useless and undeserving…”
mean you do hold all the records, power and glory. You are doing all
the work?..I feel so useless and undeserving…”
Jesus: “…oh you will be tried and it’s not
going to be easy. I didn’t come to save you for yourself, I came to
save you from yourself. I love you sooo much that everything your heart
desires has already been promised to you, but I can’t give it to you
all at once – kinda overwhelming – you know what I mean? And you
wouldn’t learn from opportunities to grow nor appreciate Me or what We
represent if I gave it to you. That’s what I’m here for..to make sure
you win…you just have to trust in me and no one else.
going to be easy. I didn’t come to save you for yourself, I came to
save you from yourself. I love you sooo much that everything your heart
desires has already been promised to you, but I can’t give it to you
all at once – kinda overwhelming – you know what I mean? And you
wouldn’t learn from opportunities to grow nor appreciate Me or what We
represent if I gave it to you. That’s what I’m here for..to make sure
you win…you just have to trust in me and no one else.
Me: “yeah, I know. Sometimes though, it seems
sooo tough to just believe and know that you already have it worked
out, especially for my good. Someone who doesn’t deserve to win…I
still can’t believe we won”
sooo tough to just believe and know that you already have it worked
out, especially for my good. Someone who doesn’t deserve to win…I
still can’t believe we won”
Jesus: ” Well, it’s not about feeling bad about
who you were made to be. Actually you were once perfect and that got a
little complicated for you along the way, so I had to come and save you
and make you perfect again.”
who you were made to be. Actually you were once perfect and that got a
little complicated for you along the way, so I had to come and save you
and make you perfect again.”
Me: ” So you gave your life up for me..”
Jesus: “No, no..I give my life to you! I want to
share this with you…most of it you wouldn’t understand right now
anyway, but I can promise ..as we walk together you will see why they
call me by name and acknowledge to the heavens that I AM. Oh, and by
the way, we will always win; however, that’s not the point. The point
is for you to learn from each and every opportunity to trust in Me and
lean on Me, because I have more love for you than you have for Me. And,
what love you do have through me, you can give to others and show them
what life can be like when you live for Me and not yourself.”
share this with you…most of it you wouldn’t understand right now
anyway, but I can promise ..as we walk together you will see why they
call me by name and acknowledge to the heavens that I AM. Oh, and by
the way, we will always win; however, that’s not the point. The point
is for you to learn from each and every opportunity to trust in Me and
lean on Me, because I have more love for you than you have for Me. And,
what love you do have through me, you can give to others and show them
what life can be like when you live for Me and not yourself.”
Me: ” yeah that was evident today..you trusted me even when I doubted you…even when I doubted myself…”
Jesus: ” what I can promise is if you continue to
hold on, no matter how bad things get, no matter how unprepared you
feel or inadequate you think you are for the task at hand, just know
that I have it all worked out and I want you to have the most fun
possible in this world – but I am more concerned about you learning and
growing than I am about your comfort with this world. If you notice I
could have run the ball in myself when there were only a few who
believed in Me.”
hold on, no matter how bad things get, no matter how unprepared you
feel or inadequate you think you are for the task at hand, just know
that I have it all worked out and I want you to have the most fun
possible in this world – but I am more concerned about you learning and
growing than I am about your comfort with this world. If you notice I
could have run the ball in myself when there were only a few who
believed in Me.”
Me: “…like you did back in the day.”
Jesus: “…yup, but the idea is for you to learn
from what is happening and to understand what it means to sacrifice
yourself in order to help someone else. When you first came in with the
final play of the game, I bet you were thinking we were going to run
something that made you look good, but what you don’t know is the other
team has been watching you and they knew you were going to run that
play that has worked for you sooo many times before…”
from what is happening and to understand what it means to sacrifice
yourself in order to help someone else. When you first came in with the
final play of the game, I bet you were thinking we were going to run
something that made you look good, but what you don’t know is the other
team has been watching you and they knew you were going to run that
play that has worked for you sooo many times before…”
Me: ” well, all I can say is ..I’ve learned my lesson..and will trust you.”
Jesus: ” …A-hem…don’t be so quick to move
forward..you actually have a few more doubts and fears to overcome in
you that you don’t see yet.”
forward..you actually have a few more doubts and fears to overcome in
you that you don’t see yet.”
Me: “really, you mean after tonight and all you’ve done for me…I’m still going to doubt you and what you’ve promised me..?”
Jesus: ” fortunately yes…”
Me: ” what do you mean fortunately..”
Jesus: ” well you see, as I mentioned this life
is more than just about you. It’s important to realize that it’s only
by the grace of the relationship we’ve been promised as followers that
we can have a true understanding of what love really is. In order for
that to happen you will have to be reminded constantly that you need
me, otherwise you would tend to forget me and try to do this life on
your own. Then when you get worried because you see the task at hand
and the overwhelming fears and panic begin to take control over your
every move. I just want you to come to me first and trust me. And if
you really want to know..that’s how the other team knew that you were
going to run “your favorite play”- it shows. The way you hold your
head..the tone in your voice..the thoughts you carry..are all about you
– self righteous thoughts about how you have it all under control and
figured out are easy to see. But when you lean on me and let me call
the plays…they will never know what hit em’- trust me”.
is more than just about you. It’s important to realize that it’s only
by the grace of the relationship we’ve been promised as followers that
we can have a true understanding of what love really is. In order for
that to happen you will have to be reminded constantly that you need
me, otherwise you would tend to forget me and try to do this life on
your own. Then when you get worried because you see the task at hand
and the overwhelming fears and panic begin to take control over your
every move. I just want you to come to me first and trust me. And if
you really want to know..that’s how the other team knew that you were
going to run “your favorite play”- it shows. The way you hold your
head..the tone in your voice..the thoughts you carry..are all about you
– self righteous thoughts about how you have it all under control and
figured out are easy to see. But when you lean on me and let me call
the plays…they will never know what hit em’- trust me”.
Me: ” well that means that I’m always in the dark and don’t understand the next steps either…”
Jesus: “exactly…it’s not about finding yourself in this world, but rather loosing yourself in me.”
Me: “there is no greater love…than a Man who lay down His life for me…”
He called on last audible as we raced off the field “Romans 10:15″, ‘Romans 10:15”, ready…hut – hut……..
Later, I had a chance to review the footage and didn’t notice it while
I was running the play, but from the press box I was able to see Jesus
throwing the most vicious chop blocks, karate chops to the throat and
pile drives…stuff that is so illegal..but what are you gonna say to
Jesus..”um, excuse me..can you stop doing whatever it takes for your
team to win?”
** My guess is whomever were brave/stupid enough to approach The One
with that thought can expect to be driven to jump off a cliff due to
the infectious PIG FLU – ha ha, get it? PIG FLU!! I kill me
(A-hem..sorry if that offends anyone)
THE END (August 24, 2008)
Chapter 4: “What’s Next…?”
And just like the story of the “rich man” who asked Jesus what
must he do to enter the kingdom and Jesus replied “sell all your riches
and come follow me”. The week after I realized where my life was headed
if I didn’t act, I sold all my furniture and sentimental belongings and
made plans to serve somewhere. So I went to the computer and typed in
mission trip and this was
the one that popped out to me. I watched the videos, read the student
testimonies and began to cry. My heart was filled with a passion to
serve. I always felt as though I’ve had the “heart of a servant” and
thank God for everything he’s done in my life…now he is asking me to
grow and serve other’s who are in need of my spirit, heart and story of
God’s grace and mercy.
must he do to enter the kingdom and Jesus replied “sell all your riches
and come follow me”. The week after I realized where my life was headed
if I didn’t act, I sold all my furniture and sentimental belongings and
made plans to serve somewhere. So I went to the computer and typed in
mission trip and this was
the one that popped out to me. I watched the videos, read the student
testimonies and began to cry. My heart was filled with a passion to
serve. I always felt as though I’ve had the “heart of a servant” and
thank God for everything he’s done in my life…now he is asking me to
grow and serve other’s who are in need of my spirit, heart and story of
God’s grace and mercy.
Here is my response after returning from serving in South Africa:
What a trip. I’m humbled by the challenges the majority of South
African citizens face everyday. I hesitantly boarded the plane, fully
aware I would be back; somehow, someway, I’d be back. But concerned
about what would happen while I was away. Would the country be okay?
Who’s going to look after the kids at Bible school? Who’s going to have
relationship evangelism with the tens of families we touched throughout
the week in the city of Khelangoni whom we spent so much time building
relationships? Who’s going to show up for the people and share the
gospel with them when there is no one else? There is so much need in a
country so rich with natural resources, man power and love; yet so
corrupt, broken and overwhelmed with a disease that is wiping out
generations daily. It’s kind of hard to see how anyone couldn’t have a
heart for South Africa when you’ve seen some of the things I’ve seen.
It’s even a bit overwhelming for me. Then I reminded.. of the story
when Jesus said in Matthew 14:18 “Bring what you have to me…”. It’s
not about me doing what I can with the resources I have. Instead it’s
God working through me using my hands as His hands, my ears as His ears
, my voice as His voice and my heart as His heart.
African citizens face everyday. I hesitantly boarded the plane, fully
aware I would be back; somehow, someway, I’d be back. But concerned
about what would happen while I was away. Would the country be okay?
Who’s going to look after the kids at Bible school? Who’s going to have
relationship evangelism with the tens of families we touched throughout
the week in the city of Khelangoni whom we spent so much time building
relationships? Who’s going to show up for the people and share the
gospel with them when there is no one else? There is so much need in a
country so rich with natural resources, man power and love; yet so
corrupt, broken and overwhelmed with a disease that is wiping out
generations daily. It’s kind of hard to see how anyone couldn’t have a
heart for South Africa when you’ve seen some of the things I’ve seen.
It’s even a bit overwhelming for me. Then I reminded.. of the story
when Jesus said in Matthew 14:18 “Bring what you have to me…”. It’s
not about me doing what I can with the resources I have. Instead it’s
God working through me using my hands as His hands, my ears as His ears
, my voice as His voice and my heart as His heart.
Here is a personal story of something I experienced while in South
Africa. I was having the feelings of not being equipped and witnessing
first hand – God come in and use me. “It’s not about your ability, but
rather..you availability..that He cares about.”
Africa. I was having the feelings of not being equipped and witnessing
first hand – God come in and use me. “It’s not about your ability, but
rather..you availability..that He cares about.”
Thrive Africa – 2009 Mission Trip Testimony
“I wanted to share a story with you that has truly impacted my life.
While we were visiting Mabula Game Lodge, I had the chance to catch up
with a few of their staff workers. After a couple of conversations it
was clear that one of the workers was after my shoes and he asked that
I leave them for him. After about 10 min. of talking with this employee
I found out that he was going through some life struggles, like all of
us are, but he was looking for salvation/solutions in all the wrong places.
The bottom of a bottle, smoking, etc. Then he began to tell me he knew
it was wrong; he knew that it wasn’t what he should be doing, but he
didnt have anyone to teach him another way. It was during this moment
that I felt the prompting of God within me to share the Word with him.
Within about 10 minutes of talking about the bible, this young man
began to shift. You could see it in his face and the way he held
himself. Its as if a light bulb went off inside. He
understood the ramifications of living life as he had been.
Unfortunately, our conversation was cut short by my scheduled
obligations. I left him with a prayer and asked God to show me what I
should do next.
While we were visiting Mabula Game Lodge, I had the chance to catch up
with a few of their staff workers. After a couple of conversations it
was clear that one of the workers was after my shoes and he asked that
I leave them for him. After about 10 min. of talking with this employee
I found out that he was going through some life struggles, like all of
us are, but he was looking for salvation/solutions in all the wrong places.
The bottom of a bottle, smoking, etc. Then he began to tell me he knew
it was wrong; he knew that it wasn’t what he should be doing, but he
didnt have anyone to teach him another way. It was during this moment
that I felt the prompting of God within me to share the Word with him.
Within about 10 minutes of talking about the bible, this young man
began to shift. You could see it in his face and the way he held
himself. Its as if a light bulb went off inside. He
understood the ramifications of living life as he had been.
Unfortunately, our conversation was cut short by my scheduled
obligations. I left him with a prayer and asked God to show me what I
should do next.
The next morning I ran to see if he was working, and he was! I was
so excited to see him again briefly before leaving the lodge. I ran
over and met him at the bar with a satchel across my shoulder. He
embraced me with a big hug and welcomed me as if we were old friends. Everything about him was different.
He had a little pep in his step and he embraced every word I said to
him as we greeted each other. I knew I was tight on time so I reached
inside the satchel and pulled out a Bible and the same shoes he wanted
when I first me him. I told him I didnt have much time, but that I
needed him to choose what I was going to leave behind. He looked at me
and with no doubt, hesitation or fear- reached for the Bible and
embraced it as a treasure. I was overwhelmed with joy. I told him God
wants you to have the Bible, and I want you to have the shoes. Go with
God.
– Tres Washington, Thrive Trip team member
Chapter 5 : The Beginning..
All I can say is that my ride was and is just now beginning. Accepting Christ costs nothing, following Him costs everything.
Looking forward to seeing what audibles He has planned for our year of serving together…
In Christ,George Washington III (Tres)
[Carpenter In Training]
