Evangelizing in a country where I don’t speak the language is no easy task. I am beyond blessed to have translators that will share what is on my heart and tongue to the locals. When I speak, I must speak slowly and annunciate my words so that my translator can understand me. I often have to repeat myself for my translator, especially if I use a word they have never heard or don’t know the meaning behind it. Sometimes I wonder if the words I am saying are actually what is being spoken. I LOVE movies that show the character speaking confidently in a foreign language and the subtitles are showing that they are speaking gibberish. I love to do this with my team mate Jackie since Spanish is her first language. I ask, “Do you have your bibliotheca?!” referring to the bible although I know it translates to “library.” I just think that is the funniest thing and I can’t help but think about that while I am waiting for my translator to pause for me to speak again.
Often times I will say a word that my translator just doesn’t understand and I have to find another word to convey the same thought. Often times I will start speaking before the translator has finished my last sentence and once I realize I am interrupting him or her I must pause and wait my turn. Sometimes my translator will say something to me and ask, “do you understand?” ….”Nope!” haha….Sometimes we just can’t find the words to make the other understand. Although we sometimes can’t understand one another, although sometimes we mix up the words, one thing is certain, God is NOT lost in translation. Every morning before I go out in the city I pray, “God, let my thoughts be Your thoughts. Let my words be Your words. I desire to be a vessel for Your use, Your Kingdom, Your glory. Here I am, God, use me.”
I have seen AMAZING things. I have seen people being healed of pain and affliction. I have seen smiles shining beyond filth or pain. I have seen people running to us, to God, for prayer. I have seen people give their lives to Christ. When the CROWDS of people come, I am overwhelmed, honored, and humbled. Jesus, is this what you experienced? So many people crowding around You that You had to climb in a boat and paddle out into the sea so that you could get away from the crowds as you preached. People RUNNING to You knowing that if they could just touch You, they would be healed. Thank you God that you love us and you STILL heal and do signs and wonders here on Earth.
Matthew 17:20-21: “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and NOTHING will be impossible for you.” Every day that I step out in faith, God meets me there. Not all my prayers for healings are answered…but I believe they could be. I pray that God continues to help me grow my faith so that I have no doubt, no fear, no limits. Luke 1:37: “For with God NOTHING will be impossible.”
