7/11: Cursed Kirk and the Witchdoctor
On Sunday, I attended my first church service here! It was such a joy to be part of their worship and be before the Lord, even if their language was different than my own. Some of the songs I didn't recognize, but they did play translations of Forever by Kari Jobe and How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin.
Since Kirk was still in town, he preached on Sunday. While I didn't fully understand everything he said, I can tell you he preached on missions, and it was really reassuring to hear his words. He posed the scene: Imagine talking to a Christian, and they tell you they just don't feel called to tell the truth. They know the Bible says not to lie, but they just haven't felt that direct calling over their lives. And isn't this what we do with missions? With evangelism? Does the Bible not simply say, "Go."? Are we not called to deliver this good news to all ends of the earth? Do we believe we can pick and choose the commands God has laid upon us?
He also had some statistics that were convicting and eye-opening to how Christians perceive missions. Annually, Americans spend more money on pet costumes than Christians around the world spend on missions. Wow. Pet costumes. Versus people's souls and eternities. As Christians, what are we doing? With our time, our money, our resources, our talents? Are we fulfilling the Great Commission to be fishers of men and lead people to the cross?
I know for me, most of the time, I am not fulfilling that commission nor really attempting to. I think Christians have such a set view of mission work–– it has to be some big project or out of the country or in someplace you've never been before. But mission work surrounds every aspect of our lives, every day there are dozens if not hundreds of opportunities to serve those around us and talk about the work done on the cross. We can make a difference in our own communities, in our family and friend circles. Simply offering your help to another can be enough. Initiating conversations about religious beliefs is another great start. Something that God has reminded me of while I'm here is that when you walk in obedience, He will bless that walk. When you feel like your work for Him is in vain, know that the act of working for Him alone is enough. If you give and give and give of yourself but don't feel like anyone is doing the same for you, know God will. Know God already has. Our God is so immensely faithful. One of my goals when I get back home is to incorporate missions and evangelism into my daily life. This commission shouldn't only be a summer break goal, but a whole life goal.
To help us understand the calling of missions and many of the things it entails, Kirk told three stories about his life living. with his parents, who were missionaries. My favorite story took place in Africa when he was just a young boy. He and his brother decided to take a bike ride through the jungle (first mistake) and they ended up coming across a town that was having some sort of a witchdoctor ceremony. Instead of turning around, the boys were interested in the strangely dressed people so they stayed to watch (second mistake). When the witch doctor saw the boys, he threw some sort of liquid on the path behind them started to speak to them in a strange dialect of French. The boys were fluent in French so even though the dialect was different, they could mostly understand what he was saying. The witch doctor said he had cursed them and as soon as they would pass the line, they would die. So, Kirk and his brother naturally start laughing and turn around and ride straight over the line with absolutely no fear. Kirk explained that he knew the power of the gospel so he had absolutely no reason to fear any power that man claimed to have. Just like kids riding their bikes, we should approach life with confidence in the Word of God, even when the witch doctor seems to be looming over us. In Him and Him alone, we find our strength.
7/12 The Gringas, the Roller Skating Duo, Some Teenagers, and a Nurse: An Evangelism Group Unlike Any Other
On Monday, Evangelism was quite the scene. Alondra had a doctor's appointment, so this was the first day she didn't go with us, so we were surrounded by fluent Spanish speakers who barely spoke English. Amber (11) and Jonas (8) insisted on evangelizing with their roller-skates, and even though their mom, Jenni, said that it was an absolutely horrible idea, they did it anyway. But two minutes into our trip they were struggling to keep control, and we all had to help roll them down the street. This is the first day some of the older kids came with us, and they were picking up Amber and Jonas anytime there was a big bump or hole. Jenni was wearing her scrubs, and Olivia and I are the only pale people around here, so we looked like quite the circus.
Anyways, this is the first time Olivia and I took the lead on evangelism, and I was honestly really nervous. Talking about God doesn't scare me, but talking about God in another language definitely does. Olivia did such an amazing job taking the lead. It was so evident that the Holy Spirit was moving within her, and she was able to so clearly explain the gospel. I think I did ok, too, but the kids kept asking me why I was nervous, so I guess I didn't do a great job of hiding my anxiety. But one of the boys put his arm around me and said, "It's ok, you can do it." That simple encouragement meant so much to me.
One of the men we talked to started yelling and arguing with us about salvation and theology. I struggled to understand what he was trying to say because he was speaking so quickly and with so much emotion, but I appreciated how each time Jenni responded, she kept the conversation centered around Jesus.
Next, we talked to a pair of women, and they seemed very responsive to everything we had to say. One woman was a Christian and went to church, but the other woman didn't know much about the gospel. Talking to them after the angry man was definitely reassuring. It was nice to know our message is being received, even if it's only one heart that may be touched by it.
Finally, we talked to a man in his corner shop, and I expected him to be a Christian because he had a verse from 1 Peter hanging up in his store. Turns out, he didn't know much about the gospel at all. I took the lead while talking to him, and even though my Spanish was a little bumpy, I think it went well overall. I just pray God stirred something in His heart.
7/13: "Hey, Alondra, How Do You Say 'Reincarnation' in Spanish?"
In Spanish today, we practiced evangelism with Naomi. I honestly really struggled. I just get so frustrated with myself when I can't figure out how to say what I want to. Naomi was really sweet, she kept telling me to be kind to myself and take the pressure off. I totally agree with her, but my brain just isn't wanting to do that. I talked to my dad for a while about all my fears and insecurities, and I honestly felt so reassured by what he had to say (thanks, dad!). I've come to realize that the act of obeying and listening to God is enough. When God tells me to go out and evangelize in another language, my obedience is all He needs to work through me. Even when I mess up the words and can't figure out what to say, He has a purpose for calling me out.
One of the men we talked to today believed in reincarnation and that was quite an interesting conversation to have. Olivia and I took the lead at first, but as he kept talking, Alondra had to take over because we had no idea how to respond to that! He was the kind of person who believed in a little bit of everything, which honestly equates to nothing. I've prayed for him specifically a lot. I want him to find clarity in the Lord so he doesn't have to live in so much confusion. I hope we planted a seed in his heart to pursue Jesus.
Classes with the kids today went really well. They all seemed to listen and enjoy the lesson. I've been asking them the questions after they learn the Bible story, and it's so precious to hear their answers about God and faith. They have made the verse about having a child-like faith even sweeter to remember. They have so much innocence yet so much wisdom about things adults typically are quick to overlook. Today, Luis José, the boy praying in the center picture, looked up after our Bible lesson and said, "Sometimes I just want to give God a hug." Me too, buddy, me too! These kids just have my heart!
7/14: A Big Shout Out to the English Speaking Haitian
Today was honestly a really hard day for me. There were 25 kids in class today, so it was super chaotic and hard to get them to listen. Going through the questions with them was a struggle because everyone was talking over one and another and goofing off. But, hey, at least they're cuties.
Evangelism did not go how I wanted it to go. I completely froze up at one point and just felt so consumed by anxiety and couldn't think of anything else to say. Alondra was able to help me out, but I felt so embarrassed and honestly wanted to cry right there on the side of the street. But God's faithfulness never fails to pick me up when I need Him most.
Olivia told me right before we left to evangelize that she was starting to pray very specific and intentional prayers over our time sharing the gospel. That day, she had prayed that we would speak with clear pronunciation and be confident in our speaking abilities. AND DO YOU KNOW WHAT GOD DID!?!? He put an ENGLISH SPEAKER in the middle of our path!!!! We were able to talk about God and the Gospel in our native language, and it was such a huge relief and reminder of God's goodness. He was a Haitian who had moved here and didn't speak much Spanish. He was looking for a church to attend, so we invited him to ours. Sadly, we didn't see him on Sunday morning, but I am still praying for him and his heart.
Olivia's prayer was answered with so much abundance, and it was such a sweet reminder from the Lord that He is consistently faithful to us. WOW, God amazes me!
7/15: El Camino, La Verdad, y La Vida
We had a really small group of kids today, and it was honestly really refreshing after the chaos of yesterday's class hahaha. These kids amaze me with their kindness. They have made me feel so loved, and I hope my time here does the same for them.
Evangelism went much better than yesterday. I wanted to pray as intentionally as Olivia did, so I prayed I wouldn't freeze up, and the words I wanted to say would just keep flowing. And that happened!! I was able to tell a woman who believed she would go to heaven based on her good works that the ONLY way to heaven is through Jesus Christ. I was able to cite John 14:6 and say "I am the way, the truth, the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." I told her how we are all sinners, and that's exactly why Jesus chose the cross for us. I felt confident in my speaking and pronunciation, and for the first time, I wasn't worrying that I would mess up or forget what to say. It was such a great reminder that God is working alongside me in everything I do here.
Lately, Alondra, Olivia, and I have been taking walks around Alondra's neighborhood every day because it's pretty hilly and makes a great workout. Today, it was pouring rain by the time we got back home, so I assumed we weren't going on our walk. But that's not living with Alondra! She insisted we go anyways, so we spent the evening walking and playing in the rain hahaha.
7/16: Rest Day
Friday was our day of rest and it was really nice to sleep in and catch up on reading, writing, and laundry. Fun fact about laundry here: almost no one has dryers so we hang up our laundry on clothespins outside. It also likes to rain whenever I try to hang up my clothes to dry.
Also, Naomi, our Spanish tutor, took us out to lunch! She knows Olivia and I love pasta so she took us to one of her favorite Italian restaurants and it was AMAZING. She is so intentional with us and I love how she's pouring into us both with her knowledge of Spanish and in fellowship. She truly is such a light to us!
Prayer Requests:
We would really appreciate if you would continue praying over us and our time here. Some specific requests include:
-- For all the people we encounter while evangelism. May God stir each one of their hearts in some way.
-- For the kids. May they continue soaking in the Word of God.
-- For me. Please pray I continue having patience and confidence within myself while evangelizing. Some days have been really hard and I need to re-posture my heart.
-- For Olivia. So that she knows her work here is making lasting impacts, even if she may not see it.
-- For Alondra. A prayer of praise for the kindness her & her family have bestowed upon us.
-- For an unnamed. Let her know how deeply she is loved and cared for by the Lord.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers. I can't believe I only have ten more days here! Time has absolutely been flying by.
Here's the cutest bonus picture for those of you who made it to the bottom of this post! He brought me flowers hehe.
Comments