I take my steps one at a time
The Lord is definitely using this season of my life to teach me a lot about faith. I can look at this whole year and feel like it is a step of faith, and in reality each day I wake up and take steps of faith. I overcome fears, and I fail and I try new things. This past week was no different. In the midst of it, I have been finding a deep peace and learning to trust in a whole new way. A way where I am so utterly dependent on what God does that if he doesn't come through, I'm in trouble.
This week, Kim and Rick left to go back to the States to work on their own fundraising and to accomplish some other important tasks. I feel like a baby bird leaving a nest to fly. They have prepared me for the things I will do, and while I do not feel ready or capable in some ways, I have full confidence that the Lord will equip me. I also have an amazing network of missionaries and friends here that are ready to help with anything I need.
I taught bible classes this week on my own. I was really excited because many of the students started asking good questions. To me, this was sign that they were listening and understanding what I was saying! Yes! Our lesson has been about the Church and how we are the body of Christ. I talked with them about how the church is truly a blessing that God has given us. It's more than a place, it's made up of people who are there for us through anything. We are meant to compliment each other and live in community. We challenge and encourage each other. (AMEN!) As I wrapped up the lesson, I had some great questions in several classes.
1. What if someone is in sin? Can they still go to church?
One of the tricky things about good questions is that they are hard to answer in English, let alone in Spanish. I explained to this young girl, that everyone is welcome to church and everyone is welcome and loved by God. BUT if we go to church and we start to know God and understand his love, we should be prepared that we will be asked and really, we will want to change. The love of God changes us and makes us want to change from our sinful natures.
2. What if I go to a different type of "church" like Jehovah's Witness or Mormons? Isn't that the same thing?
We talked briefly about this, but it's been so long since I've studied this it was hard to pinpoint the differences...which means this might be an excellent topic for my next lesson! Helping these kids understand, what are the differences between Christianity and other religions. How do we know what we believe is right? How is what we believe different than other religions? I am excited for when this lesson comes!
3. One other question, I will throw in just because it made me laugh. =) What about the Amish? What are they?
Where they heard of Amish, or what representation they have seen. I have no idea. Likely, they have seen a TLC reality show version. I will say this is the first time anyone has really known who the Amish even are around here!
Another highlight of my week was going on a short mission trip out to a village with a local Spanish speaking church my friend Carla goes to. Yesterday, we went on a very long bus trip to celebrate with some kids for about an hour. September is the month of many holidays, including Children's Day. (To read a list of holidays from a past blog: http://jenniferann-allthesmallthings.blogspot.com/2011/09/celebrate.html)
Without this trip, these kids likely would not have had much of a special celebration. I got to make lots of balloon animals, play a few games, and just smile and play with a few kids! Definitely reminded me of some of my trips to Cuba in the past!
The kids loving their balloons!
This next week will be a new experience. I will be preparing this week for a team that is coming. On thursday I will receive a team of 6 university students. I am working with the principal from the school, a translator and some some friends for the plans for this time. I am excited to see what God will do in their lives and in the lives of the people we meet.
This week, please be praying for:
- Continued confidence and peace in the Lord as I take one step each day.
- The team that is coming, for the ministry, safety, and fun!
- Open heart for new opportunities, whatever those might be
Over the past few weeks, it has been an encouragement to me to see the beautiful moments. I have been reminded of Psalms 121:
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3
He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5
The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7
The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
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