Expressions

Dictionary.com says- “indication of feeling, spirit, character, etc., as on the face, in the voice, or in artistic execution”.  

We see it everyday.  We do it everyday.  When we get excited about something–it shows up in our face-our voice-our attitude.  When we get mad…or disappointed…well, same things-only not so good.

I saw expressions in our team members–and in the people we served and ministered to.  This is one example after receiving a new Bible. 

Isn’t it beautiful?  Her expression makes every hot plane ride worth it.  (I forgot to tell you that part–yes the last planes coming home were hot.  I guess American Airlines needs an A/C repair person.)

Other expressions I saw were on the faces of our team.  Can you imagine people smiling and laughing while shoveling scoops of dirt for hours?  Even with the last shovel full -there was a tired smile. It’s part of the gift of giving to others….it pours forth from the heart.

Christ is seen in these expressions…

In the rain, working yet not affected by the outside circumstances.

I have been on several mission trips–and it always amazes me when I get back home and begin to go through pictures at the expressions on the faces.  There was pure joy felt at the end of the day–at what was accomplished despite the weather, God used this team of men and women to create a place of worship for a church full of beautiful Bolivians.  This, when complete, will be a safe harbor from the elements of life.  This wall was completely finished when we left.  The labors of these men, along with their fellow Bolivian laborers made it so.  It was a beautiful sight to behold.

One pair of workers I especially loved watching, Billy and Sarah.  Father and daughter.

I thought of how God allows me to come along beside Him and work…and when the job is too much, He does the heavy lifting.  But all along the way, He is teaching me the Trade.  Win souls for the kingdom–Introduce them to His Son.  Jesus.

Billy Guettler, you are an amazing servant of God–and you have a precious daughter.  Thank you for all that you did on this trip–and all our other trips together!  Jeff and I always feel it is a joy and honor to serve with you!

I watched everyone–and their reactions to their surroundings…I wanted them to love Bolivia as much as I do (as much as Jeff and I do).

Pastor Danny Carnley was another one who made me smile every time I saw him!  He absolutely adored the children’s crusade visit–and the privilege of praying with kids in school was not lost on him.  He revelled in it.  How the United States of America needs to return to that privilege.  Our nation’s leaders have tossed it aside like a discarded –out of style garment…but there are others who want it.  Jeff and I gladly carry the gospel and the privilege of praying in school to those God has called us to serve.

Oh the joy of serving…it makes me cry knowing that God has allowed us to play a small part (at our age) in bringing Jesus Christ to other nations!

Photo credit:  Pablo Morales

Last but not least for today, our worship leader from our home church, Sam Toole.  “Tooley” as I heard him called a few times, has an amazing heart to serve God–and he seeks God with a passion.  He loved showing his friend, Andrew, Bolivia and telling him all the things he experienced the first time.  They “tag-team-preached” on Sunday night at one of the two churches we visited.  I heard the message at Grace the Sunday before we left–and I knew it would be a good one.  A little bit about the Pharisees was lost in translation–something about “fantasies”??? I don’t know.  You will have to ask Andrew, Sam and Joel that one.  Fun times and great memories though.

Music is one of Sam’s gifts, but I believe as the days proceed, God will be showing him MORE than he dreamed possible.  Thank you Sam–for sharing your joy of serving so much that you were contagious and Andrew came to experience it too!

This mission trip was more than a work trip- It was a time of worship.  We worshipped with our voices, our prayers, our service, our labors; we worshipped with the joy the flowed from our mouths and heart.  When an obstacle arose, we took it to our Father-our Master.  He intervened.  Every time.

I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
² My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
³ Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.

I sought the Lord, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
⁵ They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.
⁶ This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.
⁷ The angel^[a] of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them.  Psalms 34:1-7 NKJV

Until next time, joy in the LORD. May His praise be continually in your heart and mouth.

(c) Angie Knight 2016