This is the very first year I have taken a mission trip and not carried my camera nor computer. SO Thankful for technology. I can do both from my phone. Hopefully it will turn out right! It has felt weird though not blogging every minute.
This trip has been a bit different than others. Good — but different.
When we arrived at the airport there were minor hiccups at the airport customs area – resolved fairly quickly though. Even though resolved- the process often gives the one involved a bit of a stomach knot.
We had planned for two teams of kids crusades running simultaneously while the men were building the church. After arriving, we learned that morning- the schools had been closed down for uncertain number of days because of the smoke in the air. A new plan had to be made.
As the translators gathered the planning began. We would divide up into teams of three and walk the dirt roads of the village going house to house inviting the children to come to the church for music, games, etc.
I won’t talk about the heat- but we did learn to pack Powerade. As we went door to door, we were sometimes met with barking or growling dogs, laundry flapping on barbed wire fences and some reserved faces. They had reservations about us because they have the same door-to-door visitors as we often do in the states.
After introductions were made all the teams shared what we were doing and gave invitations to all the children in the family to join us outside the church at a designated time that day.
Over two hours later we wandered back into the construction site to share reports. FIVE salvations!! Even though the schedules had to be changed— this made up for it on so many levels as I realized had we been in the schools- these would not have had the visitors that called out “buenos días” that morning when they received the invitation to know and accept Jesus Christ.
One change – although unexpected- in our normal routine of ministry- meant everything (eternity) to five individuals.
The planned crusades turned into door to door invitations and sidewalks ministry (in front of the church being constructed). God is in the details. We are always emphasizing “expect change and be flexible”- however, when changes disrupt all our well laid plans- it’s a bit harder to relinquish control. But we must. It’s not about us. Ever. It’s always about them. We just get to be the pitcher that pours into the waiting cups.
Construction won’t be finished today – the men will work again in the morning, we will clean our rooms and the kitchen, pack our bags and attend the dedication service tomorrow evening. We will then board the bus for the airport- admittedly, I will likely question God as to what exactly was accomplished this week. In years past- it has been the hundreds of children ministered to — and the countless hands raised. This trip- I don’t know what total number we will come home with.
What I know today (if God wills), we will carry the Gospel in two suitcases filled with Bibles and a message of hope to a university (which wasn’t part of the original plan) and three church groups of neighborhood children, also not part of the original plan. But it was obviously part of the bigger plan. You know— the one we simply trust Him in each day….
Here are just a few pictures of our dedicated street ministers and church builders! To God be all the glory— all for Him.
Jeff & Angie 