We have been in Guatemala for about a two months now which is kind of crazy to think about. We do ministry every week day with a group named One Way who has been doing ministry in a little village named San Lorenzo for a gopd amount of time. They know literally every single person, I mean one of the guys knows around 550 kids in the village. At San Lorenzo we teach English, run a soccer ministry, do house visits to check on people and pray over the sick and we also build new houses for the homeless.
Overall I’ll say its harder than I thought. There are some absolutely beautiful things that have happened out here, but there are also just times where I feel like I’m not making an impact. When ministering it is constantly trusting that God is moving in the people even if I can’t see the fruits right away. It’s constantly asking God where do I go, who do I talk to and what do I say, and praying that he will use my Yes!
There have also definitely been times when we see fruits right away! For example there was a day where we just prayed “God where do we go?” My teammate then saw a cowboy on a horse. With this in mind we walked around a town and at the end of our day we saw cowboy on a horse. We were like alright here we go, this is gonna be awesome! So, we went to him and we just said hey God had us come here to let you know that he still sees you individually and loves you deeply. Then this older cowboy got all teary and said he really needed to hear that. It ended up that his daughter just got really sick and is doing bad and he just felt like God gave up on him. This was just a really beautiful moment that God let us be apart of, and we got to help a man turn back to the lord. So yes there have definitely been times where we see God move instantly, but there are also just times in ministry where we just get to say yes and trust that God is moving.
This whole trip has been a blessing, and getting to learn that we can always be ministering is amazing, we just have to ask God where he wants us. I want to ask all of you to just say Yes this week and see what God does. Love you all and thanks for being apart of this ministry with me.
Luke,
I struggled to understand those very same thoughts. Take confidence in that each day you press into the Lord, is a day that your life expands the Kingdom. This world needs sowers and reapers alike and keeping your amazing heart posture to serve is where the Kingdom grows. He sees your devotion and willingness. Matthew 6:19-34.
Luke,
Blessings to you an your group! We pray daily that Jesus lead your work and keep you all in wonderful safety, health and faith!
I believe that consistent obedience even when we do not see the sudden fruit will have more eternal impact than those moments when we see the miracles immediately. It is the place where faith and trust and humility all are forged. I promise the Lord never wastes obedience and we can take joy when He reveals to us the power of His Spirit. And in even greater joy can we rejoice when His gentle affirmation comes to our heart, despite “results,” and He says, “I’m proud of you, my son. You are loved.”
Thank you for sharing and bringing this reminder to me today. So good, Luke.