Eunice. George. José. Marvin. John. Mar. 

These are the names of a few of the sweet people I have had the honor of meeting over the past two weeks. Each one of them has a different story, a different background, and a different view of God. 

It has been so sweet to meet each of them. Conversations sometimes flow (like with George), and other times, they’re a bit more difficult (Eunice and I had to use google translate to converse). Each one of these precious people are God’s children. Sons and daughters who bear His image. Chosen at birth, set apart, and DEEPLY loved by the Creator who is vast and incomprehensible, yet intimate and personal. 

Amazingly, the interactions I’ve had with these people have all happened outside of designated “ministry” hours. We met Mar outside of a coffee shop. I saw José for the first time in Mas x Menos (the store where we buy groceries for the team). I met Marvin on the side of the road in the pouring rain at the exact time I needed a reminder of the LORD’s goodness. 

“Ministry time” is great, but I’m realizing that everyday life is also ministry. The everyday and the mundane. It is all ministry. The way we live, the things we say, how we treat people... it can point back to God in a beautiful way depending on our choices. Our lives are supposed to reflect the love of God, and that should pour out of us in everything we do. 

Ministry is not a switch to turn on and off. It should saturate each part of our lives. I’m not perfect at this. I get distracted. I certainly don’t always show the goodness of God to the people I meet. But I am willing to learn. I want to learn. Every day and every moment can be used by God. Nothing is wasted. 

If you want to join me in prayer for the names listed at the beginning, that would be AMAZING.