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.
Lord, I humbly come before you to pray for Eunice, George, José, Marvin, John, and Mar. People whom I’ve never had the pleasure to meet, but have been placed in Makenzie’s path for a reason. Lord, as I have no knowledge of their needs, it is with the utmost faith that I know you DO know the needs of each person Makenzie listed. So I ask that you pour your blessings upon them, allow your face to shine upon them and your love, mercy, grace, and peace be fulfilled in their lives. Lord, I pray that they each come to know you greater and deeper and that if they have not already proclaimed you to be their God, that they do so. Lord, I also ask that you keep placing this team in a position to bring new Christians to YOU. I also ask that YOUR will be done in their lives and that you keep a hedge of protection around each of these young ladies as they commit to serving you on this journey. Amen
Makenzie, I am so proud of you for your service to the Lord and to mankind. I am excited to learn of all of your adventures and can’t wait to hear the stories you will share when you make it home! Enjoy every second and know we continue to hold you and your team up in prayers while you’re gone.
Thank you SO SO MUCH for the sweet prayer. It means more than you know. One of the people, Mar, ended up coming to church on Sunday. Your prayer no doubt had an impact.