Man.
As I sit here writing this I feel so many emotions. Guilt. Sadness. Excitement. Contentment. Guilt because it's been over a month since I wrote a blog post and I promised to write one every week. Sadness because I will only be in Trujillo for a week and a half more before returning home. Excitement for the same reason--I will be able to see friends and family that I haven't in a while, tell to others all that the Lord has done this summer, and because I will be seeing college friends shortly after returning home. Contentment looking back at how the Lord has strengthened me in Him this summer, knowing that what I have done this summer is in His will, and that so many prayers have been answered one-hundred times over.
So, GUILT... I haven't written one of these here blog things in over a month. Why? Busyness, illness, laziness, travel. The first week after my last blog post--seems like so long ago--several missionaries from Trujillo travelled to Cajamarca, Perú for a week-long assistance of translating for a VBS/Medical Missions group that came from Jackson, MS. Josh, Liz, and I were in that number. So we had to suffer through a week of mountain views, working with people from Mississippi, sharing the Gospel with beautiful Peruvian kids. It really was a test of patience and endurance.... NOT. That week was amazing. I was able to talk with Pastor Alonzo Ramirez (Peruvian pastor, founding-father of Perú Mission) about what Perú Mission is doing in Cajamarca and he was able to answer a lot of questions in my head about working with children and doing missions in the future. It really was a blessing for my soul to be back in the mountains, working with children in schools, and to talk with Pastor Alonzo and Steve Hill about the Lord's work in Cajamarca.
That was one week. Then the next week I started feeling terrible. Runny nose and sore throat feelings during the day and fever and cold at night for most of the week. It was rough. Honestly, not too much went on that week. I went to the orphanage several days, got some local herbs to make tea that supposedly helps cure the "gripe" as it's called here, went to Las Ponas a few times, and just slept, ate crackers, and tried to rest the cold away for the remainder of the week.
Then, honestly, the third week was just kind of a hang out when not working and conserving energy to keep the cold away. I was able to go the Hogar San Jose and Las Ponas the regular amount of times and have a regular amount of energy, but outside of that I tried to conserve energy. And we all know that sitting down, moving nothing but your fingers to type, and thinking about what to say in order to create a blog takes up too much energy to be healthy. So that's my excuse for that week..... Yeah.
AND THEN TRAVEL. This past week (from July 15 to July 22) I was in Cusco, Perú. I went to go see one of the seven Wonders of the World--Machu Picchu! Goodness gracious, that trip was amazing. Being able to travel a little more by myself, see other parts of Perú, meet some very interesting people at the hostal and along the way was a glorious thing. Being able to see how the Lord answered so many prayers in that trip, provide opportunities to continue to do His work in the midst of travel, and just see more of His amazing creation and results of that same creative spirit within the ancient Incan civilization proved to be a major blessing.
Enough for guilt... Now onto SADNESS. Another cheerful, positive note. No, seriously though. This summer has been the biggest blessing in my life and has revealed so much about the Lord and myself, but all along the end has been this foreign time that was a ways away... But now that August 5th is less than two weeks away, that distant sadness is slowly becoming more and more real.
After having spent two-and-a-half months here, relationships have been formed and are continually growing, doors for talking with the boys at Hogar San Jose about Jesus have been opened, I've grown to love and care for those guys, God has revealed much sin, independence within myself, grace in spite of my actions, and a calling to do missions long-term in this time. It has just been a very growing, fruitful period of time that I am really not looking forward to leaving behind. But have been reminded that it is not ultimately leaving behind, for those who believe in Christ. Whether or not I see these brothers and sisters again in this life, I will in the next.
Which kind of ties into EXCITEMENT. Upon returning home, I will be able to see family members, brothers and sisters, and college friends that I haven't in what seems like ages. Though being here in Perú has absolutely flown by in every sense of the word, leaving friends and family has felt like years of separation. I guess that's just how it works. I will be in Vicksburg for a week and a half visiting friends, telling about my time here, thanking everyone, resting, and relaxing. It will be glorious. Absolutely fantastic. Then, I will go to Jasper, AL for a few days to see one of my best friends before he goes back to school. Time with Asa Porter is always cherished and fruitful, it goes by extremely too fast, and takes way too long to see him again. Shortly after, I will be in the Appalachian Mountains backpacking with a few of my roommates for a week and then go relax at Rock Island State Park for a few days before starting school. I've gone backpacking with them several times before and those times alone in the woods have been my favorite memories of college. That gets me more excited than... Well, literally anything in the world.
And continuing that positive note of excitement comes CONTENTMENT. This summer has been filled with reminders of contentment from the Lord. At every step along this path, the Lord has showered His presence of contentment before me--whether I am content in Him or He is showing me how contentment has been utterly lacking. Looking at the day I came here and all that the Lord has accomplished through me, in spite of me, since then overflows my heart with contentment. Thinking that He loves me enough to allow me to share His amazing story, that what has been accomplished or not accomplished is all part of His will, and how He really has strengthened me in Him through humbling me of myself is the most satisfying and contenting feeling of all history.
As I sit on the brink of an amazing summer, so many thoughts, feelings, memories flood my mind. It's hard to convey through words how I truly feel, but I think the jumbled words and random thoughts work well together to show that it's a hodgepodge of everything. Yes, I just used the word 'hodgepodge.'
With a week and half left, I encourage you to continue to keep me in your prayers. That I would not see my work as done, that I would remain faithful in following the Lord these coming days, that the Lord would put His hedge of protection around me, that I may be humbled over and over, and that the Lord's perfect will would be done.
Friend. You haven't a clue how much you're missed and loved.
Peace and love,
Daniel
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Follow.
"Where God calls, He provides."
Just think about this.
God wants the absolute best for us. He calls us to follow Him and His word. And He provides the means for us to follow Him. How beautiful is that? We can't do anything on our own and we don't have to because God provides power through His Holy Spirit to just follow Him.
Since being in Perú, I've been reading off-and-on a wonderful book called "Follow Me" by David Platt. It's basically about... You guessed it. Following Jesus. But like, what does that look like? How do you follow Jesus? On page 88, Platt writes, "Following Jesus necessitates believing Jesus, and believing Jesus leads to proclaiming Jesus. Consequently, a privatized faith in a resurrected Christ is practically inconceivable." So following Jesus ONLY involves believing in Jesus? Well, at the root, I believe yes. When you believe in Jesus, put all of your hope and trust in Him, and live by His word through faith, then following Jesus daily is unavoidable. Platt writes, "The clear message of the Bible is that there is nothing we can do to make our hearts clean before a holy God. We can work constantly, pray fervently, give extravagantly, and love sacrificially, but our hearts will still be stained by sin. This is why the Bible teaches that faith alone in Christ alone is the only way to salvation from sin. Faith is the anti-work. It's the realization that there is nothing you can do but trust in what has been done for you in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Faith is the realization that God's pleasure in you will never be based upon your performance for him. Instead, God's pleasure in you will always be based upon Christ's performance for you."
So, upon belief in God, following just... Happens. Now, look back up at the top. "Where God calls, He provides." Following God's call is supported and provided fully by God Himself.
God not only calls us to faith and to sharing the Gospel, He also calls us to follow Him personally, and literally. To follow Him to different places to spread the Word. To put all of our trust in Him. To deny ourselves for His good.
"You know how in space, the astronauts sometimes use objects already in orbit to slingshot off and gain momentum in a slightly different direction, yet still in orbit?"
"Yes," I said, nodding, with a terribly confused look on my face.
"I feel like that's what God does."
So. Ignore the quick change of direction and think about this quote.
A few days ago, on the way back from church, I was able to talk with Stuart and Meg Mills for just a short while about the future for me, and what I thought it looked like. Hearing a little bit of his story, Stuart really enjoyed carpentry during his younger years and then after graduating college went on to Seminary. Not really knowing what he wanted to do and even thinking it would be a slightly unmarketable degree, Stuart followed the Lord.
Stuart (and Meg), I guess you've put it together that they're missionaries here, originally came down so Stuart could help, guide, and disciple those in Las Ponas (the woodworking shop where I help out).
After a while of talking and listening, one of the major points that I came away with was that following the Lord sometimes just means waiting and remaining flexible to allow the Lord's Will to dominate when it becomes known.
So... In light of the first quote. God has really used this first month to show me a love for missions, an enjoyment in living life (if only a month) in another country and culture, and receiving so much joy, excitement, and encouragement from the people here. And it seems to be that the Lord is drawing me toward missions; and if that is the case, may I have the strength and desire to follow Him.
And in light of the second quote. I am a junior in college, with much ahead of me, uncertain of what the future holds, but wanting to remain flexible to the Lord's Will for the future. So, if the Lord is just using my love of Spanish, desire to do missions, and enjoyment of travel and adventure to 'slingshot' me somewhere else, may I have the strength and desire to follow Him.
It's hard. Man, is it hard to sacrifice sin, what you think is best, and personal desires to follow the Lord, but that's why it's called following. We are following the Lord and His call to holiness through His provision. An example being 'Follow the Leader.' A classic among classics of childhood games. When you get to be the leader, you do what you want, when you want, and can change what others do. But when you follow the leader, you do what he says and does, and sacrifice what you want to do.
I think that has been the highlight of this past week. Seeing the Lord reveal a love and desire for missions, yet realizing that I need to remain flexible and desirable for the Lord's Will.
To be expectation-less of what the Lord will do, but have great expectations that He will provide literally the best for me.
Daniel
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Work.
Well, I'm almost a month into my 2 month 3 week stay in Trujillo, Perú! It's kind of crazy to think that I've already been here almost a month, but at the same time it has been so natural. The transition from American to Peruvian culture, from summer to "winter," from hamburgers, fries, and chicken alfredo to papas rellenas, arroz, y pollo, from English to Spanish, from being the majority to being the minority, from driving in open to roads to riding crowded buses on roads crammed side-walk to side-walk. It's definitely been a different switch, but I have yet to feel that difference as negative.
I think one of the most helpful things in getting situated has been having places to work. Through the hard, patient searching by Josh, doors have been opened for me to work in various capacities. As mentioned in previous blogs, I work at Hogar San José--a boy's home--Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and sometimes Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Las Ponas--a carpentry/wood-working shop--Monday, Wednesday, and any other open evenings for as long as possible. Though it is currently not on my weekly work schedule, it is very likely that I will be able to teach English at a local church in Manuel Arevalo. And more importantly, through these capacities, I have seen God open doors for me to bring His good news.
The first few weeks of work at Hogar San José were a little challenging. Though there were many times that were awesome and I was able to make connections with the guys, there were just as many times were things didn't go peacefully or where "gringo" didn't just sound like a mild term used to describe a white foreigner. Now, it wasn't terrible by any means, but it was challenging. One older guy, caught in the "I have to be the Alpha male and show my dominance" stage--we've all been there, dudes--was, and still is, particularly patience-testing. He's about 15 or 16 and never seems to be malicious, but is always picking on, pushing around, or yelling at the other guys. Though he didn't pay any attention to me at first, when I told him to stop after having enough of his "playing," he started directing a little more attention to me. Since the beginning of the second week, he has flipped me off, I think cursed me out, and given many snide remarks. Again, it's never been malicious or like he's antagonizing a fight, but he's simply trying to show dominance and desire to be the one in control. But in watching him interact with some of his friends or the younger boys, I've seen that hard, calloused look fade away and a more friendly, caring one take over. Anyways, after a few weeks of figuring out how or when to talk to him, at the end of last week I was able to pull him aside for a little while. Just a few minutes before he walked by me, flipped me off, and smiling continued on his way. So, yeah, it was time. But when I said I wanted to talk with him, a look struck him. It wasn't anger, and I don't think it was nervousness, but it appeared like curiosity.
"Gixon, what's your problem? I'm not mad or angry, I'm just curious what's up."
"What do you mean?"
"Why do you pick on the little guys and push them around and flip me off?"
"It's just a game, and this is just a finger?" *innocently grabs his finger*
"Yeah, but you and I both know it's not. What's up, dude?"
The conversation continued like that for a while, but I think I was able to show him that I genuinely: A) don't want him to continue doing those things, B) care for him as a person, and C) am still wanting to respect him and give him a chance to open up. Since then, it appears as if things have been different. I don't expect a life-time of behaviors to be changed by one 3 minute conversation, but I do expect there to be plenty more opportunities to talk with him and show him that I care for him and that there are other ways of gaining respect than being the dominant male. So prayer for those interactions are coveted.
Many other doors have been opened by the Lord through these past few weeks at the Hogar. In telling everyone who asks why I'm here that it's a mission trip, I've been able to talk with one of the teachers who is a Baptist--she is the most caring, motherly, intentional teacher at the Hogar by far. After she was done with a lesson with a few boys, she asked if I could read them a few stories from a Storybook Bible-esque book. After reading the first few chapters about God creating the earth, and the introduction of sin, I skipped to chapters concerning Jesus' death on the cross. After 20 minutes of reading from the text, I talked--through broken-in-a-million-pieces Spanish--to the two guys about what God did in creating the world, sending His Son to the world to die, why believe in Him, and what happens if you do/don't put your faith in Him. Jorge, probably one of my favorite guys there, asked several questions and seemed genuinely interested and somewhat knowledgeable about the Bible. Through talking with him and Luis, another one of my favorites, I asked about whether or not they could go to church and invited them to come with us. (The walls of the boy's home are 30' high with barbed wire, doors are always locked and only opened by the director or vigilancia, and boys only leave for school.) He said that the boys weren't allowed to leave to go to church unless one of their teachers or helpers went with them. So after finishing up talking with Jorge and Luis, I was walking around to another dorm room type building when one of the female teachers came up and told me that Jorge asked if they could go to church with me some time! She said that she would be more than willing to come along to be the 'escort' of sorts. So I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how God will continue to soften hearts and draw others to Himself. Through those two boys, several others, and a down-syndrome boy named Joel, there is much joy and excitement at Hogar San José. I've been asked to help Joel with several things such as doing hand-eye coordination tasks, doing puzzles, and drawing; during those times, his laughs, hugs, and motivation to finish have provided much happiness and contentment. So I would definitely appreciate continued prayer for renewed energy to be refreshed and excited to share the grace that I have received.
Another joy has been working at Las Ponas. Through those two, and sometimes three, days a week visits, I've gotten to know the guys pretty well and have already learned a lot. Most of y'all know this, but I've had minimal experience with carpentry, so I've definitely come in open-minded and ready to learn. The guys have been very welcoming and patient with my lack of knowledge and desirous to get to know me better. It's basically been fantastic.
So, things are continually coming together and working together for the good of the Lord, so that is for sure something to be thankful for. As the summer progresses, please continue covering me in prayer as the Lord's work continues to involve a sinner such as myself.
Also this week--well, yesterday--I did a few more touristy things and saw some amazing ruins of Moche and Chimu civilizations. One of Covenant's Spanish/French professors was in South America for a few weeks and stopped by to stay with us in Trujillo for a few days, so we took him out and about a few times.
I think one of the most helpful things in getting situated has been having places to work. Through the hard, patient searching by Josh, doors have been opened for me to work in various capacities. As mentioned in previous blogs, I work at Hogar San José--a boy's home--Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and sometimes Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Las Ponas--a carpentry/wood-working shop--Monday, Wednesday, and any other open evenings for as long as possible. Though it is currently not on my weekly work schedule, it is very likely that I will be able to teach English at a local church in Manuel Arevalo. And more importantly, through these capacities, I have seen God open doors for me to bring His good news.
The first few weeks of work at Hogar San José were a little challenging. Though there were many times that were awesome and I was able to make connections with the guys, there were just as many times were things didn't go peacefully or where "gringo" didn't just sound like a mild term used to describe a white foreigner. Now, it wasn't terrible by any means, but it was challenging. One older guy, caught in the "I have to be the Alpha male and show my dominance" stage--we've all been there, dudes--was, and still is, particularly patience-testing. He's about 15 or 16 and never seems to be malicious, but is always picking on, pushing around, or yelling at the other guys. Though he didn't pay any attention to me at first, when I told him to stop after having enough of his "playing," he started directing a little more attention to me. Since the beginning of the second week, he has flipped me off, I think cursed me out, and given many snide remarks. Again, it's never been malicious or like he's antagonizing a fight, but he's simply trying to show dominance and desire to be the one in control. But in watching him interact with some of his friends or the younger boys, I've seen that hard, calloused look fade away and a more friendly, caring one take over. Anyways, after a few weeks of figuring out how or when to talk to him, at the end of last week I was able to pull him aside for a little while. Just a few minutes before he walked by me, flipped me off, and smiling continued on his way. So, yeah, it was time. But when I said I wanted to talk with him, a look struck him. It wasn't anger, and I don't think it was nervousness, but it appeared like curiosity.
"Gixon, what's your problem? I'm not mad or angry, I'm just curious what's up."
"What do you mean?"
"Why do you pick on the little guys and push them around and flip me off?"
"It's just a game, and this is just a finger?" *innocently grabs his finger*
"Yeah, but you and I both know it's not. What's up, dude?"
The conversation continued like that for a while, but I think I was able to show him that I genuinely: A) don't want him to continue doing those things, B) care for him as a person, and C) am still wanting to respect him and give him a chance to open up. Since then, it appears as if things have been different. I don't expect a life-time of behaviors to be changed by one 3 minute conversation, but I do expect there to be plenty more opportunities to talk with him and show him that I care for him and that there are other ways of gaining respect than being the dominant male. So prayer for those interactions are coveted.
Many other doors have been opened by the Lord through these past few weeks at the Hogar. In telling everyone who asks why I'm here that it's a mission trip, I've been able to talk with one of the teachers who is a Baptist--she is the most caring, motherly, intentional teacher at the Hogar by far. After she was done with a lesson with a few boys, she asked if I could read them a few stories from a Storybook Bible-esque book. After reading the first few chapters about God creating the earth, and the introduction of sin, I skipped to chapters concerning Jesus' death on the cross. After 20 minutes of reading from the text, I talked--through broken-in-a-million-pieces Spanish--to the two guys about what God did in creating the world, sending His Son to the world to die, why believe in Him, and what happens if you do/don't put your faith in Him. Jorge, probably one of my favorite guys there, asked several questions and seemed genuinely interested and somewhat knowledgeable about the Bible. Through talking with him and Luis, another one of my favorites, I asked about whether or not they could go to church and invited them to come with us. (The walls of the boy's home are 30' high with barbed wire, doors are always locked and only opened by the director or vigilancia, and boys only leave for school.) He said that the boys weren't allowed to leave to go to church unless one of their teachers or helpers went with them. So after finishing up talking with Jorge and Luis, I was walking around to another dorm room type building when one of the female teachers came up and told me that Jorge asked if they could go to church with me some time! She said that she would be more than willing to come along to be the 'escort' of sorts. So I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how God will continue to soften hearts and draw others to Himself. Through those two boys, several others, and a down-syndrome boy named Joel, there is much joy and excitement at Hogar San José. I've been asked to help Joel with several things such as doing hand-eye coordination tasks, doing puzzles, and drawing; during those times, his laughs, hugs, and motivation to finish have provided much happiness and contentment. So I would definitely appreciate continued prayer for renewed energy to be refreshed and excited to share the grace that I have received.
Another joy has been working at Las Ponas. Through those two, and sometimes three, days a week visits, I've gotten to know the guys pretty well and have already learned a lot. Most of y'all know this, but I've had minimal experience with carpentry, so I've definitely come in open-minded and ready to learn. The guys have been very welcoming and patient with my lack of knowledge and desirous to get to know me better. It's basically been fantastic.
So, things are continually coming together and working together for the good of the Lord, so that is for sure something to be thankful for. As the summer progresses, please continue covering me in prayer as the Lord's work continues to involve a sinner such as myself.
Also this week--well, yesterday--I did a few more touristy things and saw some amazing ruins of Moche and Chimu civilizations. One of Covenant's Spanish/French professors was in South America for a few weeks and stopped by to stay with us in Trujillo for a few days, so we took him out and about a few times.
View of Huaca del Sol while climbing up to Huaca de la Luna.
View of Huaca del Sol and the Moche city below.
Outside wall of Huaca de la Luna.
Then we went to Chan Chan, another well-preserved ruins site.
Very straight, quadratic lines.
Living quarters of the Chimu people.
So, yes. This week has been a fantastic one. I've been able to witness and partake of the Lord opening opportunities and hearts to Himself. It's been glorious. Please continue praying for me as this summer carries on and the Lord reveals Himself to me and the people I encounter.
You folks are so dear, and I think of you often.
Daniel
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Mydentity.
So, this past week I've been thinking a lot about identity. In being in another culture, in myself, in people in general, and ultimately in God. There have been several different instances through this past week that have brought my thoughts back to the base of humanity: identity. Please bear with me as I type out these thoughts.
At the beginning of this week, if not the end of last week, I was walking with Josh as he was showing me how to navigate the streets towards the local bank and how to withdraw soles (the local currency). As we were walking, the subject kind of entered into the conversation unintentionally through just talking about life that Josh and Liz have experienced while in Perú. "These sunglasses, this shirt, or my shoes don't make me any greater than anybody else. It just means that God has blessed me with more, outside of my own doing, and has given me more to steward." I don't know about you, but this hits home. Just like how that subject unintentionally entered into the conversation, thoughts opposing Josh's statement unintentionally enter into my mind. I don't ever consciously think, "Man, I am so much greater than these people because I have this or that", but so often do I unintentionally act or feel that way. That I have more things, so I am worth more, or something like that. Since then, I have been challenged to get outside of my previous mindset of feeling more important and ultimately finding some significant piece of my identity in my worth or belongings. Matthew 6:19-21 says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Upon reflecting upon this passage and those words spoken by Josh, I have been very convicted in seeing a good portion of my worth and identity unintentionally found in treasures of this world. If items, 'treasures', superiority, etc., are the basis of what I am considering the most then how will I be able to minister and witness to the most essential, important aspect of anyone's identity: their souls.
Which leads to identity in myself. By the way, I'm just going to be candid in all of these blog things. So I'm sorry if they're too introspective, personal, negative, or happy. Ok. So, since hearing that truth and pondering it, I've been convicted within myself of just feeling that superiority towards others within the Perú and within America, too. Again, I don't walk down the streets and constantly think, "Because I have more worldly possessions, or because I'm American, I am worth more than you." But I also don't think, "How can I pray for and care for the souls of these people?" My identity is generally so internalized and materialized that I don't have the Gospel-minded focus on other's souls, nor my own. If I focus on material poverty of others, as a result of focusing on the material possessions of myself, then I am avoiding what lies underneath. The heart of the issue. One's relation with God. If I pray for materiality, health, solid relationships, and even safety--however good these things can be--for people, myself included, then I am escaping literally the most vital part of life: faith in Christ. Matthew 6:19-21 doesn't say, "Store up money, friends, health/home/car insurance, and safety, for those who have these will enter the Kingdom of Heaven." It says that those are treasures of earth, that moth and rust destroy, that fade and only last those few years that you live on earth. So if I am focusing on those trivialities of this world, then I am not focusing on the only means of salvation: belief in the one true Savior. I think this is 100% true of me: What I think most important about myself is what I will think most important about others. And then most likely act and pray towards that end. When we enter into a relationship with God, we are not promised health, safety, wealth, or many friends. The Bible actually says, yes this is coming from the Christian Bible, "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another... But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved." (Matthew 24:9, 10, 13) Anything outside of what God says I will have (tribulation, hatred, death) are simply blessings that I have been given to steward for the short time that I have on earth or for as long as God sees fit to bless me with. They are not, and can not, be my identity.
In interacting with strangers on the street, the boys in Hogar San José, church members, friends at home, anyone, I can not treat them as though their identity is found in material possessions. If I show them mercy, love, kindness, patience, because they have little possessions and not because they are souls longing for God, then what's the point? What is my motivation for doing work while in Perú and while on this earth? Though caring for people's current state is ONE way of showing Jesus to them, it should not be THE only way. I should desire, and am praying that God will allow me, to care for the souls and faith in Jesus within those with whom I interact. If I treat the boys in Hogar San José as only orphans, then I may well avoid treating them as Sons whom God is calling out of darkness. If I treat a homeless women on the street as such because of her material poverty, then I may avoid telling her of the riches that are found in Christ. If I treat friends at home as only buddies, then I may avoid telling and showing them of the brotherhood that is found in Christ. If I treat people in general, and myself, by the standards set by this world of what it means to be "important," then I am avoiding the the TRUE importance of belief, faith, and repentance found in Christ.
So why do I do this? Why do I treat people as such, highlighting false identities that are impressed by this world? Because I am a sinner. Yes, I have been saved, redeemed from the Hell I deserve by the grace of God alone, but I am still sinning. Currently sinning. Minutely.
Upon another conversation with Josh and Liz, this was discussed. "In doing missions, (missionaries) are not up here *hand high in the air* and the rest down here *hand parallel to chest*. We are right here and everyone else is right here *hands level*." I've thought about it like this before, and have thought about others like this as well. "Man, you're going to another country to do missions! You're going to do great and save so many souls!" YES, if you do spread the Gospel of Christ and assist God in leading others to Himself, then that is AMAZING and a blessing to experience. But because others and myself are serving overseas, and even for those who are serving at home, doesn't mean that we stop sinning and enter into this type of holier state where we are enabled to spread the Gospel more effectively. It is still real life, and sin still happens. But thanks be to God that He forgives us our sins and still sees fit to work through our imperfections. God has been doing that since the cross, and even before.
I am a sinner that is ministering to other sinners. The only, core, essential thing that sets me apart from others is that I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and died for my sins to save me from eternal damnation. And even then, I may be a sinner who is ministering to other sinners who too have placed their identity in God.
The core of my identity is found in the Lord, whether I realize it or not. So when I realize it, act like it, and pray like it, my view of others' true identities shifts.
We have all done the same amount to save ourselves: nothing. We have all been given the same opportunity to receive grace. And those who have been acted upon by the Holy Spirit and have received this free gift of God have been given the blessing and joy of spreading and multiplying the gift. Preaching to myself, here, too.
Matthew 24:13 says, "This Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come." If I, and we, are focusing on 'identities' in this world, then we are slacking in sharing the blessing of the IDENTITY found in Christ. May we preach to people as if their souls are on the line.
Daniel
At the beginning of this week, if not the end of last week, I was walking with Josh as he was showing me how to navigate the streets towards the local bank and how to withdraw soles (the local currency). As we were walking, the subject kind of entered into the conversation unintentionally through just talking about life that Josh and Liz have experienced while in Perú. "These sunglasses, this shirt, or my shoes don't make me any greater than anybody else. It just means that God has blessed me with more, outside of my own doing, and has given me more to steward." I don't know about you, but this hits home. Just like how that subject unintentionally entered into the conversation, thoughts opposing Josh's statement unintentionally enter into my mind. I don't ever consciously think, "Man, I am so much greater than these people because I have this or that", but so often do I unintentionally act or feel that way. That I have more things, so I am worth more, or something like that. Since then, I have been challenged to get outside of my previous mindset of feeling more important and ultimately finding some significant piece of my identity in my worth or belongings. Matthew 6:19-21 says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Upon reflecting upon this passage and those words spoken by Josh, I have been very convicted in seeing a good portion of my worth and identity unintentionally found in treasures of this world. If items, 'treasures', superiority, etc., are the basis of what I am considering the most then how will I be able to minister and witness to the most essential, important aspect of anyone's identity: their souls.
Which leads to identity in myself. By the way, I'm just going to be candid in all of these blog things. So I'm sorry if they're too introspective, personal, negative, or happy. Ok. So, since hearing that truth and pondering it, I've been convicted within myself of just feeling that superiority towards others within the Perú and within America, too. Again, I don't walk down the streets and constantly think, "Because I have more worldly possessions, or because I'm American, I am worth more than you." But I also don't think, "How can I pray for and care for the souls of these people?" My identity is generally so internalized and materialized that I don't have the Gospel-minded focus on other's souls, nor my own. If I focus on material poverty of others, as a result of focusing on the material possessions of myself, then I am avoiding what lies underneath. The heart of the issue. One's relation with God. If I pray for materiality, health, solid relationships, and even safety--however good these things can be--for people, myself included, then I am escaping literally the most vital part of life: faith in Christ. Matthew 6:19-21 doesn't say, "Store up money, friends, health/home/car insurance, and safety, for those who have these will enter the Kingdom of Heaven." It says that those are treasures of earth, that moth and rust destroy, that fade and only last those few years that you live on earth. So if I am focusing on those trivialities of this world, then I am not focusing on the only means of salvation: belief in the one true Savior. I think this is 100% true of me: What I think most important about myself is what I will think most important about others. And then most likely act and pray towards that end. When we enter into a relationship with God, we are not promised health, safety, wealth, or many friends. The Bible actually says, yes this is coming from the Christian Bible, "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another... But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved." (Matthew 24:9, 10, 13) Anything outside of what God says I will have (tribulation, hatred, death) are simply blessings that I have been given to steward for the short time that I have on earth or for as long as God sees fit to bless me with. They are not, and can not, be my identity.
In interacting with strangers on the street, the boys in Hogar San José, church members, friends at home, anyone, I can not treat them as though their identity is found in material possessions. If I show them mercy, love, kindness, patience, because they have little possessions and not because they are souls longing for God, then what's the point? What is my motivation for doing work while in Perú and while on this earth? Though caring for people's current state is ONE way of showing Jesus to them, it should not be THE only way. I should desire, and am praying that God will allow me, to care for the souls and faith in Jesus within those with whom I interact. If I treat the boys in Hogar San José as only orphans, then I may well avoid treating them as Sons whom God is calling out of darkness. If I treat a homeless women on the street as such because of her material poverty, then I may avoid telling her of the riches that are found in Christ. If I treat friends at home as only buddies, then I may avoid telling and showing them of the brotherhood that is found in Christ. If I treat people in general, and myself, by the standards set by this world of what it means to be "important," then I am avoiding the the TRUE importance of belief, faith, and repentance found in Christ.
So why do I do this? Why do I treat people as such, highlighting false identities that are impressed by this world? Because I am a sinner. Yes, I have been saved, redeemed from the Hell I deserve by the grace of God alone, but I am still sinning. Currently sinning. Minutely.
Upon another conversation with Josh and Liz, this was discussed. "In doing missions, (missionaries) are not up here *hand high in the air* and the rest down here *hand parallel to chest*. We are right here and everyone else is right here *hands level*." I've thought about it like this before, and have thought about others like this as well. "Man, you're going to another country to do missions! You're going to do great and save so many souls!" YES, if you do spread the Gospel of Christ and assist God in leading others to Himself, then that is AMAZING and a blessing to experience. But because others and myself are serving overseas, and even for those who are serving at home, doesn't mean that we stop sinning and enter into this type of holier state where we are enabled to spread the Gospel more effectively. It is still real life, and sin still happens. But thanks be to God that He forgives us our sins and still sees fit to work through our imperfections. God has been doing that since the cross, and even before.
I am a sinner that is ministering to other sinners. The only, core, essential thing that sets me apart from others is that I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and died for my sins to save me from eternal damnation. And even then, I may be a sinner who is ministering to other sinners who too have placed their identity in God.
The core of my identity is found in the Lord, whether I realize it or not. So when I realize it, act like it, and pray like it, my view of others' true identities shifts.
We have all done the same amount to save ourselves: nothing. We have all been given the same opportunity to receive grace. And those who have been acted upon by the Holy Spirit and have received this free gift of God have been given the blessing and joy of spreading and multiplying the gift. Preaching to myself, here, too.
Matthew 24:13 says, "This Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come." If I, and we, are focusing on 'identities' in this world, then we are slacking in sharing the blessing of the IDENTITY found in Christ. May we preach to people as if their souls are on the line.
Daniel
Sunday, May 25, 2014
One Down.
I learned a lot from my high school English teacher about writing, grammar, what not to say in public, how not to behave in a classroom setting, what 'manners' not to exhibit, etc., but one thing I never learned--and honestly, still have never done--is make a rough draft of a paper to ensure all the paragraphs flow and are united. My papers typically always just kind of come together beautifully and perfectly and make 100% sense... But my teachers typically thought otherwise.
As I sit here thinking about what all I've seen this past week, how much fun it was, what funny stories I can share, or how I've already seen God opening doors, I'm not about to put a cap on these stories by trying to organize or paraphrase them in the most cohesive manner. Either, "You're welcome" or "I'm sorry."
So, here we go.
Well, the first full day in Trujillo, after the last blog post and a full night in the Lima airport, was spent half-and-half. Half of it was running out to Josh's work and seeing the Sinergia building, Wichanzao church, and some of the surrounding community that benefits from the church and Sinergia. A man who was leading a mission trip for a group in Lima had heard about Sinergia and wanted to come visit, so Josh took him and me on a tour of the Sinergia grounds and then of a local marketplace that has many women who benefit from this wonderful microfinance aspect of Perú Mission (http://www.perumission.org/stewardship-sinergia). That was great getting to see actual faces, fruit stands, and products of those who benefit through Sinergia--as well as the neighborhood and lifestyle of those parents and kids that attend Wichanzao church. That was really cool. Then, once we returned back home, I spent the other half of the day unconscious in my bed. From 2:00 to 7:00 I was fully unaware of all my surroundings. There could have been an earthquake (which there actually was the night before I came, so not really an exaggeration) and I wouldn't have shifted. However, I was awoken by the laughter and voices of several people outside... WHOOPS. I slept into a little game night that we were having, with Peruvians of course. So I went out and greeted everyone and we played Mafia and hung out until about 9 when Josh, several other guys that were there, and I were supposed to go play fútbol at an outdoor, turf 'club.' That was an exciting, packed day full of visiting and sleep.
All of the days since then have kind of become one through taking about 3 days to finish a task (just part of the Peruvian culture) and my amazing ability to forget things.
But there's so much more I want to share, so it will be a lot less of a chronological order and much more of a 'whatever pops into my head' type order. Yes, that is definitely a type of order.
So, through the hard work and planning of Josh and Liz, my weekly schedule is coming together! I will be working at a boy's home named Hogar San José three days a week, still not set in stone which days, teaching English, playing games with the boys there, making art with them, and basically any other activity I'm asked to do. More on this, a little bit later. I will also be working at Las Ponas, a Perú Mission woodshop, Monday and Wednesday afternoons. Still in the mix is the possibility of teaching English at our church in Wichanzao with Pilar and Pablo, two Peruvians that most likely know English better than I know Spanish. Another likely possibility is volunteering at Hogar Luz de Vida (Light of Life) a few times a week. So, a lot of opportunities have been laid out in front of me and one of the most exciting so far has been Hogar San José.
This past week, on Tuesday afternoon, Josh and I went to visit Hogar San José. This orphanage is about 15 minutes away from our house on Fátima and is a boy's only organization. So, after Josh talked with the director and planned a meeting, we were able to go and visit. It took several days to reach the director and schedule a meeting, but that's just part of living in Perú. Josh and I took a bus out to the boy's home, signed in, and then went and talked with the director. Señor Wilfredo was an extremely nice man, who seemed almost as excited as me for this opportunity. Josh took some Perú Mission pamphlets and talked about opportunities to make connections between the orphanage and the mission, which was also really cool to see Señor Wilfredo's excitement towards that. When Josh and I first got there, several boys were walking around and I suppose heard that I would be volunteering there because one guy asked us, "Are you the one working here?" After about a 20 minute introduction to the boy's home and discussing possibilities to work, Señor Wilfredo took us on a little tour of the grounds. It's actually pretty large; there are 2 or 3 dorm buildings, 1 building that has offices and such, 1 that has a big room to do arts and crafts in, 1 building that has classrooms and desks in it, a big stadium-like fútbol/basquetbol court, and an area with trees and a garden or something. After the tour and everything was done, the boys were down on the court playing fútbol and asked if we wanted to play, so we played with them for about half and hour. It was awesome. So that has been encouraging to see God opening doors with Hogar San José for me to teach and help, and also the opportunity to make connections with Perú Mission.
Aside from visiting Hogar San José, talking about planning meetings for teaching English at our Wichanzao church, visiting and helping out at Las Ponas, calling and discussing opportunities to work at Hogar Luz de Vida, talking about attending and helping out with SUSA (a college ministry outreach of Perú Mission), much of this week has been spent getting to know Trujillo, meeting missionaries and their kids, walking around, kind of getting lost, and other fun things.
For most of the week, Josh has been taking me around to different spots, making connections for me between where we are in relation to home, taking me to the bank, etc. Contrary to the States, the main means of transportation in Perú is walking. Sure, you take buses, taxis, or colectivos (extraordinarily fun) to the surrounding area where you want to go, but then you walk. And walk. And it's awesome. Everything's typically close enough to take no longer than 25 minutes to walk to, whereas in the US you have to get in your car and drive at least 20 minutes to get to the nearest Walmart. It's just a different way of life. Willy Madrid, married to a missionary of Perú Missions and next-door neighbors, took me out on a tour of downtown Trujillo, also. This was more of a historical tour where he gave me much information, history, facts about Trujillo and it was a blast. We walked about 45 minutes into downtown, walked all around the streets, sat and talked at a park about Peruvian government and other issues, and then walked to get on a colectivo. Being able to hear so much background info from a local Peruvian and see a new perspective on the city was absolutely grand.
Man. I feel like I just have so much to say, but I don't want to bore you... Here, intermission.
Okay, and we're back.
So, although walking is a main means of transportation, one of the most fun things has been taking advantage of the other means. There are combis, colectivos, taxis (spelled takci), and micros. Combis are bigger, home-school-family type vans that seat maybe 15 adults. Colectivos are only cars, but fit up to 6 passengers excluding the driver. Taxis are supposed to only hold 4 passengers aside from the driver... But nobody keeps that. And then the micros are just big city buses that hold as many as can sit down, stand up, kneel, lay down, etc. My favorite have been colectivos and micros; colectivos are just fun because it's a standard rate, they run in set paths--but there are many routes--and if someone else needs to get to a destination farther down the route of the colectivo that you're in, they just get in and sit down by you. You flag them down, get in it, and enjoy the hectic ride. Micros are kind of like colectivos, only bigger and more dangerous for pedestrians and passengers. You just flag them down, get in, and then get off when you reach your destination. It sounds simple, but it's not. But it basically is. Essentially, what I'm trying to say is that I kind of got lost or turned around or something after getting off a micro earlier than I should have and then getting on a colectivo that wasn't heading to where it said it was. Kind of mostly my fault, also just kind of part of going with the flow.
Yes, this week has been extremely busy with trying to figure out work schedule in a very polychronic culture, running around town to see more of the city that I'll be living in, figuring out routes of transportation, visiting and having others visit, church activities, etc., but there has been so much goodness in it. Seriously. So many blessings have been poured onto my time already. Josh and Elizabeth have been so generous, helpful, and welcoming as I transition in, many doors are being opened for me to help, volunteer, and teach, the Lord is showing me more ways that I can actively be a servant, and how I can glorify Him more fully this summer.
As I begin this summer after a full week, please continue in prayer for me, Perú Mission, and Trujillo.
-In Wichanzao, there have been several alleged cases of children being taken in front of their mothers in the marketplaces by local gang members, killed, and their organs taken out--most likely to be sold.
-In Parque Industrial, a sister church's neighborhood, there have been several murders and robberies in the last few weeks.
-That the Holy Spirit may continue to soften hearts of Peruvians and the Perú Mission team to Himself.
-That the Lord may continue humbling me and showing me more of how to glorify Him and serve others.
-For Josh and Liz and the other missionary families that they may be sustained and encouraged by each other and God's good promises in His Word.
Daniel
As I sit here thinking about what all I've seen this past week, how much fun it was, what funny stories I can share, or how I've already seen God opening doors, I'm not about to put a cap on these stories by trying to organize or paraphrase them in the most cohesive manner. Either, "You're welcome" or "I'm sorry."
So, here we go.
Well, the first full day in Trujillo, after the last blog post and a full night in the Lima airport, was spent half-and-half. Half of it was running out to Josh's work and seeing the Sinergia building, Wichanzao church, and some of the surrounding community that benefits from the church and Sinergia. A man who was leading a mission trip for a group in Lima had heard about Sinergia and wanted to come visit, so Josh took him and me on a tour of the Sinergia grounds and then of a local marketplace that has many women who benefit from this wonderful microfinance aspect of Perú Mission (http://www.perumission.org/stewardship-sinergia). That was great getting to see actual faces, fruit stands, and products of those who benefit through Sinergia--as well as the neighborhood and lifestyle of those parents and kids that attend Wichanzao church. That was really cool. Then, once we returned back home, I spent the other half of the day unconscious in my bed. From 2:00 to 7:00 I was fully unaware of all my surroundings. There could have been an earthquake (which there actually was the night before I came, so not really an exaggeration) and I wouldn't have shifted. However, I was awoken by the laughter and voices of several people outside... WHOOPS. I slept into a little game night that we were having, with Peruvians of course. So I went out and greeted everyone and we played Mafia and hung out until about 9 when Josh, several other guys that were there, and I were supposed to go play fútbol at an outdoor, turf 'club.' That was an exciting, packed day full of visiting and sleep.
All of the days since then have kind of become one through taking about 3 days to finish a task (just part of the Peruvian culture) and my amazing ability to forget things.
But there's so much more I want to share, so it will be a lot less of a chronological order and much more of a 'whatever pops into my head' type order. Yes, that is definitely a type of order.
So, through the hard work and planning of Josh and Liz, my weekly schedule is coming together! I will be working at a boy's home named Hogar San José three days a week, still not set in stone which days, teaching English, playing games with the boys there, making art with them, and basically any other activity I'm asked to do. More on this, a little bit later. I will also be working at Las Ponas, a Perú Mission woodshop, Monday and Wednesday afternoons. Still in the mix is the possibility of teaching English at our church in Wichanzao with Pilar and Pablo, two Peruvians that most likely know English better than I know Spanish. Another likely possibility is volunteering at Hogar Luz de Vida (Light of Life) a few times a week. So, a lot of opportunities have been laid out in front of me and one of the most exciting so far has been Hogar San José.
This past week, on Tuesday afternoon, Josh and I went to visit Hogar San José. This orphanage is about 15 minutes away from our house on Fátima and is a boy's only organization. So, after Josh talked with the director and planned a meeting, we were able to go and visit. It took several days to reach the director and schedule a meeting, but that's just part of living in Perú. Josh and I took a bus out to the boy's home, signed in, and then went and talked with the director. Señor Wilfredo was an extremely nice man, who seemed almost as excited as me for this opportunity. Josh took some Perú Mission pamphlets and talked about opportunities to make connections between the orphanage and the mission, which was also really cool to see Señor Wilfredo's excitement towards that. When Josh and I first got there, several boys were walking around and I suppose heard that I would be volunteering there because one guy asked us, "Are you the one working here?" After about a 20 minute introduction to the boy's home and discussing possibilities to work, Señor Wilfredo took us on a little tour of the grounds. It's actually pretty large; there are 2 or 3 dorm buildings, 1 building that has offices and such, 1 that has a big room to do arts and crafts in, 1 building that has classrooms and desks in it, a big stadium-like fútbol/basquetbol court, and an area with trees and a garden or something. After the tour and everything was done, the boys were down on the court playing fútbol and asked if we wanted to play, so we played with them for about half and hour. It was awesome. So that has been encouraging to see God opening doors with Hogar San José for me to teach and help, and also the opportunity to make connections with Perú Mission.
Aside from visiting Hogar San José, talking about planning meetings for teaching English at our Wichanzao church, visiting and helping out at Las Ponas, calling and discussing opportunities to work at Hogar Luz de Vida, talking about attending and helping out with SUSA (a college ministry outreach of Perú Mission), much of this week has been spent getting to know Trujillo, meeting missionaries and their kids, walking around, kind of getting lost, and other fun things.
For most of the week, Josh has been taking me around to different spots, making connections for me between where we are in relation to home, taking me to the bank, etc. Contrary to the States, the main means of transportation in Perú is walking. Sure, you take buses, taxis, or colectivos (extraordinarily fun) to the surrounding area where you want to go, but then you walk. And walk. And it's awesome. Everything's typically close enough to take no longer than 25 minutes to walk to, whereas in the US you have to get in your car and drive at least 20 minutes to get to the nearest Walmart. It's just a different way of life. Willy Madrid, married to a missionary of Perú Missions and next-door neighbors, took me out on a tour of downtown Trujillo, also. This was more of a historical tour where he gave me much information, history, facts about Trujillo and it was a blast. We walked about 45 minutes into downtown, walked all around the streets, sat and talked at a park about Peruvian government and other issues, and then walked to get on a colectivo. Being able to hear so much background info from a local Peruvian and see a new perspective on the city was absolutely grand.
Man. I feel like I just have so much to say, but I don't want to bore you... Here, intermission.
Josh and I walking around downtown.
A Día de la Sierra y Costa at Wichanzao church--celebrating the majority of the congregation's heritage by bringing and enjoying foods of the mountains (sierra) and the coast (costa).
Eating some type of surprisingly spicy food at the Día de la Sierra y Costa festival.
Okay, and we're back.
So, although walking is a main means of transportation, one of the most fun things has been taking advantage of the other means. There are combis, colectivos, taxis (spelled takci), and micros. Combis are bigger, home-school-family type vans that seat maybe 15 adults. Colectivos are only cars, but fit up to 6 passengers excluding the driver. Taxis are supposed to only hold 4 passengers aside from the driver... But nobody keeps that. And then the micros are just big city buses that hold as many as can sit down, stand up, kneel, lay down, etc. My favorite have been colectivos and micros; colectivos are just fun because it's a standard rate, they run in set paths--but there are many routes--and if someone else needs to get to a destination farther down the route of the colectivo that you're in, they just get in and sit down by you. You flag them down, get in it, and enjoy the hectic ride. Micros are kind of like colectivos, only bigger and more dangerous for pedestrians and passengers. You just flag them down, get in, and then get off when you reach your destination. It sounds simple, but it's not. But it basically is. Essentially, what I'm trying to say is that I kind of got lost or turned around or something after getting off a micro earlier than I should have and then getting on a colectivo that wasn't heading to where it said it was. Kind of mostly my fault, also just kind of part of going with the flow.
Yes, this week has been extremely busy with trying to figure out work schedule in a very polychronic culture, running around town to see more of the city that I'll be living in, figuring out routes of transportation, visiting and having others visit, church activities, etc., but there has been so much goodness in it. Seriously. So many blessings have been poured onto my time already. Josh and Elizabeth have been so generous, helpful, and welcoming as I transition in, many doors are being opened for me to help, volunteer, and teach, the Lord is showing me more ways that I can actively be a servant, and how I can glorify Him more fully this summer.
As I begin this summer after a full week, please continue in prayer for me, Perú Mission, and Trujillo.
Specific Prayer Requests
-Safety for families and children of surrounding neighborhoods.-In Wichanzao, there have been several alleged cases of children being taken in front of their mothers in the marketplaces by local gang members, killed, and their organs taken out--most likely to be sold.
-In Parque Industrial, a sister church's neighborhood, there have been several murders and robberies in the last few weeks.
-That the Holy Spirit may continue to soften hearts of Peruvians and the Perú Mission team to Himself.
-That the Lord may continue humbling me and showing me more of how to glorify Him and serve others.
-For Josh and Liz and the other missionary families that they may be sustained and encouraged by each other and God's good promises in His Word.
Some goodness from The Valley of Vision
"Continue the gentleness of they goodness towards me,
And whether I wake or sleep, let thy presence go with me,
thy blessing attend me.
Thou hast led me on and I have found thy promises true,
I have been sorrowful, but thou has been my help,
fearful, but thou hast delivered me,
despairing, but thou has lifted me up.
Thy vows are ever upon me,
And I praise thee, O God."
Daniel
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Receiving and Sowing.
¡Así, después de dieciséis horas de viaje, estoy en Perú!
Well, after sixteen hours of travelling, I'm in Perú!
It's so hard to believe that I am already in Perú, that the flights (for today, at least) are over, and that early tomorrow morning I'll be flying to Trujillo! Everything went so smoothly today--the flights were all very quick, including the 6.5 hour flight from Houston to Lima, the layovers and waits have been painless, and I've even made a few friends already!
This morning, after a delicious breakfast of mom's homemade white chocolate cherry bread and coffee, we all headed to the Jackson airport. After arriving, at about 10:10 a.m., Mom, Emily, and Dad stayed and talked for half an hour as I checked a bag and got tickets and such. An old camp friend, Johnny Barnes, that lives a few minutes away also voluntarily met up and talked with me for a while which was such a blessing. Sitting in the Jackson airport talking with Johnny about summer plans, the past school semester, friends, and the Gospel truly calmed any pre-flight anxieties that I had before. It was a very pleasant, sweet goodbye to my family and that dear friend. The fact that family, friends, and I all realize that this is clearly where God is calling me this summer has made the departure much smoother than it could have been otherwise.
As I was flying from Jackson to Houston, TX (at around 11:45), lyrics from a Hillsong United song were brought into my head and really hit home. Though the song as a whole doesn't fully correlate with my current situation, the last two lines are 100% applicable.
"I know I'm filled to be emptied again,
The seed I've received I will sow."
This song has been sung at many worship times of summers past at Camp of the Rising Son and has really been engrained in my memory by a dear friend, Anne Clair. She has taught me so much about 'sowing seeds' while doing missions and how exciting it is to visibly see fruit of God's work through oneself. So, as I flew out of Mississippi on my first flight of the day, I was singing these lyrics in my head.
I have been filled to the brim these past months of support raising, and especially these past few weeks at home. Whether it be grabbing coffee with mom and talking about God's work or talking with Grandma Coleman for several hours about life and our Savior's grace. Going to the lake for a night with friends and being encouraged by their words and intentionality or being commissioned by Westminster to serve abroad. Catching up and talking with a life-long friend over lunch, laughter, and lattes or a thirty minute time of care and prayer. I have been so filled by these acts of love, encouragement, and kindness and I have received, with open arms, the seed of joy and excitement of the Gospel that I am now ready to sow. This process of being filled started over 5 months ago when I was in Trujillo over Christmas break; talking with missionary families about the possibility of coming back and receiving positive feedback in the very beginning stages of thinking and praying about returning, to just this morning being sent off by prayers of a good friend and hugs from family.
"I know I'm filled to be emptied again,
The seed I've received I will sow."
I am a cup that has been filled and is overflowing. I know that this summer will be a summer of humbling and challenging growth, but I am so very excited to share this seed. To sow the seed of the internal, and in turn external, joy of the Holy Spirit with my brothers and sisters is Perú. To share with others the pleasure and happiness that comes with being overflowed by the power of God. These lyrics sent me away from home with a sweet taste in my mouth. Upon seeing how blessed I have been and how evidently God has called me to Trujillo this summer, it would be impossible for me to be downcast or sad.
I landed in Houston at about 1:10 p.m., walked a ways to a train that connected gates, and after a few stops I was at gate E2. Just like that. Though it was intimidating at first, everything (basically only my nerves) eventually calmed down. As I sat there eating my Italian herbs and cheese sandwich and reading "Follow Me" by David Platt--a fantastic book, by the way--I eavesdropped in on a group of 6 middle-aged, wealthy Americans who were going on a jungle excursion in Perú. Don't worry, they never knew that I was listening. They were recounting all of their previous adventures and travels together, which was quite entertaining, throwing in as many "Oh look how wealthy I am" statements. Such as "Oh, yeah. It's very liberating just spending $800 in under 20 minutes on necessary equipment." But I mean, yeah, it's not like I was really paying attention to what they were saying.....
Anyways, after a chapter and a half of "Follow Me" and a nalgene of water and a sandwich consumed, my flight from Houston to Lima took off! From 3:45 to 10:20 I was flying over water and land and whales and air and stuff. Even though the flight was six and a half hours, it seemed to take no time at all. Two more chapters read, "Captain Phillips" and "Argo" watched, and I was miraculously in Lima, Perú--where I am now. Once we landed, the man that had been sitting beside me the whole time began conversing and asking questions about what I was going to be doing while in Perú. He was born in Perú but moved to Oregon about 30 years ago with one of his sons to work with one of his uncles. He was coming back to Perú for the wedding of one of his nieces! Thankfully, he was very familiar with the Lima airport, so I followed him to the baggage claim belt, talking the whole way. Once we got our bags, we said our goodbyes and then separated. Such a great welcome to Lima!
Going through customs and 'security' was a breeze, and soon I was wandering around the same food court that I had been in just 5 months previous. I was only alone for about 5 minutes before a man sat down beside me and gestured if it was okay that he sit there. Another friend! I got to talking with him a good bit, and the conversation ranged from boxing matches (pelea de boxeo) and favorite boxers (boxeadores) to where I was coming from to what are my favorite bands to who is my favorite American football team. It turns out that Ivan was waiting in the food court for his wife to get off of work at 12 a.m. Ivan and I were able to talk for about 30-45 minutes, I was able to tell him what I was going to be doing while in Trujillo, and why I was going. It was a great time and those minutes passed by way too quickly. Before his wife came over to let him know that she was off of work, he asked if we could take a picture on my phone to remember him.
Daniel
Well, after sixteen hours of travelling, I'm in Perú!
It's so hard to believe that I am already in Perú, that the flights (for today, at least) are over, and that early tomorrow morning I'll be flying to Trujillo! Everything went so smoothly today--the flights were all very quick, including the 6.5 hour flight from Houston to Lima, the layovers and waits have been painless, and I've even made a few friends already!
This morning, after a delicious breakfast of mom's homemade white chocolate cherry bread and coffee, we all headed to the Jackson airport. After arriving, at about 10:10 a.m., Mom, Emily, and Dad stayed and talked for half an hour as I checked a bag and got tickets and such. An old camp friend, Johnny Barnes, that lives a few minutes away also voluntarily met up and talked with me for a while which was such a blessing. Sitting in the Jackson airport talking with Johnny about summer plans, the past school semester, friends, and the Gospel truly calmed any pre-flight anxieties that I had before. It was a very pleasant, sweet goodbye to my family and that dear friend. The fact that family, friends, and I all realize that this is clearly where God is calling me this summer has made the departure much smoother than it could have been otherwise.
As I was flying from Jackson to Houston, TX (at around 11:45), lyrics from a Hillsong United song were brought into my head and really hit home. Though the song as a whole doesn't fully correlate with my current situation, the last two lines are 100% applicable.
"I know I'm filled to be emptied again,
The seed I've received I will sow."
This song has been sung at many worship times of summers past at Camp of the Rising Son and has really been engrained in my memory by a dear friend, Anne Clair. She has taught me so much about 'sowing seeds' while doing missions and how exciting it is to visibly see fruit of God's work through oneself. So, as I flew out of Mississippi on my first flight of the day, I was singing these lyrics in my head.
I have been filled to the brim these past months of support raising, and especially these past few weeks at home. Whether it be grabbing coffee with mom and talking about God's work or talking with Grandma Coleman for several hours about life and our Savior's grace. Going to the lake for a night with friends and being encouraged by their words and intentionality or being commissioned by Westminster to serve abroad. Catching up and talking with a life-long friend over lunch, laughter, and lattes or a thirty minute time of care and prayer. I have been so filled by these acts of love, encouragement, and kindness and I have received, with open arms, the seed of joy and excitement of the Gospel that I am now ready to sow. This process of being filled started over 5 months ago when I was in Trujillo over Christmas break; talking with missionary families about the possibility of coming back and receiving positive feedback in the very beginning stages of thinking and praying about returning, to just this morning being sent off by prayers of a good friend and hugs from family.
"I know I'm filled to be emptied again,
The seed I've received I will sow."
I am a cup that has been filled and is overflowing. I know that this summer will be a summer of humbling and challenging growth, but I am so very excited to share this seed. To sow the seed of the internal, and in turn external, joy of the Holy Spirit with my brothers and sisters is Perú. To share with others the pleasure and happiness that comes with being overflowed by the power of God. These lyrics sent me away from home with a sweet taste in my mouth. Upon seeing how blessed I have been and how evidently God has called me to Trujillo this summer, it would be impossible for me to be downcast or sad.
I landed in Houston at about 1:10 p.m., walked a ways to a train that connected gates, and after a few stops I was at gate E2. Just like that. Though it was intimidating at first, everything (basically only my nerves) eventually calmed down. As I sat there eating my Italian herbs and cheese sandwich and reading "Follow Me" by David Platt--a fantastic book, by the way--I eavesdropped in on a group of 6 middle-aged, wealthy Americans who were going on a jungle excursion in Perú. Don't worry, they never knew that I was listening. They were recounting all of their previous adventures and travels together, which was quite entertaining, throwing in as many "Oh look how wealthy I am" statements. Such as "Oh, yeah. It's very liberating just spending $800 in under 20 minutes on necessary equipment." But I mean, yeah, it's not like I was really paying attention to what they were saying.....
Anyways, after a chapter and a half of "Follow Me" and a nalgene of water and a sandwich consumed, my flight from Houston to Lima took off! From 3:45 to 10:20 I was flying over water and land and whales and air and stuff. Even though the flight was six and a half hours, it seemed to take no time at all. Two more chapters read, "Captain Phillips" and "Argo" watched, and I was miraculously in Lima, Perú--where I am now. Once we landed, the man that had been sitting beside me the whole time began conversing and asking questions about what I was going to be doing while in Perú. He was born in Perú but moved to Oregon about 30 years ago with one of his sons to work with one of his uncles. He was coming back to Perú for the wedding of one of his nieces! Thankfully, he was very familiar with the Lima airport, so I followed him to the baggage claim belt, talking the whole way. Once we got our bags, we said our goodbyes and then separated. Such a great welcome to Lima!
Going through customs and 'security' was a breeze, and soon I was wandering around the same food court that I had been in just 5 months previous. I was only alone for about 5 minutes before a man sat down beside me and gestured if it was okay that he sit there. Another friend! I got to talking with him a good bit, and the conversation ranged from boxing matches (pelea de boxeo) and favorite boxers (boxeadores) to where I was coming from to what are my favorite bands to who is my favorite American football team. It turns out that Ivan was waiting in the food court for his wife to get off of work at 12 a.m. Ivan and I were able to talk for about 30-45 minutes, I was able to tell him what I was going to be doing while in Trujillo, and why I was going. It was a great time and those minutes passed by way too quickly. Before his wife came over to let him know that she was off of work, he asked if we could take a picture on my phone to remember him.
Ivan and me in the Lima Airport Food Court
That was a blast being able to put some of my broken Spanish to use and make a friend immediately.
"I know I'm filled to be emptied again,
The seed I've received I will sow."
So, thank you friends and family for filling me with this inexpressible joy that can only be found in Christ. "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy...." 1 Peter 1:8. I have been filled with the joy of the Gospel by so many of you in so many ways. All I can do is thank you for praying for me and for supporting me in this journey that Christ is taking me on.
As I sit in this Starbucks at 1:40 a.m. in Lima, Perú, rambling about my day and how I saw God in it, I can't help but overflow with the joy that can be found in Christ and pray that God may use me to sow seeds in others' lives.
As I sit in this Starbucks at 1:40 a.m. in Lima, Perú, rambling about my day and how I saw God in it, I can't help but overflow with the joy that can be found in Christ and pray that God may use me to sow seeds in others' lives.
Daniel
Friday, May 9, 2014
Preparation.
I think I'm turning into my father, aside from the lack of hair. Yesterday, I kept telling myself, "A week from today I'll be flying to Perú!" Today, I'm telling myself, "A week from yesterday I'll be flying to Perú!"
On any given vacation that our family has gone on, there have been numerous times that dad has reminded us: "Well, 3 days from now we'll be back home." or "In 43 hours we're going to be packing up the van to head back." Except this time is slightly different. This time I'm travelling alone and this time I'm the one reminding myself.
A week from yesterday, on May 15, I will be flying down to Trujillo, Perú to spend the summer serving Perú Mission and local missionary families. Though much of my weekly schedule is yet to be determined, I will be teaching grammar and English at a local elementary school, helping out with Sunday School and youth programs for local churches, volunteering at a local orphanage, and potentially helping out at a local Peruvian woodworking shop (Las Ponas), run by Perú Mission.
Although this countdown is making me increasingly excited for the work that I will be doing this summer, it is also preparing me for a massacre. Of myself. Recently, I have been struggling with finding energy and joy to serve the Lord. I have not wandered from the faith or questioned God's goodness in the slightest, but it has been hard searching for the Light through the mundane days. My prayer has constantly been--and I would be overly appreciative if it was yours, as well--that God would use this summer and the people I meet to break me of myself and to grow me in Himself.
See, I struggle hard with pride and selfishness. Whether I feel it, or whether you see it, it is there and battling against the Lord. This pride has been working in mighty ways lately, but praise the Lord that He hears prayers and is mightier than the things of this world; sin included. A major side-effect of my pride has been a lack of dependence and growth in the Lord. Because if I can handle life on my own without help, why do I need to ask of the Lord for help? This is why I am praying for a massacre of myself. Because I know that I can't handle life on my own. That talents or humor can't save me. That selfishness and pride block the heart from God's intervention. Because I am the most conceited and self-centered of them all. Because in order to allow God to work in me and strengthen me, I first have to be broken and humbled.
This prayer has been challenging, yet already fruitful, as I prepare to leave for the summer. It is causing me to pray things that I am so uncomfortable with, to lay down my desire and passion to control situations, and to sacrifice all of myself to allow God to consume all of me. Yet I am already seeing, and patiently expecting, how Christ will answer this prayer. This prayer is not coming from myself; all of me does not want this massacre, but all of me needs it. I am confident that God will use this summer, and answer this prayer, in more ways than I can possibly imagine because He promises to in Ephesians 3:20. That once I am broken and outside of myself, I will be a more loving and caring servant of God to Trujillo. And that the Lord will use this time to shape the rest of my life. This will not just be a summer, this will be the first steps of a life-long process.
In preparing to leave, through figuring out what to pack, thanking all those who have so generously prayed over and supported me, and just thinking about it, I am praying that the Lord will use these two-and-a-half months in Trujillo to humble me and in turn, serve Him more fully.
The only way forward in life is by getting down on my knees in prayer.
-Daniel
On any given vacation that our family has gone on, there have been numerous times that dad has reminded us: "Well, 3 days from now we'll be back home." or "In 43 hours we're going to be packing up the van to head back." Except this time is slightly different. This time I'm travelling alone and this time I'm the one reminding myself.
A week from yesterday, on May 15, I will be flying down to Trujillo, Perú to spend the summer serving Perú Mission and local missionary families. Though much of my weekly schedule is yet to be determined, I will be teaching grammar and English at a local elementary school, helping out with Sunday School and youth programs for local churches, volunteering at a local orphanage, and potentially helping out at a local Peruvian woodworking shop (Las Ponas), run by Perú Mission.
Although this countdown is making me increasingly excited for the work that I will be doing this summer, it is also preparing me for a massacre. Of myself. Recently, I have been struggling with finding energy and joy to serve the Lord. I have not wandered from the faith or questioned God's goodness in the slightest, but it has been hard searching for the Light through the mundane days. My prayer has constantly been--and I would be overly appreciative if it was yours, as well--that God would use this summer and the people I meet to break me of myself and to grow me in Himself.
See, I struggle hard with pride and selfishness. Whether I feel it, or whether you see it, it is there and battling against the Lord. This pride has been working in mighty ways lately, but praise the Lord that He hears prayers and is mightier than the things of this world; sin included. A major side-effect of my pride has been a lack of dependence and growth in the Lord. Because if I can handle life on my own without help, why do I need to ask of the Lord for help? This is why I am praying for a massacre of myself. Because I know that I can't handle life on my own. That talents or humor can't save me. That selfishness and pride block the heart from God's intervention. Because I am the most conceited and self-centered of them all. Because in order to allow God to work in me and strengthen me, I first have to be broken and humbled.
This prayer has been challenging, yet already fruitful, as I prepare to leave for the summer. It is causing me to pray things that I am so uncomfortable with, to lay down my desire and passion to control situations, and to sacrifice all of myself to allow God to consume all of me. Yet I am already seeing, and patiently expecting, how Christ will answer this prayer. This prayer is not coming from myself; all of me does not want this massacre, but all of me needs it. I am confident that God will use this summer, and answer this prayer, in more ways than I can possibly imagine because He promises to in Ephesians 3:20. That once I am broken and outside of myself, I will be a more loving and caring servant of God to Trujillo. And that the Lord will use this time to shape the rest of my life. This will not just be a summer, this will be the first steps of a life-long process.
In preparing to leave, through figuring out what to pack, thanking all those who have so generously prayed over and supported me, and just thinking about it, I am praying that the Lord will use these two-and-a-half months in Trujillo to humble me and in turn, serve Him more fully.
The only way forward in life is by getting down on my knees in prayer.
-Daniel
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