God's Reminders

Sunday night I was reminded of what God has done in my life and of the burden that he has placed on my heart for Peru. Local churches sent a short-term missions team to the Dominican Republic on Memorial Day. Their desire is to see people come to know Jesus Christ as their saviour. The team consists of men and women ranging in age from the 70s to the recent HS graduate teens. They arranged to pratice their children's ministry program and lead worship at a local hispanic church in Lexington the night before their trip.

Gillian and I were asked to come and help with translation during the service. Gillian translated for the children's ministry and I translated the English speaking pastor's (from the missions team) message into Spanish. As we were on our way to the service doubts entered into my mind. It had been one year since I last taught a Sunday School lesson in Spanish or translated a service in real time. Would I be able to translate well? Would the Holy Spirit annoint me and the pastor to convey His message clearly to the church? How would it all work out? Well, God answered my questions positively. The translation was a success and the message was well received. The message was out of Judges 6 about God being able to do more with a few obedient believers than anyone can imagine.

This night gave me great encouragement. I reflect back on how I used to be cynical, rebellious and hard-headed and see how God has changed my heart. He took my Spanish training, something that in high school I would have never seen as important, and turned it into something that could be used for His glory. God gave me an amazing wife who also has a burden for ministry. Only through his miraculous provision was I able to escape from the chains of my sin and be changed to the person that I am today. God continually quells my fears and doubts and assures me that this is the path that he has put me and my family on.

God has blessed us with the opportunity and desire to serve him in Peru. He has given us skills that 6 years ago we would have never dreamed about using. God can do alot with us, all we have to do is have faith and be obedient to his word.