October in Spain passed by quickly. We saw God working new things in His churches there, as I am sure he is working in His church all over the world. His kingdom is ever advancing, and the battle for that advance is real. There is so much need. And we have been praying for the church there and the trials they are facing. So many people have no hope or purpose. But we have JESUS the Way, the Truth and the Life to share with them.
While there, we were able to help in the regular ministry and services and support the church leadership. And, beyond the services and events, we had many opportunities for fellowship and one-on-one interaction. The Spanish people are very sociable and welcoming. They highly value social interaction and spending time with people, especially over a meal. When someone invites you to their house, you know it will be elaborate, full of good food and at least 3 hours long. There is no dip in and dip out.
We saw God minister to our team as well as those around us through those very personal interactions. And when I look at Jesus’ ministry, I see these activities too. Jesus spent his ministry years in close relationship with 12 disciples, eating, drinking, fellowshipping, working and doing life with them. The gospels are full of one-on-one moments where God steps into the everyday and gives answers, hope and so much more. We are meant to do the same. I think sometimes, maybe like I do, we all get lost in aspiring to huge activities, instead of just being obedient to reach the one, your neighbor. God help us to not despise small beginnings and just be faithful. One is a lot more than none.
We saw this same principal in Spain. Each of us had opportunities, each day, wherever, whenever to be obedient to reach out to the one. To set aside our plan and to-do’s and put FIRST His Kingdom. That is the kind of worship God wants.
6 “Is this not the fast that I choose: To release the bonds of wickedness, To undo the ropes of the yoke, And to let the oppressed go free, And break every yoke? 7 “Is it not to break your bread with the hungry And bring the homeless poor into the house; When you see the naked, to cover him; And not to hide yourself from your own flesh? 8 “Then your light will break out like the dawn, And your recovery will spring up quickly; And your righteousness will go before you; The glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. 9 “Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; You will cry for help, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you remove the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness, 10 And [if] you offer yourself to the hungry And satisfy the need of the afflicted, Then your light will rise in darkness, And your gloom [will become] like midday. 11 “And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. 12 “Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; You will raise up the age-old foundations; And you will be called the repairer of the breach, The restorer of the streets in which to dwell. [Isa 58:6-12 NASB20]
While working over there, we also had an opportunity to participate in a special service for a group of recovering addicts and homeless people. It was a beautiful and rather rustic scenario. The service happened outside at sunset in a place that even some nationals had a hard time coping with.
And there were so many very hard stories. Like one woman who told us about losing her children because of addiction. From that type of experience only Jesus can lift you. She is praying that one day she will get her kids back.
The group seemed to be forgotten by the world, but not by God. God sees them. And because many of them have been rejected by their family and friends, having others come in and share Jesus with them can encourage them not to give up, God does love them and will help them.
I think everyone received prayer that evening, and the group seemed very encouraged. He who the Son sets free is free indeed.
We had so many opportunities to influence the lives of others. I can only hope we used these to the max and look forward to the next opportunity today. And I am grateful for God’s power strengthening and guiding us in it all.
Missionary work, just to be frank, can be very hard. Constantly adjusting culturally and socially can become overwhelming. Missing family and friends and “stable”, “controllable” living scenarios can be taxing. And the ever-changing diet is definitely not for the faint of heart. I would not be able to do this without God doing it through me. I have reached desperation many times, as I am sure you have, but I know it’s worth it in the long run. And I encourage you, be willing to be uncomfortable for His purpose. Jesus had no place to lay His head, and He has given us much more than that. This is our temporary home. And He cares for us. Love, trust, and obey. Go. Do.
Thank you for being committed to pray for and support this work! You are part of making this happen.
