“Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” -from 1 Samuel, chapter 3. That is the verse that has highlighted this week. We are simply sitting, waiting, listening for what God is doing. Yes, of course we are going out and doing practical service, and VBS’s, but God had different plans for this week.
It has been more than just a service trip. It has been a time of filling up, spiritual activation, and refreshment for many of the people participating.
“I don’t know what it was, but my legs were heavy and my body was light, and I was sweating, but not just regular sweat, like this thing in my heart was coming to the surface and out of my pores…”
My new sister, a participant on the trip, was recounting to me her experience during an extended time of worship we were having on Tuesday evening. Hearing her words, seeing her countenance was exhilarating for me because it was evident that she had an encounter with the Holy Spirit.
There have been moments like that all week, and they are only getting more and more frequent! Countless beautiful moments in small conversations, encouraging words…and in sweaty hugs. (Lots of sweaty hugs.)
What has struck me as most incredible are these participants, from all over the north and northeast, came here with one thing in mind:
“I came to serve and I don’t care how I do it, just tell me.”
They have jumped in with everything. They haven’t held back, they haven’t complained, they have pushed through the uncomfortable, and they are embodying the very heart of Christ for this area.
What I love about short term mission trips is that it almost accelerates certain aspects of discipleship. We talk all the time about wanting breakthrough, about needing a touch from God. Here, in a time of concentrated sacrifice and service, God meets us and shows us the very thing we have been missing.
For some people it has been faith, for others intimacy. Some people have been asking for God to heal their broken heart, others have needed affirmation in their identity- that their story is valid, and that it isn’t over.
God has been speaking so loudly.
More than just being a service trip, God has been using this trip to minister to the hearts of participants in a beautiful way. Holy Spirit has been giving people visions, pouring out his love and allowing people to feel his presence, some for the first time.
“I got high! I got high on the love of God!” I just started laughing at that and yelled IT’S TRUE! “It was like I saw his face and he was just smiling. If that is how he loves us… I mean that’s amazing. It’s better than any drug I’ve ever tried. I’m telling you I was high!”
Another participant and I had a long conversation about boldness, confidence, even in the midst of struggle and pain. We got to talk about identity, give some stuff back to God that she been holding onto and claim a bold new future.
Needless to say, God is WRECKING people. He is wrecking me and affirming my calling as a teacher, pastor, and reconciler. It’s been so great, and I’m so excited that we have another day here to witness His goodness.
Thank you for your prayers! Keep them coming as we power through these next few days!
Sincerely,
Kevin
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