People and Processes

Right now we have currently had a lot of downtime, which has been very different from other mission trip teams I have been on.  I am used to waking up around 6 a.m. and not resting my head until 11 p.m.  God used the book “When Helping Hurts” to really speak to me.  It explained how a ministry in inner city Chicago was trying to rebuild an area.  A couple of families moved into this area and began to build relationships with them.  These families spent two years of getting to know them, listening to their stories, and hearing about their life before the rebuilding began.  It is about people and processes, not projects and products.  I am praying that I will be able to learn some Creole or become friends with someone who can translate for me.  I can’t build relationships until I can speak to them.  However, God has shown me the importance of smiling and laughter.  It is so cool that no matter where you are in the world a smile and laughter is the same in every language.  What an amazing blessing. 

We will be hosting a team for a week on Saturday.  Right now we are in the process of preparing everything for this team.  We will be hosting a pastor conference, medical clinics, and be used by God in any way we should.  I am watching over Esther, Lily, Silas, and Louis a lot right now while Lori and Noel get done what they need to get done.  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24

I am beyond thankful for the amount of friends and family I have supporting me. Whenever I feel alone, I think about everyone who is serving alongside me.  I am not alone; I’m not even close to being alone.