With a small step into the unknown, I found God already there.
Collecting thoughts of Outreach into words on a page...
The boats went up and down the river daily and this one particular boat made frequent visits to neighboring villages all along the river. It brought aid in many forms...encourager's, prayer warriors, medical folk, teacher's, friends, mentor's, carpenter's and I'm sure much more. By partnering up with this ministry we were able to do and be all of the above for the glory of God's Kingdom.
The river looked a big lake, with a current, yet sick as a sewage tank. [Where it literally was a means of holding sewage]. But absolutely wonderful!
--An eight hour ride up river of what seemed like endless beauty landed us in Santa Isabelle. The village was quiet and quaint upon arrival. The preacher greeted us in his tattered shorts while many others stared in amazement/shock/and fear of the white folk. Some children had never seen white people and even cried! But it only took time and they were playing with us~
The week there was spent building friendships, learning how to cook Peruvian meals, preparing and sharing sermons, giving testimonies, going on prayer walks and visiting houses. One of our guys even learned how to set fish nets by the moon light. The time with the villagers was sweatingly delightful.
Though not without it's challenges some of the best of times were spent around the wash tubs full of clothing or playing volleyball and soccer with children and adults alike. [I just loved spending time with the children in the mud, rain, and wash tubs!]
There is a great depth to which I do not understand God. It was as if I expected Him not to be in the next village several hours up the river and then finding myself utterly surprised and awed to find Him already dwelling among the people. The presence of His is undeniable in the outdoors but even more alive in several of the communities I least expected. I learned much more so the reality of how small I am and what a powerful message I carry. Many a time I wondered why God brought me to Peru. More or less as one of the leader's for this team! I quite frankly felt inadequate for the tast at hand. Yet I knew, that I knew, when God calls you to do
something, it is quite often something you feel inadequate in. It's through all those weaknesses that His glory and strength really shine. The time as leader was humbling and the time in Peru was not easy. Yet it was all so worth it! I have so much more to learn and I would definitely do it again.
---
There were days and moments looking into the eyes of men, women and children and simply feeling the love of Jesus oozing out your pours. Seeing that in each team member was precious. It was often in those times where our energy was zapped and feeling empty that you could feel His love pour forth. It is indescribable how Amazing God is! We went there to build relationships, teach and share our testimonies. Well we sure did have those opportunities but man oh man did we learn from them~ They welcome us with wide open arms and made a lasting impact in our very own lives! Praise the Lord for He truly is good*
The boats went up and down the river daily and this one particular boat made frequent visits to neighboring villages all along the river. It brought aid in many forms...encourager's, prayer warriors, medical folk, teacher's, friends, mentor's, carpenter's and I'm sure much more. By partnering up with this ministry we were able to do and be all of the above for the glory of God's Kingdom.
The river looked a big lake, with a current, yet sick as a sewage tank. [Where it literally was a means of holding sewage]. But absolutely wonderful!
--An eight hour ride up river of what seemed like endless beauty landed us in Santa Isabelle. The village was quiet and quaint upon arrival. The preacher greeted us in his tattered shorts while many others stared in amazement/shock/and fear of the white folk. Some children had never seen white people and even cried! But it only took time and they were playing with us~
The week there was spent building friendships, learning how to cook Peruvian meals, preparing and sharing sermons, giving testimonies, going on prayer walks and visiting houses. One of our guys even learned how to set fish nets by the moon light. The time with the villagers was sweatingly delightful.
Though not without it's challenges some of the best of times were spent around the wash tubs full of clothing or playing volleyball and soccer with children and adults alike. [I just loved spending time with the children in the mud, rain, and wash tubs!]
There is a great depth to which I do not understand God. It was as if I expected Him not to be in the next village several hours up the river and then finding myself utterly surprised and awed to find Him already dwelling among the people. The presence of His is undeniable in the outdoors but even more alive in several of the communities I least expected. I learned much more so the reality of how small I am and what a powerful message I carry. Many a time I wondered why God brought me to Peru. More or less as one of the leader's for this team! I quite frankly felt inadequate for the tast at hand. Yet I knew, that I knew, when God calls you to do
something, it is quite often something you feel inadequate in. It's through all those weaknesses that His glory and strength really shine. The time as leader was humbling and the time in Peru was not easy. Yet it was all so worth it! I have so much more to learn and I would definitely do it again.
---
There were days and moments looking into the eyes of men, women and children and simply feeling the love of Jesus oozing out your pours. Seeing that in each team member was precious. It was often in those times where our energy was zapped and feeling empty that you could feel His love pour forth. It is indescribable how Amazing God is! We went there to build relationships, teach and share our testimonies. Well we sure did have those opportunities but man oh man did we learn from them~ They welcome us with wide open arms and made a lasting impact in our very own lives! Praise the Lord for He truly is good*
Comments
Post a Comment