Hometown Missionary
When my husband and I came home from our first college mission trip, we committed to going on a mission trip every summer that God enabled us. This summer, we had the opportunity to serve at Crystal Springs Baptist Camp, but besides that, we have been in our hometown. It has been challenging; with work and summer school occupying my mind, I sometimes felt like I was missing out on doing something significant with my summer. I anticipated that God would teach me something about being a missionary right where I am, but the change in my heart was so quiet and slow that I can't pinpoint when it happened.
I now have a strong focus on sharing Jesus in my daily life. Before, I would always try to act with integrity and be a good example, but now I am constantly thinking, “How can I show them Jesus with my actions?” This shift has transformed me from just being a "goody-two-shoes-minding-my-own-business" to actively seeking relationships with others and going above and beyond. I make a conscious effort to pay attention to my coworkers and church family rather than just smiling and moving on. As a homebody and an introvert, I used to avoid meeting with people unless they were close friends coming over to my house. But now, I intentionally set up a time to meet with people, and surprisingly, it feels good. I'm not perfect, and I still battle fleshly thoughts of not wanting to put in effort, but I've witnessed so much growth in my attitude toward service this summer.
God's lessons are never disappointing; sometimes, I anticipate what He will teach me based on my expectations, but other times He changes me in ways I never imagined. Regardless, I am always overjoyed with the results. My husband and I have made quiet times a priority, and we are both going through the Bible cover to cover. Leviticus, often considered less interesting, has intrigued me, and I am hungry to read it rather than trying to rush through it. Additionally, I found a new accountability partner to memorize verses with, and it has been a blessing. This week's verse is 1 Peter 4:4, “They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living and they heap abuse on you.” Although I don't see much hardship for being a believer in my life, this verse serves as a reminder that our goal is to be different. My pastor talked about how we should look strange to the world's way of living, and this verse reinforces that idea.
I did have growing experiences trying to be a light at my job, discipling middle schoolers at camp, and helping with VBS once again. But the sweetest part of my summer actually happened in the last week before school started.
I babysat two girls during the last two weeks of summer. I am so, so blessed and humbled by what God allowed me to be a part of: both sisters gave their lives to Christ during our time together. My entire summer spent in Minot was made worth it by one humbling day. These two girls are not raised in a church-going, bible-thumping family. They occasionally visit Awana, but they spend every day from 7 am to 6 pm at school before going home to their overworked single dad finishing his degree and their two younger siblings also hungry for attention. I have such a heart for these two energetic and kind-hearted darlings. But nothing in my life so far has been as sweet as leading each of them in a prayer to ask Jesus into their hearts.
PRAISE THE LORD that he allows us to be his hands and feet for the gospel! He doesn’t need us, but he wants us. He has specifically designed us to worship him in unique ways, and he has given us the privilege of being used by the Holy Spirit to lead people to him. I love it, and I don’t ever want to stop loving it. It is easy to become complacent and lukewarm in our everyday schedules. Thankfully, even as the winter cold has chilled my bones, God is still pursuing me. He is wooing me to him, and I still wake up every morning and read his word. I am so thankful for the obedience he has given me because I know I could not do this on my own.
He is so tender towards my sensitive self, and I love his beautiful character. He pulls me closer, takes me deeper, and shows me more of his heart. My prayer is that he continues to give me love for him because his love for me is what keeps my depression away during this season. As the words of the song “Closer” by Bethel Music say, “Pull me a little closer, take me a little deeper, I want to know your heart. Cause your love is so much sweeter than anything I’ve tasted, I want to know your heart. Your love has ravished my heart...all I want is to be with you forever.” I pray that you also have this deep, deep desire and love for the Lord. His love is so much sweeter than anything.
Finally, I am praying for all of my fellow Christians in my Minot community to choose to be missionaries where they are at. To live differently and intentionally to show Jesus through their words and actions. Pray for me, that I would get opportunities to share the gospel with my coworkers. I’ve started talking about my faith and asking a few gals about their backgrounds, but please pray for open hearts, for the Holy Spirit to intercede, and for good opportunities. I have loved this summer because of how intentional I have become to think about God and to show His love above and beyond the bare minimum with my coworkers, my kiddos, and the strangers around me. I pray that we all become more intentional so that we can start a real revival in our city.