Hello all---
Sorry to post late yet again. I was unable to write yesterday because Amos decided it was not a day to take lengthy naps. However, he seems to be down for a while so hopefully I can post this!
I have been back in the States for a month and I have spent some time reflecting on how different I am now, from when I left Dec. 31 2015. It's really not that long but so much has happened that looking back, I feel like a completely different person. So, I just wanted to talk about a few things that have changed about being as a result of living on the mission field.
1) I approach worship/church services much differently. I told Mom that I wanted to go to as many English speaking services/sermons as possible while I am here. I have gone to several different denominations, and I am just soaking stuff up. I no longer take spiritual food for granted. Although I still think about and compare what is being said to scripture (or rather my understanding of scripture), and discuss things with my family and husband, I realize just how valuable it is to be able to understand and absorb what is being taught. It adds a whole new meaning to Pentecost when everyone heard people speaking in their own tongue.
2) I am a lot more tolerant and patient. Although i always thought I was a tolerant person (and I was more than some), the mission field has really opened my eyes in some areas. Patience is something that will always be a work in progress for me, but I have realized that many things people are intolerant about, harm the work of the Kingdom of God. Yes, there are things that need to be addressed and calling sin "sin" is important. But, so is saving a soul for Christ. Be tolerant like Adonai is to us and gently and patiently show others the truth. Tolerance in many areas is critical. It is also one of the most powerful tools in ministry, especially when building relationships.
3) The importance of the unity of believers. I have been guilty of being one of those people who thought they were Spiritually advanced of others and the misunderstandings and conduct of certain people/denominations merit shunning. BOY HOWDY!!! How wrong was I???!!!! Although I was coming out of this while in college, the mission field has really knocked some sense into me. If you are in the trenches and getting fired upon, you want help. You are not going to care if the helps is from your country or a different one as long as they are friendly and help. It's the same on the mission field, We are all there for the same purpose. So what if we differ some in our beliefs? I believe we should not eat pork. Jonathan disagrees and will sometimes eat pork. So what??? Does that effect the gospel message?? Does it suddenly make the Great Commission invalid? No! It's a disagreement that does not effect if someone is saved or not. And when we are under attack, we need each other for strength and encouragement. All people on the mission field need the support of fellow believers, regardless of how different or similar their beliefs are.
4) Not being to proud to ask for help. I am Scots-Irish and very stubborn. I was raised the way my Mom was raised, and her Mom, and her Mom. You pull yourself up by your boot straps, you don't ask for help and you never turn down a job. Although a work ethic is extremely important, the humility to admit that you can't do something alone and ask for help is too. I have had to ask for help a lot in the past year (little things, but still hard for me) and it has been a growing experience for me. It's okay to ask for help when it is needed. Just don't be dependent on it.
5) If your clothes don't match it's okay. Silly I know but it's true. As long as I am clothed, when just around the house or running errands, I don't need to stress about it. Ministry is not going to blossom just because I am always pulled together and matching. Ministry happens even when I don't match or have a large stain on my shirt. Ministry isn't a specific thing, but rather, it can just occur at unexpected times, in unexpected places, with unexpected people. Always be ready to follow the spirits leading in that sense, the people you are ministering to mostly likely won't remember what you were wearing anyway.
6) You can dry clothes under a ceiling fan. Just FYI
7) Always wash your beans before using them...always
8) Bugs are a thing. They get in food. get them out if you can. If not, extra protein!
9) Babies cry, and it's okay!
and finally,
10) Vicks vapo rub is not a fix-all regardless of what people say.
Until next time, may Adonai bless you and your homes.
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