One month now. Wow…it’s been quite the experience so far.
As I look back I have to stand in awe of the fact that God is always with us. This has really become a profound truth for me. Jesus died on the cross. For me this emphasizes the extent of his love. If he was willing to be crucified and witness separation from his Father on our behalf, there’s nothing he wouldn’t endure with us. Isaiah 43 puts it like this:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
Jesus would rather lose his life than lose us. It feels so amazing to think that the Lord has been there every moment. There have been times when I’ve felt lonely and times when I’ve felt accepted; times when I’ve felt my Spanish is good and times when I’ve felt like I discouraged at how little I know. There have been times when I’ve felt on top of the world and times when I’ve had so little energy that I just wanted to curl up and forget I am here in the barrio. But God was there, watching over me and guiding me in his wisdom.
There have been so many experiences this month that I will treasure for the rest of my life. This week I felt blessed to have the opportunity to see my friend Jeffrey again. He and I shared some good times during the internship and it was awesome to catch up.
Right now I’m just hanging out and watching the rain pour down on the street outside. I don’t know exactly why, but for me it calls to mind the idea that I need to trust God. It is especially difficult to do so here as I witness the destitution here. I have often just cried out: “God, why won’t you just do something?” In the end, though, his knowledge is supreme. If we knew what God knows, we would always be able to see that he does what is best.
As well, I suppose, that question echoes back to us. What will we do as God’s servants in a broken world? I aim to focus on Christ in all I do, that I might bless those around me and bring glory to my savior.
3 comments:
Derek,
Every moment you've spent in the barrio will be in your heart for the rest of your life. God is shaping you, He is drawing you closer. Keep on being attentive to His voice, follow it wherever you are.
Ademas dentro de poco, sin saber a que hora estaras hablando espanol como si fuera tu propia lengua. Dios te bendiga y te mantenga fiel.
Ay Derek, how amazing is your spirit and passion. Sitting here in Kensington I can't begin to imagine what you're experiencing down there, but your blogs do bring back so many memories. Of people, places, sights and smells. Of the strong passion for the Lord within the team and the rampant destitution throughout the community.
I think you pose the question right:
"What will we do as God’s servants in a broken world?"
Such a seemingly simple question.
...but so many possibilities...
How is your work with the school going? We'd love to hear more about the sponsorship program and other projects that are going on.
Say hi to Alexis from me!
Mucho Amor.
Stephen
oh, and do you have a Dominican phone number?
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