Instruments

What is it to be an instrument of God?  For me it is being willing to serve, to give freely of your time.  To prepare yourself for whatever God has planned.  To listen, for God is always ready for you to be his willing instrument.  We began 10 months ago to transform ourselves into willing instruments of his desire.  We found ways to bring money, ways to form a cohesive team, ways to serve our Great and Glorious Lord. 

And now here we sit in Nilopolis, having spent many days working in the poorest communities, being His instruments.  We may not have always been doing the most back breaking work, but we have affected lives.  We have blessed families who needed what we Americans could bring.  Fresh faces, Joy, the Love of Jesus.  We have played silly games with kids, blown balloons into hats, snakes and dogs.  We have seen God move in our lives and in the lives of the people around us.  Our translators are on fire for God and excited to help us communicate where we cannot. 

Soon we will come home, we will be tired from working, from traveling.  But we cannot stop.  Just because we are not in a poor neighborhood in a poor country does not mean we cannot serve Jesus.  Jesus tells us over and over to love our neighbor as ourselves.  Are YOU doing that?  I know I am guilty of not loving MY neighbor as myself, but being loved on by the people here has changed my perspective.  After hearing the story of Rosasana’s desire to go to Africa as a missionary, but realizing that she had opportunities in her own area has really sparked with many of the students.  Seeing how easy it is to put together a care package, and get toys and candies, to go to the neighborhoods.  It is a great way to minister to our Neighbors. 

So as we come home, instruments of the Lord, please continue to be in prayer for us.  Pray that the spark that has begun here will continue to grow.  Pray that we will be willing to serve Jesus just as freely as we have here.  Also pray that we could partner with people at home, that we could continue to build bridges within our community and that we could Love our Neighbors as ourselves. 

Big Red Beard