What is going on...
Last fall, My Dear was trained to fill in for a husband and wife duo as they were going on furlough for 2 months. Once they arrived in the states, they went for check-ups with their doctors. Roger learned that he had 95% blockage in three arteries of his heart. He was going in for a well visit so you can imagine their surprise. The blockage was so bad they quickly did open heart surgery. We praised the Lord they were in the states because there are no heart surgeons here. The 2-months My Dear would be filling-in grew to 7 months.
Since we are "newbies" the position felt long and grueling at times. We both learned more about the culture. My Dear learned more language especially with money and tools. It was good to learn but I can be honest and say, we are both glad it is coming to an end. Not because it was so grueling, but because he has had multiple positions to fill in their absence. We appreciate the lessons learned and have an even greater appreciation for Roger and Judy who serve so faithfully and with vision in this office.
There were times, while My Dear was serving in this temporary position he wondered what his purpose really was and why we are even here. Everyone here has multiple responsibilities...the harvest is plenty and the workers are few. Having so much on one's plate, you can't really do anything well.
For a person that has been in the ministry for 20+ years, and had people stop by his office or meet with him to discuss the Word, this part of his position has left him dry. His study time to prepare for devotions at Mountain Maid gave him some purpose but he had to leave quickly after sharing to get to operations. He was unable to spend time with the people and build relationships with them as he worked.
What I see that really lights his fire is Sunday morning. This IS his ministry. It is not a responsibility assigned by the mission but a ministry opportunity that was made available to him. HE LOVES IT! This time of turbulence has had him in deep dependence on the Lord and a renewing commitment that He would do whatever the Lord wanted Him to do because He knows what God has done for Him through His Son.
All of this made me think of the thousands of believers who get up and go to work everyday and are not in areas of so called "ministry." It is the teachers, the engineers, the factory workers, the administrators, landscapers, business owners, bus drivers, therapist, nurses.....those folks who live out their faith through their occupations. They make their occupation their ministry and look for ways to share The Gospel each day.
This meeting of hungry believers on Sunday morning has satisfied My Dear's soul during this time. Patience is believing with hope. He has been patient that the Lord would use this and would be faithful to fulfill My Dear's heart desire to share The Gospel and to preach the Word.
May you too be encouraged that you are EXACTLY where the Lord has called you for such a time as this. Just as Esther was in a position to protect her people, we are where He has called us for this time. He will not let any of our lives be wasted but will use and redeem it for His glory (and some parts feel like they need a bit more redeeming than others....amen!)
Lord, we continue to be patient in HOPE as you bring your will for our lives. Lord, please give Roger and Judy a spiritual heart to continue to serve you and a physical heart to keep up with it!!!
Since we are "newbies" the position felt long and grueling at times. We both learned more about the culture. My Dear learned more language especially with money and tools. It was good to learn but I can be honest and say, we are both glad it is coming to an end. Not because it was so grueling, but because he has had multiple positions to fill in their absence. We appreciate the lessons learned and have an even greater appreciation for Roger and Judy who serve so faithfully and with vision in this office.
There were times, while My Dear was serving in this temporary position he wondered what his purpose really was and why we are even here. Everyone here has multiple responsibilities...the harvest is plenty and the workers are few. Having so much on one's plate, you can't really do anything well.
For a person that has been in the ministry for 20+ years, and had people stop by his office or meet with him to discuss the Word, this part of his position has left him dry. His study time to prepare for devotions at Mountain Maid gave him some purpose but he had to leave quickly after sharing to get to operations. He was unable to spend time with the people and build relationships with them as he worked.
What I see that really lights his fire is Sunday morning. This IS his ministry. It is not a responsibility assigned by the mission but a ministry opportunity that was made available to him. HE LOVES IT! This time of turbulence has had him in deep dependence on the Lord and a renewing commitment that He would do whatever the Lord wanted Him to do because He knows what God has done for Him through His Son.
All of this made me think of the thousands of believers who get up and go to work everyday and are not in areas of so called "ministry." It is the teachers, the engineers, the factory workers, the administrators, landscapers, business owners, bus drivers, therapist, nurses.....those folks who live out their faith through their occupations. They make their occupation their ministry and look for ways to share The Gospel each day.
This meeting of hungry believers on Sunday morning has satisfied My Dear's soul during this time. Patience is believing with hope. He has been patient that the Lord would use this and would be faithful to fulfill My Dear's heart desire to share The Gospel and to preach the Word.
May you too be encouraged that you are EXACTLY where the Lord has called you for such a time as this. Just as Esther was in a position to protect her people, we are where He has called us for this time. He will not let any of our lives be wasted but will use and redeem it for His glory (and some parts feel like they need a bit more redeeming than others....amen!)
Lord, we continue to be patient in HOPE as you bring your will for our lives. Lord, please give Roger and Judy a spiritual heart to continue to serve you and a physical heart to keep up with it!!!
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