An Unexpected Blessing

When Andrea and I started out on this journey of becoming missionaries, we had no idea what to expect.  We knew that we would get to go bless and share the gospel with people in the country of Guatemala.  We also knew we would get to bless people with the stories of our trip there and what we had planned to do after our move.

At this point in our endeavors we are still in the midst of fundraising. And, even though we know God will take care of us, we must put our hand to the plow, so to speak, so the Lord has something to work with in bringing the financial blessing to us.  This means meeting with people - anyone, really - who wants to hear our plans, and who may want to join with us in prayer and support.

I knew we'd be blessed once we got started in Guatemala, but I didn't realize this part would have its own blessings, too - and I'm not talking about money. We sit down with people and we tell them our plans, and they tell us what they have seen.  It’s a discussion.  We get to hear the amazing things that God has done in their lives.  I come away from a lot of these meetings without any kind of financial gift, but I am very encouraged and blessed!

We've had the chance to talk to a retired pastor and his wife about the time they were in Mexico - their hardships and blessings.  We've spent time with a young couple going to Japan, and got to hear their excitement for what they were doing for Christ. People who had been on short term mission trips share what they saw.  And, of course, these meetings bring such great fellowship.

We should be in continuous fellowship.  Hebrews 10:25 says, "And let us not neglect our meeting together as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."

These meetings come out of a desire of ours to tell people about our dreams and (hopefully) find financial partners and supporters. They end up forging relationships, are a chance to hear stories from new friends, and to share the encouragement of believers with one another .  We have gotten to speak to 2 Bible study groups, and were invited back to fellowship with them regularly.  These are dear people and the answer from us is always, "Yes, we will make it back!"  Not to discuss us this time, but to talk about Jesus and what he is doing in all of our lives.

We have met with everyone from pretty radical Charismatics to strict Lutherans, and the main thing I take away after talking with these people is their love for the Lord, and their desire to see his Kingdom move forward on this Earth.

We walk away from these meetings no richer in money, but much richer in spirit, and that is worth far more.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:4-6

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