Serve like Jesus

Serve like Jesus. That is hard to do. Jesus is the ultimate example of how we are to serve one another. But He calls us to follow his example, wherever we are and with whatever we are doing. Jesus led by example through being a servant to others. He washed the feet of his disciples, he sat at the table with tax collectors and the people that were looked down on. 

We must not look at ourselves as better than other people. But we should be loving others, unconditionally, no matter where they are from or who they are. This is hard because we all get in our comfort zone and some of us struggle with approaching people and talking to strangers. It is hard to find that courage to do this. We all are sinners and fall short, but Jesus has paid that price for us to be forgiven and live eternally with him. Look at others, and yourself, through the eyes of Jesus. He will give you courage and the words to do what is needed. 

I have seen a lot of despair and sorrow throughout my missions. On the medical side, I have seen a lot kids with problems and parents coming through in desperation needing medicines because they just do not have the money. I have also see how happy they are too. The hard times do not define them, but they work through it. My heart goes out to them, and I do what I can for them. It is always a joy to love on the kids and babies, whether it was at the medical clinics or at the kids ministry. Just spending time playing with them makes a difference. And showing you are human, no matter what age, is always fun. As I get older, I find that skipping and jumping is getting a little harder, but I keep doing it, CAREFULLY, and the kids love laughing at my struggles. But that's ok, because it is something that draws us together.

On our prayer walks through the neighborhoods, we ask them what they would like for us to pray for them. Most do not know, they just say health. But as we talk and open up our hearts to them, we both see that we are not different, and have some of the same problems. Life is like that. Sometimes we just get so focused on what is happening that it can be hard to get out of that cycle. We feel that no one will understand, but actually, your struggles can help someone else overcome theirs. 

While I am not in medical missions right now, I am working in communities to show the love of God through acts of kindness. Just small acts of cleaning a house, or reshaping a playground, makes a big difference and plants seeds. 

Ask God to show you how to work in a way that honors Him and helps you to trust Him more. Start planting those seeds. 

John 13:14 states: "If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet."

Blessings to all, 

Preparing for mission, daily

 

Flower at my house

Flower in Tela Honduras

To be on mission, you must prepare daily. Because mission is every day. You don't have to travel somewhere to be on mission. Mission is wherever you are, with whoever you meet. I found it so easy to talk to others and "be on mission" when I was in Honduras. I don't know why, maybe because it was the feeling of being welcomed by the people I spoke with and helping them in the medical clinics. I was in my comfort zone of talking medicine. Putting bandaids on boo boos.  It was just a feeling of comfort because that is what we were going there to do. When you are here at home, it can be intimidating to talk to people in your own community outside of church. It takes courage to speak up and stand up for what you believe in. I know that when I get that small urge/push from God, I am often resistant.  And it is usually out of fear. My mind says to me that they will think I am crazy God person and not listen, or think I am judging them. 

But after my trip in the states to Evansville, I found that it is the same as Honduras. People, no matter where they live, need to hear about Jesus. And some have not ever heard of him, yes even in the states.  Jesus said that whatever you do for someone to you for me. This doesn't have to be something big, but it can look like giving someone food or drink, encouraging them with a kind word or just a simple act of helping them with a need they have. Giving someone hope is showing love of Jesus to others. It shows they are seen and valued. 

And you can do this EVERY DAY! Just walking your dog and saying hello to a neighbor is a start! Pray to God that he will open your heart to see others through his eyes and their needs. Pray that He will give you courage to step out in faith to help them. God will provide the words and actions you need to help. All you have to do is be the vessel. And with those small words or acts, you will point others to God. One word at a time. We all have a testimony and telling your testimony of what God has done for you and how your walk in faith has made you a better person is the first step. Because in the long run, we are all the same. We all  have the same problems and concerns, they just present to each of us a little differently. Just as the flowers above, they are from different countries but beautiful just the same. 

Matthew 25:40: "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

Blessings to all, 

A new start

 

I am making a new start with serving. I have taken the step to serve in my backyard. What I mean by that is I will be going out and serving on mission within the US. I feel that all the things that I have been doing and he experiences I have while on international trips, I need to do here. I took the leap to go on a trip with Send Relief. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I can tell you, I have signed up for more!

My first experience was just a few weeks ago. One of the projects assigned to me was cleaning and repair of a school playground. This was great and the kids were so excited to see us. It was great to give back to them and show them that people are willing to give back. I worked with my group on the hopscotch and 4 square. I had to measure out the blocks, tape them and paint. And of course, when all was done, I had to test it out. 

You know you have to make sure that it "works"! And it was perfect. 

If you love missions, looking to give back, to help others and serve Christ, this is one way to do it. And they are short, weekend trips. 

I am excited and looking forward to my next trip. It isn't until August, but this gives me time to work on my pickles and fundraise for my future trips. I have already bookmarked 2026 trips too! My next trip is taking me out of my comfort zone. I will be traveling by myself. I have not done that before. I have always gone with a team, and this time I will be joining others I have not met and becoming part of a bigger team. 

God teaches us a lot in just everyday experiences and guides us. I trust that this step out in faith, God will be with me along the way. So until then, I anticipate when this trip comes and pray that I will be able to bless others.

Romans 8:28.  "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose"

Bendiciones,