By: Rosie
Note from the Editor: This is a sneak peak at the Missions Committee’s newsletter that’s coming out in the new year.
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“Never forget that I love you very much.”
Words that I never expected to hear from a girl I met only a week earlier in Guatemala. Despite not speaking the same language, or even seeing each other all that much – these were her parting words to me, in a precious hand-crafted farewell card.
It was this and many other experiences of genuine, joyful personal relationship that planted in my heart not only the memory of my brief time in Guatemala, but the desire to go back next year and cultivate these relationships further. I give all praise and glory to God who transformed me from a person who was anxious, reluctant and even afraid to go on any kind of short-term missions trip, to a person who can’t stop thinking about and praying for those I encountered there.
There are so many moments to share about. The little girl who brought us to a grieving family in need, so we could pray loudly with them, in English and Spanish, by the side of the road. Shy smiles and laughing faces of children in four different villages, sneaking peeks at the visitors, while belting out worship songs in Spanish. Heartfelt prayers and loving fellowship with Barb & Gerry, on the sunny rooftop of their home, within view of three separate volcanoes. The stark reality of seeing the students’ homes in the villages – no running water or electricity, yet faithfully doing their homework on the dirt floors every night. Visiting the students’ school – receiving bear hugs and snacks from the little ones; being dragged by the hand from classroom to classroom as they give us a tour.
The most amazing thing is the grace with which the friendship and love was given to us. We did nothing to earn their trust; we couldn’t even really communicate with them. We were just accepted, as we were, for ourselves. How humbling and gratifying to receive love as God intended – not for our accomplishments or skills, not for who we were back in Canada – but as servants, as caregivers, as people who just wanted to be present with the kids, Barb & Gerry.
As someone who approached my first short-term missions trip with great trepidation, I hope to encourage others who may be feeling the same to pray and see where God leads them. With faith even as small as a mustard seed, He can do amazing things – not by our own abilities, but by His.
Through this young student of Barb & Gerry’s, God spoke to us all – “Never forget that I love you very much.”