As the week has progressed, God has really laid on my heart what it means to really “enter the story”. Instead of being the major character in our own little fairytale, we are called to fulfill the role God has for us in His story. God is the author of my story, and I am the pen in his hand. With that in mind as my group set out to our ministry sites, I didn’t know what to expect as far as how the story plot would play-out in a way that reflected a mission to share Him and his word.
It was in the spontaneous moments of joy and excitement where God truly made his presence known to me. When we spent time with the young boys and girls from the Fuqua Boys and Girls Club, it became so evident of how much love impacts a child and lights up their life. Despite a child’s situation, it always seemed that they were full of enthusiasm and joy- something that we should have as we chase after Christ.
Even while I was supposed to be setting an example for these boys and girls, the Lord seemed to have shown through them an example of how eager and steadfast we should be to follow him. The kids were an absolute joy to work with and it was so much fun to have spent the week with them.
In the other ministry site my group worked in, called My Sister’s House, God revealed the importance of servanthood to me. Whether we were working in a closet sorting out items, taking out the trash, painting the walls, or even assembling bikes, the gratitude of the staff at My Sister’s was astounding. It reminded me of how critically important it is to serve others, and the way that the staff and clients thanked us was so rewarding and inspiring. Jesus was a servant- and it was sort of like looking through His eyes at these people who needed our help.
During our ATL (Ask The Lord) time, the Lord was everywhere. In all the experiences the groups had, I felt God revealed what it was like to rise up and unexpectedly give grace- like Jesus would!
Lastly, the most incredible experience I had with our awesome and amazing God this week was during worship one night. After being invited to personal prayer and song as a time for us to really engage God- I was overwhelmed and left completely in awe of his love, strength, and goodness. I felt “on fire” for his presence and it was so cool to have felt him so close during that time. I can’t even describe how great our God is.
In summary, He’s really shown me that we are called to be a servant of Christ in all that we do and with all that we are. Not just during a weeklong trip, but throughout our entire lives. Praise the Lord for blessing all the members of the mission trip and I with an amazing week filled with Him. Also a huge thank-you to the leaders of AIM for supporting us and encouraging us this week- you guys rock!
