Tonight at our campfire debrief a number of people shared about how it is so easy to lose the passion, lose what they gained here and experienced on the Ensenada Project. Some talked about how they need to go to church more consisently and seek God. We talked about different ways that we can connect with God, but for me it came back to the fact that we don't 'do church' and somehow maintain this momentum by simply attending a service. The strong fire will go out unless the embers of the fire are fanned into flames again. We need to discover our gifts and talents and be actively serving the way that God has designed us...
Well it was an emotional afternoon for us as we finished the homes ahead of schedule allowing to celebrate a great 'pigfest' as one of the families cooked pig especially for us complete with fresh salsa. It wasn't 'tacos el poblano' but it was as authentic as it can get. Brandon and Jon's team first handed the keys over to Hugo and Karin Baterizta along with their children, Andrea, Hugo Jr. and Enrique. They developed an incredible bond that may for some tearful goodbyes. Next in line, Brynley and my team as we handed the keys to Susana and Valencia Benitez along with their children, Jennifer, Jazmin and Sinai. Last, but certainly not least was Nathan's team giving it over to the family at the pig farm. Each family was presented with gifts and money to get a great head start. We were also able to provide them with the clothes that we brought down and it was again another 'God moment' to see how many of the clothes were perfect for both the moms and their children. Each family also was blessed with a soccer ball.
I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:12-14
As God led me to this passage this morning in our prayer time together, it was a reminder that it doesn't stop here. It should always lead us to a deeper sense of awareness and calling on our lives. We need to celebrate the past faithfulness of God yes, but keep asking Him, what is the next chapter you are leading me to write? We keep pressing onward and upward even where we haven't got it figured out or feel ready to go. The empowering comes as we step out in faith after listening to His still small voice. Tonight, we also heard a quote from Jackie Pullinger, who continues to listen and play out Her God-given calling. She said that all too often believers have hard hearts and soft feet when it should be completely the opposite....soft hearts and hard feet ready to continue this great adventure He has us on!
No comments:
Post a Comment