WHaT DoeS iT MeaN To FoLLoW CHRiST?

Well, I'm unbelievably in my last week in the Dominican Republic. I start school next Thursday back in the United States. I find myself thinking often what does it all mean? This trip? My time being here in the Dominican Republic? Why did God have me spend my time here this summer. I think at the end of this week, I will have spent only 2 weeks of my 6 here going out to villages with a missionary. 2 of the weeks that I was here, it was very slow and thus, we did work like cleaning apartments, painting, or in general fixing up SCORE. Sometimes during those 2 weeks, there was not much for us to do so we hung out. 1 week I spent at the sports complex frustrated because of lack of communication between the organization that I am here with and the teams I was with over there. And, 1 week I was sick. I think about it. What does it all mean? Why does God have me here? Why was I so drawn to come back here this summer and work for Him?

Well, of course, I will probably spend much of the coming months trying to discern God's message through my encounters while here, but there are some things that are already being unraveled.

First, I have thought a lot about what my ministry is here on Earth. In what way does God want to use me and my life in order to further His kingdom? And, inevitably, it's through teaching. God has put within me a gift for teaching, the passion of giving others knowledge, and a creative mind to impart said knowledge. While here, there are many times that I think about these villages and how much they lack opportunity not because they are stupid or lazy, but instead because they lack knowledge. Back home, communities don't progress not because they are inferior, but instead because they lack people to educate them well, people who truly care for them and their well-being. Where do I fit into that?

Second, I have been reading my Bible a lot while here. I have concentrated recently on the book of Acts. I am amazed by how much Paul traveled and traveled and proclaimed the name of the Lord everywhere he went. I am amazed by his unashamed and bold approach towards spreading the gospel. He was incarcerated many times, beaten, and rejected by people who the world considered followers. But, for much of his life (after he totally denounced the fact that Jesus was Christ and after God changed his heart), Paul went around converting people to believe in Jesus -- He didn't care what kind of people believed (Jew or Gentile). He lived his life to further the kingdom. He was an average guy who God used to further the kingdom. We should be like Paul.

I have also just started reading Radical. Woah! If you have not read this book, it is a must read for any Christian who wants to be challenged. I'm about fifty pages in and already I have been challenged. I am challenged in the way that Christians follow Christ in the United States. What do we do to help people know Christ? We are so comfortable. So much like the world that the non-believers don't see that we are any different than they are and have to ask us, "are you a Christian?" We are so comfortable that we have church with people who only look like us, dress like us, make the same money as us, and live in the same neighborhood. We are so comfortable that we spend our money instead of helping those in need, on bigger church buildings, comfortable seats, and fancy music. What is Christian about that stuff? How am I helping to further God's kingdom by surrounding myself with the comforts of the world? What does it mean to be like Paul? What does it mean to follow the example of Jesus? Neither were ever in "comfortable" situations. Do we "do" Christianity wrong?

I don't know how these thoughts will affect my life back in the states. But, I do know that if I ponder for a while the things that God has taught me while here, the people that I have met, the books that I have read, the sermons that I have heard, and the experiences with people (both good and bad) that I have had -- that God will continue to challenge me to put one foot in front of the other and continue to live for Him while taking risks. I don't want to be comfortable in the world.

May God place within my heart passions for those who are truly in need, the desires to continue to learn His word and then share it, and the may He help my person die each day so that His glory is shown through all that I say and do.

For blessed are those who are blameless

who walk in the law of the Lord

who keep his testimonies

who also seek him with their whole heart

and do no wrong

but walk in his way. (Psalm 119:1-3)

May I walk in his way... even if "walking in his way" means stepping away from the comforts that have so neatly been placed in front of us in America...

So, what does it mean exactly to follow Christ in 2011 in my life?

And in yours?

Do you follow him?

And then God said... ReST

So I have one last week here. This past week has been a challenging one for me. On Sunday night, I had the task of going to the airport to get a team and the flight was delayed so much that I didn't end up going to bed until about 4:00am that morning. Starting the week of that way was not good, and just like always when I am tired, I got sick. God is so funny that way. He knows when my body needs rest and He says, "Rest." It is so not in my nature to want to slow down, pause, and do nothing. Maybe for a day here or there, but in general, I like to be on the go. As the summer winds down, I realize how much that is true. I have been on the go since the day I got out of school in May. Even though I have enjoyed what I was doing -- traveling, at the end of the summer I will have had about 7 days not in the country and during those days, I will have worked on a wedding, packing, and planning for the following school year. Needless to say, my mother was right when she said that I should not pack my summer so much. It's been fun, but I am exhausted. Fortunately, God knows what He is doing and when He sees that I'm going too hard, He stops me - abruptly. So, for the past week, I missed out on teams. I basically have been on antibiotics and tylenol cold, as my symptoms are that of ear ache, sore throat from coughing, and headache. I thought I was starting to get better and then this morning I woke up with really red eyes... I don't think I have the PINK EYE as they don't hurt, but God reminded me again, REST. So, I have been in my apartment most of the day just resting. Hopefully, I will be better so that I can enjoy my last week here in the Dominican Republic translating and working with the people. Please pray for healing over my body!

CaN u iMaGiNe?

So, I am going to paint a picture of something that happened to me this past week. Honestly, it’s a bit hard to believe. If things easily frighten you, you probably shouldn’t read anymore. But truthfully, this event confirmed – as if I didn’t already know – that Satan is constantly working to stop our positive influence on the world. He’s at work. You should never forget it.

So, the day we went to feed the village, we played with the kids in the morning. Between that time and the feeding (12:30 and 2:00), we basically hung out in the school to give families time to eat lunch and rest in their homes as is customary in Dominican culture. Thus, very few people were around. We decided to eat our sandwiches in a classroom during which some of the boys from the group gave a devotion. Their focus was on perseverance and the importance of Christian’s being able to persevere and lean on Christ during hard times.

During their talk a lady came up to the door. She was dressed in a yellow skirt and white shirt. It was odd that she was there at that hour. Since I was the one sitting closest to the door, she asked me what we were doing. I told her just eating and talking. She asked me to translate what the boys were saying. So, I began to translate. I remember translating, “He’s saying that we need to focus on God in hard times even though we might want to pull away from him. He also said that Satan is trying to keep us away from God so he will put doubt in our minds…” Then, in the middle of me talking to her, she left… without saying anything. She crossed the room right in front of the boys.

I thought she was quite odd, but honestly didn’t pay her much attention.
That afternoon, the group made an invitation to accept Christ. About 15 people wanted to accept Him. We told them that we wanted them to go into another classroom so that we could get their phone numbers and names for the missionary so that he could keep up with them. I was asked to translate. When I walked into the room, I saw that the lady was there. I thought it odd, but again didn’t pay her much attention. The group was so joyful. They sang, prayed. It was quite a moment! After getting all of their information, we told everyone who had a ticket to go get their food in the other room. The one lady from before stayed. She didn’t have a ticket. She asked me if I remembered her. (I can’t imagine how I could’ve forgotten her… After all, she had walked away from me when I was mid-sentence translating.)

She told me she didn’t have a ticket.

I told her that I would try to see if we could get her a ticket.
She told me she didn’t want me to get it wrong. She had not come for the food.
I told her to sit tight and I would ask the missionary if there were any extra bags of food. I left, got the missionary and when I returned, she was gone. (Again, strange… but I didn’t think anything of it.)

I went around the building looking for her and saw her by the gate. She started walking towards me and I tried to tell her that we might have a bag if she came inside… but it was like she saw right past me and kept walking.
Instead of forcing it, I just went inside and helped with the cleanup.
Later that night, I was coughing pretty badly. One of the ladies in my group woke me up to give me some allergy medicine and a water to help me.
When I closed my eyes, I saw the woman.

She stuck out her tongue.

It was forked… like a snake.

Me seeing that image made me realize who she was. EVIL. The devil. Among all of those people who were so happy to receive the word of the Lord, the evil one had been there. She hadn’t come for the word.
Later when I told people the various encounters I had had with the woman, people starting revealing encounters that they had had too, but had never mentioned.
One told me how she had thrown a ball at a man saying, “I was aiming at your head.”
Others told me how she had creeped them out just by her just being there that day at lunch.

On the first day we were there, part of the team had gone to the baseball field to play with the kids. The people knew that we were Christians there to share the gospel. Supposedly on that day a lady had gone to the field and placed a red scarf on home plate… they said she was demon possessed.

Later that week, I found out that it was the same lady.

The truth is that GOD IS GOOD. SO GOOD. While various people had encounters with her throughout the week. And, while she could’ve been a huge distraction to the group and the ministry that they had come to share with the people in the village, she was there, but didn’t in any way influence the team negatively.
Even though she was there… and even though she was noticed… people continued praising God and telling people the Gospel.

Let us remember that Satan always wants to take away our joy. He will do his best to destroy God’s kingdom, but God will prevail. He already did by sending His son to die for us! Satan has already lost. Put your hopes in Him. The most powerful one!

GoD iS GooD!

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth,having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints — and for me... (Ephesians 6:10-20 NKJV)

THe PeoPLe

The PeoPLe

The PeoPLe

THe PeoPLe

THe PeoPLe

THe PeoPLe

THe PeoPLe

THe PeoPLe

THe PeoPLe

THe PeoPLe

eL PaJaRiTo

This week has been all about relationships! I have been working with a group from Tampa, Florida. The group is made up of kids (9 years old) to adults (50s). It's honestly so refreshing to be around people who truly enjoy all of the aspects of life and who let God shine in all that they do. From the constant chatter and laughter of kids to the family-like atmosphere of the adult women, it has been absolutely wonderful hanging around this group this week. I was told this morning that I fit in perfectly!

All week, we have been working in a village called Pajarito. We've mostly split ourselves up in three groups: Baseball / male ministry; VBS / childrens ministry; Discussion / women's ministry. There hasn't been anything forced, but we have truly had fun visiting people's homes, praying for their ailments and God's continued hands on their family life and spiritual growth in the community, and just loving on people in general. Yesterday, we even had the opportunity to feed the village after sharing the gospel with the people. It was cool to see about 15 people come to know the Lord. For me, one of the special things was that they left the room where the food was in order to go to another room and talk about the decision that they had just made. They wanted to sing and praise God. Their faces were shining with excitement for what God was going to do in their lives! It was awesome. One of the ladies from our group started singing in English Jesus Loves Me and Amazing Grace and then they wanted more -- They wanted a song in Spanish. So, I taught them a kids song that I know in Spanish and they sang it with me. The song is YO TENGO GOZO en mi corazon. I HAVE JOY in my heart! We all sang the song so loud it gave me chill bumps. I think they had forgotten about the food, but after we got all of their names and phone numbers if they had one so that the longterm missionary could keep in touch, they got their bags of food and toiletries that the group had provided for them.

WHaT iS GoD uP To?

Well, it's been a while since I've written mostly due to the fact that I spent the last week at a place called the Highlands -- a place built by Rawlings Foundation for the purpose of ministering to Dominicans through sports camps. Last week though, SCORE teams stayed at the complex and traveled out throughout the Dominican Republic like typical SCORE teams do. I had the opportunity to travel and translate for a basketball team. The team actually was made up of a girls and boys basketball team and a group that we ended up naming "The Village People" because we basically went to villages while the rest of the group was playing basketball. This week has definitely stretched my comfort zone and made me ponder some things.

Being stretched. Because I was a translator, many times without a missionary this week, I was used to translate the Gospel in a more individual way than what normally happens here. The team that I traveled with was very charismatic and I believe had the intentions of saving the island. (I do not have a judgment about that, but I say it so that you understand that every conversation was very intentional and focused about salvation.) My stretching came from being forced to translate about Jesus Christ almost immediately upon meeting people once we entered into a village and asking if they wanted to be saved.

What is God up to in my life? I have realized over the past year or so, if not before, that I am a very relational person -- and deeply relational at that. I do believe that it is my purpose to further the kingdom of God, but I think that it is best done through relationships and not abruptness nor signing on a "dotted line." I am not saying that all of the people who prayed for Jesus to come into their lives were not genuine, just simply that God stretched me in those experiences as it was uncomfortable sometimes to be in such an environment.

Pondering. Does God still allow people to use the Holy Spirit to heal the sick like He allowed the disciples to do after Jesus' death? The last day that the team was here, they were very intentional and outspoken about wanting to physically heal the people who were ill (even those who had been ill for their entire lives.) In doing so, my eyebrows, along with many others around here were raised. Is healing someone physically or proclaiming that in the middle of a village that is poor and mixed with believers and non-believers real or just for show? Do we need to profess a "physical healing" in order for a spiritual one to occur?

I am about to start reading Radical which is a pretty popular book that is going around. I haven't had the chance to start it, but I assume it is similar to a book I read a book last year Crazy Love which focused on luke warm Christians and the need to stretch ourselves more to further God's kingdom and represent ourselves like we truly do believe. I am assuming that they will be similar. Truly believing deep down that the Holy Spirit can heal someone -- is that radical? or is it false? I have never believed in that before. After the stories of what happened yesterday, I think I still don't believe that God puts that in us the same way that he did a long time ago, but it has me thinking... How much do I limit God's power? I understand that He is all-powerful... But has He changed the way that he uses us or do we just limit Him? Any theological responses to this would be great. COMMENT!

What was God up to last week? Why has he been having me experience this -- this thing that is so far from where my comfort zone is. Maybe to have me jump back into my Bible and seek Him, maybe to allow me to ask questions, maybe to encourage me to stretch myself.

More to come...

FooD FoR THouGHT

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of going to church with a group in a village. The group, like many groups, had bought food at a local store to give out to the people of the village. Having said that, there were many differences, though, with how this group and the SCORE pastor handled the food distribution.

Unlike other groups, we bought the food and separated into type. So, in the church it was lined up in stacks of rice, beans, corn meal, buillon cubes, cookies (as a treat) and tuna. People poured into the church and before handing out the food, the pastor of the church got up and spoke to the people about the food. Basically, he explained that there were many people who were in the church that day -- some whom he had never met. But, he was glad everyone was there. They had come to get fed. The food that we had brought to the church would last them for a few days, but he was going to tell them about some "food" that would last for eternity. He went from there to explain the good news about Jesus Christ.

After that, he handed out the food to help provide for their physical needs.

We ran out of food that day. Not everyone got some. Actually, the only people who got food were people in the church. In a perfect world, everyone would have gotten food, but the pastor said unfortunately that wasn't possible that day. There just wasn't enough.

Is there justice in feeding the people of the church first? Well, after leaving the church that day, I found a verse in the Bible that talked about the need to nourish physically the people of the church so that they can go out an meet the needs of those outside of the church.

The people had signed up probably at church one day to receive the food. So, those who didn't ever come didn't get on the list. It is possible as well that some "church people" didn't get fed either.

FooD FoR THouGHT.

I am glad that I had the opportunity to experience a village get fed spiritually and physically. I am still amazed by the overwhelming amount of things (including necesities) that we have such an abundance of, of how wasteful we are, non-appreciative and even stingy. Something to think about, isn't it?