Hebrews 10:25
"Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
I was tempted to not go to small group last night and instead work on songs and other things for the mission trip. But the above verse kept gnawing at my heart and I knew God wanted me to go. Please know, Small Group is never a chore for me. It's actually my favorite night the week!
I was just stressing out and truth be told, I think the enemy doesn't want Christians meeting together and will help you come up with every excuse in the book to not go to or be part of a small group. (JOIN A SMALL GROUP!) I know that the lasting fruit we long to see in Peru will not happen if the saved Peruvians don't get and stay closely connected to the Lord & to a local church body.
I'm really glad I went to group last night! Not only did I laugh a lot, but we also watched a 30 minute DVD by Bill Hybels from Willowcreek Church in Chicago. The series is Just Walk Across the Room and we were on Session 3: How to Share Your Story.
How perfect! You see, I've been struggling on how to share my story with Peruvians. From the beginning, I sensed the Lord wanting me to trust Him fully and let myself be challenged and grown on this trip. I went ahead and signed up for the Evangelism Team, which is my biggest fear. (Sharing the gospel WITH WORDS) I didn't sign up because I'm brave. No, No, No! I signed up because I sensed God lead me that way and all I'm doing is obeying, which has been really hard to do in this case because of all my fears. I was quite shocked when Dr. Rogers wrote me and asked if I would consider leading a door-to-door team daily in Peru around the medical clinics we'll be setting up. Before I could let myself squirm out of it, I quickly responded with a "yes" and then sat at my desk looking like a deer caught in headlights. I really needed last night's small group lesson. Our small group leader had us read from 1 Corinthians and God's Word encouraged me greatly. I'm learning God is the one who does the work on the other person's heart. Not my words!
1 Corinthians 2: 1-5.
"When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn't use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God's secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness--timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God."
I definately feel the fear & trembling part as I think of daily sharing my story and going door-to-door in Peru. This is the first time I'll be actively sharing the gospel with those I meet, because that's my role on the team. (GULP!) I am daily having to come to the Lord and surrender my fears as the mission trip approaches. Isn't God good? He's not just about saving the Peruvians. He's about molding those of us on the team more into His image. His work on me never ends while I'm here on earth - of which I'm grateful.
Thank you again for supporting me and praying for me! Please pray for all the team and especially for the Peruvians we will meet and serve...
What about you? Is sharing the gospel and your testimony difficult for you?
Ephesians 6:19
"Please... pray for me that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearleslly make known the mystery of the gospel."
