“Sounds to me like most of your work must happen on an airplane!” said a friend as I recounted my itinerary. Within 10 days my schedule includes 2 countries, 6 cities, 7 different beds, 9 airplanes, 14 taxis, , and dozens of friends. However, more than just “paseando” (I’ve had a hard time finding one word in English for this – touring, being “out and about,” passing time traveling), my trips have been full of purpose and planting.
I see what I have been doing the last week and a half as a picture of the future. God spoke to me very clearly last year that He had purposes for me in other cities and countries – and I am seeing that come to pass.
For awhile, I was concerned: Is this okay? Is it too expensive? Am I using my time and resources wisely? Then I remembered that God, as my Boss, will get me where He wants me to go – and make sure I have what I need while I’m there. It has been an absolute adventure following His plan.
I have also been encouraged reading through the book of Acts. There are a few points about the early church that seemed very interesting to me:
1. Some were called to stay and others were called to keep moving.
“After they had stayed there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren from the apostles. However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there” (Acts 15:34-35).
2. They were both sent and received by the church.
“So, being sent on their way by the church…. When they came to Jerusalem, they were received by the church…” (Acts 15:3-4).
3. Their purpose was not only to preach the Gospel – they also intended to give testimony and encourage the Body of Christ.
“…They passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren…and they reported all the things that God had done with them” (Acts 13:4-5).
“…Strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith” (Acts 14:22).
“And he went through Syria and Cicilia, strengthening the churches” (Acts 15:41)
4. They were guided step by step by the Holy Spirit.
“They tried to go to Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them” (16:7)
I am so grateful for the opportunities I have to reflect each of these four points. I am confident that He will continue to guide me as I step out in following His plan, encouraging those I meet and being both sent and received by the church. Thank you for your prayers and support. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to concentrate on fulfilling God’s purpose for me.
I appreciate your prayers as I travel to Peru tomorrow. I will be meeting up with a team from Life Church in order to translate. I’m very excited about this opportunity! I will return on February 9.