But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
in Jerusalem = our local community; and in all Judea and Samaria = spreading from there to the surrounding communities and territories; and to the ends of the earth = to the whole world.
There are a variety of ways we spend our time here in the states on Home Ministry Assignment preparing to return to Colombia. For the past month we have been in Boston with our son and his wife. Their neighborhood is a Latin american community. We have met people from Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and other Latin american countries, which has given us many opportunities to practice our Spanish and eat some familiar Colombian food/snacks as well as other latin american food/snacks sold here in the local tiendas and restaurants. On Sunday we got to meet Christopher's SIXPENCE co-founder, Juan and his girlfriend Alexandra, who are from Bogota, Colombia. We spent the afternoon with them playing games, watching the Superbowl, and practicing our Spanish, It made Chris and I happy to watch Knyanna and Trinity interact with and speak Spanish with them, especially with Alexandra, as she played with them and talked to them. The girls seemed so comfortable and at ease. It is good to know that they have not forgotten their second language. And it was really encouraging when they told us that we all spoke good, clear Spanish. All glory to God!! Learning another language has not been easy and we still have lots to learn and practice, but God has been with us every step of the way, equipping us to do what he has called us to do.
One place that Chris has practiced his Spanish a lot is at the laundromat downstairs from our son's apartment. Many of the people who go there to do their laundry are latin american. Some of them speak English, some don't, and they have been surprised and pleased to find out that Chris can communicate with them. As he does our laundry about once a week (something I am so thankful he doesn't mind doing), he talks to people about our work as missionaries in Colombia, his faith, Jesus, and the church and talks to them about their lives - where they are from, what they do for a living, church, etc. They are very open and engaged, and seem happy that someone has taken the time to communicate with them in their native language. And it doesn't take long for him to get to know them. He met one lady from El Salvador who shared that her husband is a pastor there and asked for prayer for him and their mission there. She also asked us to keep all the pastors and churches in El Salvador in prayer.
One place that Chris has practiced his Spanish a lot is at the laundromat downstairs from our son's apartment. Many of the people who go there to do their laundry are latin american. Some of them speak English, some don't, and they have been surprised and pleased to find out that Chris can communicate with them. As he does our laundry about once a week (something I am so thankful he doesn't mind doing), he talks to people about our work as missionaries in Colombia, his faith, Jesus, and the church and talks to them about their lives - where they are from, what they do for a living, church, etc. They are very open and engaged, and seem happy that someone has taken the time to communicate with them in their native language. And it doesn't take long for him to get to know them. He met one lady from El Salvador who shared that her husband is a pastor there and asked for prayer for him and their mission there. She also asked us to keep all the pastors and churches in El Salvador in prayer.
Chris also met a man who shared that he was struggling to find a job. Chris talked with him and during the conversation talked about church. On Monday when Chris and I were in the laundromat, that man came in with a smile on his face. He told Chris in Spanish that he went to church on Sunday and accepted Christ. He lifted his hand up with a big smile on his face and said, "Now I am a FREE MAN!" He also was happy and proud to share that Monday was his first day at his new job! As I left the laundromat, I congratulated him and told him that I was happy for him. He said, "Thank you." We have some Spanish/English Bibles, so Chris asked him if he has a Bible. He opened up his backpack and held up his Bible, then said, "I take it everywhere with me. It's the most important book."
We are not all called to go to the ends of the earth, but we are all called to be God's witnesses wherever we are and in whatever we do. Everyday life presents us with opportunities to talk about Jesus and our faith, but often we miss them, at least I do. I forget to look for these opportunities and to be honest, talking with people I don't know doesn't really come naturally for me. But I am inspired by Chris' s interactions as I am reminded of the impact just being available and willing to talk with and share with others can have. I have seen time and time again how much simply taking time to show you care about other's lives can make a difference.
The above verse is a reminder that God has given us power, we have the Holy Spirit in us who gives us all we need to proclaim His name to all people. After all, God is the one doing the work, we just need to be available to share.
by Cristi
The above verse is a reminder that God has given us power, we have the Holy Spirit in us who gives us all we need to proclaim His name to all people. After all, God is the one doing the work, we just need to be available to share.
by Cristi
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