Having been in Brazil 4 months now it is easy to loose focus on today and become frustrated with all the things we would like to be doing. We want to work daily with the poor and broken. We see the Guaraní people, the street people pushing carts with their kids to pick up trash. Yesterday we seen a woman with a 4 year old girl hiding by her cart of trash sucking on a pacifier while her mom went down a street to look for recycling. Possible the most filthy, dirty absolutely beautiful little girl I have seen. I wanted to take her home. They are the forgotten people. I was limited by language, understanding and resources from doing anything beyond acknowledging this little lindinha with a smile and a bom dia.
We have to remind ourselves we are in a season of training. We have to be thankful that we get some opportunities to touch and reach out now. Cidade Nova and Ciaadi, are a glimpse of our future, a poor community where we help a few bible students with a kids program and the prison for boys. This is only part of our training.
1 Chor 9:24-27 24Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
We are in a season preparing for the competition that is to come. Disciplining ourselves in prayer, reading of the word (especially together as a family), learning language, culture, where and when to buy food. If we want to be effective this time in the gym and on the practice field is vital. If we get impatient and run out to meet the desperate needs before we are prepared we will be unorganized, ineffective and accomplish far less then if we train as if we are going to the Olympics in 4 years. I am constantly encouraged thinking of the years of preparation, planning and coming together of people to put on Willamette Celebration. This is our time to train. Our time to run is within site and just around a corner. Pray for our patience, our discipline, our endurance as we train to love the hurting.
Your posts are always a beautiful snapshot of your life in Brasil. Love you all! Mom
ReplyDeleteOh, so true. sometimes we get in a hurry trying to "do" and miss out on what God is wanting for our lives in the present. Knowing and recognizing that you are in a training time is crucial. God will give you ministry opportunities even when in this training time. Be patient with yourselves and with each other. I love seeing how God is using your family and the heart he is giving each of you for the more unfortunate people. You're in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
ReplyDeleteScott has been teaching on "training" ourselves to be Godly! This is a good post and a good reminder that your family is going through some basic training that is so important!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what God does with your family, our church and the growth opportunities...
it was super encouraging and a blessing to read your blog and see how god is working in your lives down there. this post especially blessed my heart! training! how i can relate and understand this and needed to be reminded. better to train hard now to be ready for the game than to jump before your ready. so true. i'll be praying for your beautiful fam! love you guys!
ReplyDeleteps...i forgot to sign my name on the post above... haha. oops :)
ReplyDeleteI was wondering for a second. You and Michelle need to come check out Argentina and Paraguay.
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