I had been anticipating this week ever since I came back in January. I had been preparing for it weeks ahead of time. And yet, it seemed to have flown by in a flash. Along with a ridiculous amount of selfies.
The Maranatha Youth Group had finally arrived! I immediately felt like we had known each other for years. Each and every student was such a joy to be around. We spent the week going door to door, sharing the gospel, handing out shoes that were donated, and working around Su Refugio.
Follow this link, for a video recap of the week. It does a much better job at depicting the week than I could ever do. Just look at the joy these kids have! As you can tell, it spread to the Paraguayans.
One of my favorite parts of the week was walking through the barrio to share the Gospel with Bryn and Tommy. This was the first time either of them had done something like this. They were nervous. This was the first time I had ever translated. I was nervous. But the Lord calmed our nervous and brought us to talk with Ariel. Bryn and Tommy shared the story of Jesus Christ, and asked Ariel if he wanted to accept Jesus as his Savior. He said yes! We prayed with him and invited him to a Bible study in his neighborhood on Thursday nights. Before we even left Ariel's property, Bryn and Tommy turn to me and I could just see absolute joy on their faces. "That was awesome! Let's do that again!" Not only was Ariel's life changed, but so was Bryn and Tommy's. We all went from super nervous to totally excited about what God was doing. I hope I never forget the look on their faces.
Trying to recap this incredible week seems to be impossible. I am so thankful for each of the students and leaders that came this week. For the first time in a long time, I felt that I could truly be myself. Even some of the other translators noticed that I was different. Maybe it was because I was with a group of people that shared the same language and culture. Maybe it was because God was doing a work in me to grow me as Missions Coordinator and I could see it coming together. Maybe it was because most of the students knew my brother and I loved talking about him because it was like he was there. Whatever it was, I am so thankful for such an incredible week.
Every single hug I received Saturday night as the group was about to leave was a gift in and of itself. Please join me in praying for these world changers. Pray that they would be able to share their experience. Pray that the Lord would receive all the glory and honor. Pray against sickness and thoughts from Satan as they are adjusting back to life in the States. Pray that they would continually seek what the Lord has for them.
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| Bryn, Tommy, and I with Victoria and her daughter, Maria Isabella, after we gave them each a pair of shoes that were donated through Maranatha. |
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| The whole gang plus some kids at a school where we were able to share about Jesus! |
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| I miss you guys! |
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