Two years ago I visited Baja and left thinking, I’ll never go back. But yet I was drawn to return and I did. I volunteered to help cook the meals for the mission group. Three meals a day for 75 for 5 days.
I recall the day I decided to go.
The thought had not entered my mind and I was writing a card to Diana, our youth ministry secretary. She was retiring after many many years. I was reflecting on how much she has done for our kids and how even though I had known and worked with her throughout our years with teens, I hadn’t really served with her and I wanted to. So, I called right then and there and put my name on the list.
I was blessed to be with Diana. She is an amazing lady and as Chad said recently, Diana has a servant heart. She goes to bed with a prayer and rises early. Each morning I awoke to see her bible opened on her bed.
And so we planned and shopped and cooked. Long days with tired feet. Diana reminded me many years ago and I haven’t forgotten that God provides the energy you need. And He has proven this to me time and time again.
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:28-31
It’s easy after a long tiring mission trip to question your impact. To wonder if it was worth the effort, the time and the money. As someone recently said, what’s the balance?
Doubts creep, judgments rain, purpose questioned
Disappointments with a few that didn’t take to heart the opportunities laid before them.
I’ve been chewing on these thoughts.
Then I see these images.
I distinctively remember leaning against the fence at the church and these thoughts stirring up in my mind. The teens starting pouring out of the door way with huge smiles across their faces. And I felt that was God’s answer to me. It stings my eyes to remember His timing.
My purpose was His.
I was there to allow His children to serve His children… not to judge.
Like our VBS story of the farmer sowing the seeds, the seeds are scattered on all kinds of ground. It’s our charge to sow them and God will do the rest. The seeds have been sown on the hopeful as well as the selfish, the seeking as well as the ignorant.
I have found peace in realizing my purpose being there and it’s my prayer the others will as well.
Katey
Such amazing reflections Katey. God has a way of teaching us most when we pour ourselves out in ministry to others. And it’s SO easy to question why others don’t see the lessons! Their’s is for another time, I suppose. Your pictures are an additional pleasure to your powerful words. ❤️
Karen B (ksueb)
Thank you Karen. I really wanted to use my big camera to capture some better images but the nikon doesn’t fit in my apron pocket. I appreciate your kind words, always. katey
Beautiful! You always stir my heart to tears! Love you, thank you, and may God always bless you and your tender heart!
Thank you Jo. Sometimes it just takes a few weeks to digest such a trip. Katey
Oh my dear Katey, what a blessing you are to each person you meet. I know you make our Lord smile as he watches you go about spreading His light. You are His salt. Sweet, lovely child of His. Mom
Mom, your comment brought tears to my eyes. Thank you. I told Janine when I sat down and typed out my thoughts God brought to my sight what He wanted me to learn. Marvelous His ways.
So well said! God has blessed you with words that create pictures, feelings and inspiration!
Thank you Brenda. I only hope it does come out that way. When I sit to write it’s still jumbled up in my mind but it all works it’s way out. And His purpose becomes clear. Katey
Beautiful and touching message.
Thank you Pat. my thoughts have sorted themselves out but sometimes it takes a while. Katey
Thank you Katey for sharing your insights and adventures!! I love the bible verse–one of my favorites. All we can do is bring love to people. That is enough. God Bless you and your wonderful group of servants for the Lord!! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, Katey, for your kind words! I was blessed to be able to serve with you and I’m so thankful that you let God use your gifts in serving our teens! These pictures just brought back all of the wonderful feelings that we were able to enjoy together! In HIS Love, Dianna
I think your parents planed the seed of mission work and now they see the seed planted come to bloom in you heart and carried out. I appreciate you!