A week ago at this time I was recuperating from a week long trip to Canada. It’s taken all this time to reflect on our mission week to be able to put “pen to paper”. And I’m not even sure I’m going to adequately do it now. But many people have asked for an update and deserve one.
Here are some introspective (and not so introspective) highlights in no particular order:
1) The enemy uses busyness to prevent the Lord’s work. While we did several activities with The Point there was also adequate time for rest and relaxation. Stepping out of our day to day activities freed up time the “daily grind” seems to steal. Jeff and I had already started the process of winding down some busyness and obligations in our lives after realizing the importance of being available for GOD’s work. There is NOTHING wrong with rest, relaxation, and down time. So the trip really emphasized the importance of balance and availability for God. And as if to hit that message home I had a devotional this week with the following statement, “You live among people who glorify busyness; they have made time a tyrant that controls their lives. Even those who know Me as Savior tend to march to the tempo of the world. They have bought into the illusion that more is always better: more meetings, more programs, more activity. I have called you to follow Me on a solitary path, making time alone with Me your highest priority and deepest Joy.”
2) Sometimes all that someone needs is a pair of socks and a little conversation. We were inundated with people once we started passing out socks to the homeless. Unfortunately, time did not permit the opportunity to sit and talk with people. Although we did meet one gentleman who seemed to enjoy the short conversation we had with him and left us wishing we’d had more time to visit with others.
3) Wild bears really do roam the mountains of Canada. And they don’t let a little thing like trash cans stand in their way.
4) I met a handful of people who really rely on prayer to see them through. Incredibly, wonderful people who love the Lord, love the Lord’s work, and find themselves living daily by grace and blessings. I was touched how when the only thing you’re left with is to rely on God, you realize that relying on Him is all you need. Too often we try finding adequate strength in our own power and resources always falling short and forgetting it’s all from Him.
5) I embraced the opportunity to give ALL glory to God. Even for what seems like a seemingly small thing to us I still intentionally moved to
6) I was reminded of what it’s like to not wake up with sinus pain or a sore back every morning.
7) I learned that there are people in this world who do not have (nor need) central air conditioning. *GASP*
8) I witnessed and felt what authentic worship is. People didn’t fake a relationship with Christ because it was a socially acceptable thing to do. They worshipped Him, spoke of Him, genuinely loved Him because they have a real desire to do so. It was so refreshing to be among people who love the Lord and aren’t just going through the motions. It was soothing to my soul.
9) University kids still love food and are grateful for it.
10) I don’t try other coffee joints outside of Starbucks because I don’t know what to order. I tried it. It didn’t go well.
Everything about the trip was refreshing. We are very anxious to watch how the Lord will continue to show His favor on The Point Church and anxiously watch them being used for the Kingdom in the Vancouver community.
We are overwhelmingly grateful for those who supported us, both in prayer and financially. Be confident that your prayers were incredibly effective and your financial sacrifice was used to show the love of Christ. I'm sure there will be more posts in the future as more reflection occurs, but until then... this will have to do. :)
In the meantime, I am praying and preparing in hopes of returning and continuing to do work in Vancouver some time in the near future. Won't you pray with me?
Here is a link to the photos. I didn't have time to run through and caption them all. :)
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