These past 2 weeks we have been serving in Black mountain Nc, trying to see how much we can reach the community with about 60 of us. My team worked at a conference center the first week, polishing glasses and silverware, setting tables up, plating salads and desserts, or doing the glorious job of housekeeping. The days were long and sometimes repetitive.
This week was very eye opening for all of us, when we realized that ministry a lot of the time will be very mundane and less glorified. I found it hard to see the Lord through this type of ministry, or feel like I was actually serving Him and His people.
It was day 3 of working at the conference center and I volunteered to do laundry which would ultimately mean housekeeping. I was hating life at this point, I didn’t want to strip or make another bed. As I was making a bed the Lord stopped me and changed my view and attitude towards what I was doing. My heart was able to now see that, I GET to do this for him. He called me to this and I chose to do it. So it is an absolute privilege to serve my friend no matter what ministry looks like. I then put my airpods in and walked into each room praying that each person that would enter those doors would be touched by him the way I was.
Week 2 we were doing manual labor!!! I was so excited to be outside and actually sweat during ministry, you literally don’t know how happy it made me. The first 2 days I spent most of the time pulling vines and their roots out of the ground. The second half of the week I sanded door frames and then primed/painted them.
While I was sanding there was a guy who was puddying the walls in the same room. He started asking me questions about what we were doing, where we were going, and then looked at my cross necklace(that one of our squadmates actually made!!)and said you are a christian right? I was like Yes, yes I am. Our conversation got cut off at a point where I wanted to keep diving in. I started talking to Jesus and was like, “If you want me to continue talking will you cross our paths again before we leave for the day. Along with that will you give me the questions to ask and the words to say. Let everything that comes from my mouth be from you.” I prayed that over and over again.
Later that afternoon, I was back at the same door priming and sure enough he turned the corner and the biggest smile came on my face. At this point I was praying, “ok lord, your words not mine. What do I say, Holy Spirit fill this space, guide this conversation.” As we started conversing, he started asking me questions that I didn’t know the full answer too. I know it’s okay to say I don’t know, but in the moment I didn’t feel like I could. So I answered to the best of my knowledge and it turned out to be a great conversation. I think he impacted me more than I did him. Before we parted ways he allowed me to pray for him which was such a privilege. He is still trying to figure out what he believes and in the meantime he is just trying “to be happy through everything and be a good person.” I’m praying now that the lord will continue to touch him in a way he has never seen before.
It was such a great experience for me to evangelize when we have been doing a lot of behind the scenes ministry. The lord prepared a place for me to share my beliefs and for him to share his. Though it challenged and pushed me I am so thankful the lord allowed me to pour into this man.
Update…I got asked to be a hospitality leader for our squad along with 2 others!!!! Uniquely enough I was a hospitality leader for my youth since 8th grade, So I gladly accepted this role. One thing I get to do with being in this position is plan how we will celebrate birthdays for our squad. We have had a couple go rounds of it and are learning as we go and having so much fun getting to celebrate our squadmates.
This looks like my 2 others friends and I bringing all our ideas together to make sure each person feels celebrated since everyone feels loved in different ways. We decorate, get their favorite snacks, and write cards. It has been such a fun way to lead our squad, and work alongside my squadmates.
Debrief starts tomorrow, and then saturday is TRAVEL DAY!!
Guatemala here we come:)))
Love you girl! So proud of what you’re learning and accomplishing. Yes, ministry sometimes feels temporary and mundane, but the eternal nature of the Gospel compels and propels us forward. Keep going! The work is just participation within Jesus!
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,”
??Colossians? ?3:23? ?NIV??
I am so proud of you Brooke! I pray you will continue to grow and learn through this journey. I pray your eyes will remained focused on Jesus and your heart will constantly flow with the love of Jesus into everyone you come in contact with! Thank you for being open to His calling. I can’t wait to hear more from you as your journey begins overseas ! Love you bunches??
Brooke…your journey is making a profound change in you !!! It is wonderful seeing already such a significant change as you walk with Him and your heart filling with the Light we all so desperately need daily! I remain ever proud of who you are and am grateful for your updates, and spirit of willingness for the things of Him! Remember, you don’t have to know how to do or be the “right capable person!” God just needs a willing spirit for the thing of Him…he equips us all when we need it most?? Loving your journey, and the lovely soul that you are???????. His bless you??????
So proud of you! This is awesome!!
So awesome! Praying for you Brooke!
Brooke we continue to pray for you and your squad. We are so proud of you and so pleased to hear how God is working in your life. We love you !
I love reading your updates. So proud of you!!!
I love all of this! Sometimes the best ministry happens when your sanding and priming walls or washing dishes. I love that your willing no matter what your doing! I love you!! Keep pressing in!