One really neat blessing was getting to know the other members of our Mission Team. Developing a friendship with Kerri was more than refreshing. She is a committed Christ Follower, a devoted wife, a wonderful mother and a successful attorney who can occupy children for hours with her balloon creations. Children migrated to her and picked right up on her genuine love and kindness. We all did.
Kerri lead our team in a devotional that resonated with the work God was stirring in my heart. Her husband, Wes, is a firefighter. She explained that when a house is on fire you can see it for miles. She also shared that a house fire doubles in size every 30 seconds. From a spark, a towering inferno will develop if you fan the flame. It becomes all-encompassing. Firefighters don’t open doors and windows because oxygen feeds the fire. But as Christians, we must open up every window to “fan the flames” and let the fire grow!
“I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…” 2 Tim 1:6a
It is my hope and prayer that God will continue to use me to fan the flame that grew in Mexico. That I will bring the Good News of Jesus to my mission field which expands far beyond the Mayan villages. Our North Carolina home is a vast mission field. There are needy people in my community, at my job, in our church, at the grocery store, at Nathan’s soccer games… needy people are everywhere I go.
As I got to know the Mayan villagers, it became increasingly clear that while Union County needs look different from Yucatan Pennisula needs, the people in both places are much the same ~ completely hopeless and void of eternal life without Christ. We all need a Savior.
And this is why Jesus came: to bring eternal hope and life. He is our Savior. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. And we must embrace the world, our mission field, with compassionate eyes and His love. We must bring the Good News to the ends of the earth!
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:15 (NIV)