A seemingly slow start

While fasting prior to our trip the Lord led me to the idea of foot washing. I felt it was for the trip, but the Lord also led Scott and I to bless our Life Group with it. When we offered it, we strongly suggested husbands wash their wives feet and vice versa. Marriages are struggling. Struggling within our church, within The Church, and in the world at large. Marriages are under attack. For The Church to do more than just survive, marriages and families need to be repaired and rebuilt…restored! I really want to share more on this since the Lord ‘spoke’ to me about marriage. But I will have to do that in my next post.

Monday, Jan.29th, a slow start, which was a blessing. Nothing planned for the morning. Therefore, we had the privilege to take the team and the Pikes out to breakfast near the villas. The Pikes got to talk with the team as a whole to explain much of the church dynamics and the community, as well as the background of some of those we would be working alongside. We heard a few stories of the Pikes time in Vanuatu, where they first went into the missions field. Then we went grocery shopping for breakfasts of the week and Tuesdays night dinner when we would be hosting Pastor Carlos and his family. Groceries were a bit expensive because everything is imported…even fresh fruit! Crazy, right? It was also important to purchase lots of bottled water for the week to stay hydrated. These islands are very different when you come inland more; away from the coast and the resorts.

The afternoon was spent with the Pikes at our villa having an orientation for the rest of the week. Laying out the ministry opportunities, meal times, etc. But of course, nothing is ever in concrete. The need to be flexible was key. Things can change in a moments notice. We did not have every detail nailed down because we were all feeling the need to be lead by the Spirit in all things. That evening was the Bible Institute at the community center….another packed out night with every registered student in attendance plus two newbies! More of God’s favor. Almost every team member got to share, even if it stretched them a bit. We shared where we served in ministry and how we got there. Then, we opened it up to Q&A. Little did we know that they had just recently done a study on marriage and some were struggling some with it. Guess what the Lord had given me before we left? I share a bit of this at the beginning of this blog post… the topic of marriage! Remember the foot washing idea that we did with our Life Group prior to this trip. What the Lord had given me was powerful stuff….and they received it! I think that is what I so deeply loved about them. They were receiving it all…no resistance, no hindrance. More of God’s favor! We went way passed the class’s usual end time and connections were made quickly with the people. It was just the spark to set the week ablaze.

Beatris sharing at Bible Institute

Cheryl sharing

Beatris and Cheryl sharing at Bible Institute on Monday evening.