One song we’ve sang a lot in Mixco, maybe more than any other, is waymaker. Mostly because it’s the only one we know well in Spanish. (and by we, I mean Sierra. lol love you sis).
It turns out though, the one song we know in Spanish has been a huge word for the families we encounter, and for our ministry as a team. God really knows what he’s doing. 🙂
Multiple times it has been spoken over us that we would be used to bring light to the darkness in this area. To pull heaven to earth. That people would want what we have, and flock to the light we’re bringing. And when I say we, I only mean Jesus in us. We don’t have this light on our own. It’s a privilege we’ve had in this season to partner with him in such a tangible, relational way. To minister house to house, and person to person, like he did in the gospels. To be used to pull heaven to earth, like he literally was heaven on earth. To see not only lives, but destinies change, in what we get to be bearers of. Which is the love and the truth of God, in this fallen world. Light in the darkness.
And we have seen a lot of darkness in this past month and a half. Bringing food/necessity bags of things I’ve always taken for granted to houses with dirt floors, pieces of walls and ceilings missing, and often no furniture besides a bed. Being welcomed into these homes by families with such genuine kindness and joy. Hearing story after story, all told through tears, touched by loss, pain, and hopelessness I have a hard time imagining. It’s definitely been so heavy that in moments I’ve found my mind trying to analyze how it fits in with my all good, and all loving God. I’ve fought heavy battles just trying to put myself in their shoes for the hour or so we spend with them. But after that, I get to walk out the door, and eventually go home to a safe house and happy family in the states. And I’ve wondered, who am I, stepping in and out of this poverty and pain so briefly, to be here, and try to speak into these situations?
And the answer is this.
“You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 AMP
“but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].”
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 AMP
Who would I be to not allow God to move me as his lamp, wherever he wants his light to shine? Not because I have any wisdom, any goodness, any light to give on my own, but because through my surrender, and even my brokenness, he is so good that he still does.
My prayer has so much more deeply become,
“less of me, and more of you, God.”
Because in facing darkness I know I could never fix, or even stand in without him, I’m reminded again of pure truth. That Jesus is, and forever will be the only answer. The only light in the darkness. And as painful as it is, I’m always thankful for the hardest of times, because of how they make me see, know, and remember the beauty and truth of Jesus. So I pray for every single broken heart I’ve gotten the privilege to love and comfort out here, that through all of the pain and the brokenness, they would see and encounter Jesus the same way, and consider him to be so worth it. Because he is.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 1:5 NIV
I guess that you’re seeing a lot that you don’t see in the states. It is great that you and your team are bringing some good into some hard places.
John 1:15 is so true and so real when a willing and submitted heart lets Him in and gives Him complete freedom to do as He wills. The treasure is found in clay jars such as you and your team. Stay humble and submitted. Praying for you all. Love you so much.
Papa
Ashley, your relationship with Jesus is growing much deeper and He is showing you how He is enough. You put it into words so beautifully. Anyone reading your blog would want to know “this Jesus” you talk about. Love you??????????
Ashley, We have enjoyed you sharing your growth in the word and works of Jesus in your life as well as the life’s of those you visit. May God continue to guide you and your words to those that need to find him.
Dear Ashley,
Thank you for your obedience to carry the light of Christ in you to those who need it the most. God can and will continue to change and transform lives because of your willing obedience.
Much blessings and prayer for you and your team.
World Changer!
My sweet girl. I want to hug your neck so bad right now. I also want to type lots of heart emojis but they would just show up as question marks. You inspire me to never stop seeking the deeper things of God. Sometimes the deeper things are the simple things…just show people the love of Christ. Love you so much.
Oh my goodness, Ashley! I’ve enjoyed reading your blogs, but this one–well–touched me in a deep place. So real. I could almost see what you’re experiencing. And the scriptures God gave you speak so clearly. Jesus–the answer. His Spirit in you, on you, through you. His light shines bright through you and your team–no doubt about it! Thanks for serving our Savior this way and sharing on your blog! He’s holding you close. Love you!