Nicaragua bound

We are going to Nicaragua... in 2 days! Crazy, we know! You may be thinking, "Wait, isn't Nicaragua a third world country? Why on earth would you travel there?" Good question. Why? Because the love of Christ compels us. We are going to share the life-changing and saving message of the gospel of Jesus Christ to orphan children and the poor, and to engage with the people and culture as we grow in love and understanding. Sounds good, right? This is our mission. It will not play out perfectly, it will be hard, we will surely meet frustration and discomfort among other things, but the Lord has lead us to this for Christ's sake:

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. -Matthew 5:14-16

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. -James 1:27

We are going with a team of 15 high school students as well as 3 additional leaders. Personally, for us, we are eager to step out in faith together with the students of our youth group and to see and participate in what God is already doing in Nicaragua. We understand that ministry and missions happens all year long yet we are excited to play even just a small role in that. We are confident that the Lord will use this experience to build our faith and draw people to himself.

If at this point, you're thinking, "I still think you guys are crazy!" Consider what Kevin DeYoung says in his blog post Glory of God: Conspicuous Christlikeness, "When we live God’s way no matter the cost, it shows to the world that God is more valuable to us than privilege or prestige, which brings him great glory." That's what we're going for, bringing God glory in the world, and his glory is for our good. We trust that God is for us, He goes before us and with us as we seek to glorify him in an unknown place and bring hope to the hopeless. He will do great things.

With all that said, my greatest concern at this point, which seems so petty as I type it, is the language barrier. I don't know a lick of Spanish! Why did I take French in high school? However a friend of mine graciously pointed out that this is a unique opportunity for me to rely on our students since many of them are currently taking Spanish. It's fresh in their minds, which makes them very helpful in this department. Leader leaning on followers. This is good for me. It humbles me. Also, it is essential to recognize that this is not just a silly insecurity but a serious lack of faith. What my heart really tells me is that God is not big enough to overcome this language barrier, this weakness of mine. That lie produces fear (that I will not connect with the people), anxiety (because I hate feeling stupid and incompetent -- who doesn't?), and further unbelief (that the Lord cannot, will not provide for my need). Lord, help me believe in you more. I must take hold of the great paradox of the gospel that when I am weak, He is strong. I was reminded of this truth as our team was being commissioned at church on Sunday, and it indeed is TRUE and oh so applicable. For Christ says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 12:9). Pray for me, pray for us, thanks for reading.