sacrifice
Our time in Mexico flew by (October 5-7), but it was an incredibly rewarding time. There were many moments we could see evidence of God’s hand over the lives of his people. He is so gracious to allow us to know him more deeply and to see him move in his church.
One of the takeaways from this training week for Jesse and I was the sacrifices made for our family to feel welcome. First, a couple (pictured above), Ernesto & Juanita, allowed Pastor Placido to borrow their SUV to pick us up from the airport (an 8 hour round trip!). We had never met them before, but when we were introduced at the church, they expressed the blessing it was for them to sacrifice their vehicle so that we would have a ride. As we prayed with them, the wife was in tears; filled with joy at the fact that God had used her to minister to us.
And then Pastor Placido and Pastora Maria Luisa hosted us in their home. They gave up their room, along with their daughter’s bed, in order for my family to be comfortable. This meant they were sleeping in hammocks. And anyone who has had small kids knows the many other sacrifices they made with us in their home. ;)
And my good friend Wendy’s daughter, Emeli, stayed with us as an extra set of hands for the girls. But she went above and beyond, caring for our girls so well. She sacrificed personal space (especially in the van) and her time and many other things to be a blessing to us.
As Jesse and I were sharing these things with one another about the week, we were reminded that we are ALL called to be the body and take care of one another, putting others needs before our own. Some of these sacrifices may seem small to some of us, but they were incredible blessings to my family. Trips like these take immense planning, with so many details to get right and coordinate with many people. (I’m so proud of Jesse for all he does to make these trips possible.) So when others give freely of what they have to help our family feel welcome and safe, we know it’s a love that can only come from those united in Spirit through Jesus Christ.
And walk in love, as Christ loved us
and gave himself up for us, a fragrant
offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:2