Growth

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. – Philippians 1:6

The word that stands out to me when I think about this trip is GROWTH. Many of the participants in Puerto Rico were grown and stretched in ways that they never imagined when they signed up for this trip.  I’m excited to share some of their stories with you!

Some participants started out not being comfortable praying in public, and by day 2 were volunteering to pray for our team when the opportunity arose. Some participants were not comfortable talking to strangers but found the strength and courage to not only talk with strangers, but to truly connect with them on a deep emotional level. Some participants were used to hanging out in the background, but God called them to stand out in front and teach VBS. Some participants were comfortable talking with strangers but weren’t sure how to make the leap from small talk to sharing Jesus. But they learned practical skills to make the transition, and also learned about the ability to listen to the Lord, and simply follow His leading.  I learned how to let go of managing all the small details and allow the people that God has called into mission to use the skills that He has given them. And we all learned how to trust in the Lord, and to be flexible when things don’t go according to OUR plans, because His plans are bigger.

Joshua moved to Ponce, Puerto Rico from NYC 7 years ago.  About 3 years ago (during the pandemic) he was assaulted and was in the hospital for 1 year and in coma for 3 months!  In the aftermath of the assault, he found himself homeless and even today he is living at the Pobre Cristo homeless shelter in Ponce.  One of our participants was able to share his story of being assaulted and suffering from a broken Jaw and having GOD Show up in a huge way during that time in his life.  He prayed over Joshua and gave him the Good News of the Kingdom of Heaven.  We don’t know what the outcome of that interaction might be in Joshuas life, but the young man who shared with him started the trip unsure of how to make the transition from small talk to sharing his faith, and he shared in a mighty way that day.  Our continuing prayer is that the seed that was planted in Joshua’s life will take root, and he will come to a saving faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Wilson is at a difficult time in his life.  His wife, whom he loved left him unexpectedly.  Wilson goes to the park every day after work to rest and cool down in the shade but was clearly hurting.  One of our participants who was incredibly nervous about talking to strangers felt a tug from the Holy Spirit that she needed to go and talk with Wilson.  

She was apprehensive, but ultimately through prayer (and strong encouragement from her sister in Christ) she found the strength to approach Wilson and start a conversation.  Her, and two other members of our group fellowshipped with Wilson for more than a half hour.  They encouraged him, they prayed with him, and they all cried together.  At a time in his life when he was feeling incredibly unloved (and possibly unlovable), Wilson experienced the love of God through these three young people, because they were faithful to His call on their lives.  

When we returned to the park a few days later, they ran into Wilson again and were able to have a follow-up conversation and really deepen their new relationship.  Wilson was so incredibly grateful for the love that they showed him, and our continued prayer is that he would know just how much God loves him!  So much so, that He brought three wonderful people more than 1,300 miles to let Wilson know that he is loved, and that God cares for him.

The people of Ponce, Puerto Rico, were so blessed by this team from Low Country Community church.  But God’s economy is so amazing, that even though the people from LCC came prepared to pour themselves out for His kingdom, they left even more full of the Spirit than when they arrived.  God worked in the hearts of each member of this mission team in amazing ways, and I am looking forward to seeing the ways that He continues to move in and through them in their community of Hilton Head, North Carolina.