As I was reading about the armor of God in Ephesians 6 today, I was fascinated by verse 14 and 15, that encourages us to fasten the belt of truth around our waist and to have our feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace. I love reading the bible, it’s so intriguing and teaches us so much. The word of God is referred to as a double-edged sword in Hebrews and is something we take with us wherever we go in our spirits and our hearts. It gives us a readiness to extend love, grace, and compassion to those around us. It gives us a perspective of how God sees people, rather than how we see people. I am so excited that I get the opportunity to bring this good news to people internationally. It’s so amazing that even in a place completely different from my own upbringing, I have something in common with others wherever I am through the Holy Spirit. It gives me the perspective that wherever I go, and whatever I do, I am always on mission.
My international mission experience has only been for seven months, but I have already learned so much about the mission field. Going to Mexico and the Dominican Republic has broadened my vision and understanding of the world in ways I didn’t know were possible. My experiences abroad have allowed me to grow so much as an individual. Some of the ways I have changed from my discipleship training school is that I can adapt to unexpected circumstances more easily. On the mission field, things are always liable to change whether it be the car you’re taking to the ministry sight or what time you are getting home. There were many times where we slept on ground mats, showered with no hot water or had to share a single room with ten plus people. These comforts I once took for granted are now something I can easily give up. I feel prepared for missions and what I might encounter in my future endeavors. I have discovered a joy and a very deep excitement for missions that I cannot completely describe. I have become passionate for countries in Central and South America. One thing that I am keenly aware of is that I have a lot more to learn. Each trip I’ve taken, I’ve learned something new about how organizations work and can better gage where I belong.
My last trip to the bateys in the Dominican Republic was a lesson in sub-cultures and groups of people who live and function in very specific lifestyles. I learned that people can be very happy, while also having so little. The joy and energy from the kids was so fun to be around. I loved talking to the older men in the communities who have been working in the sugarcane fields for most of their life. It’s interesting to hear their perspective on things and hear their stories. Communicating in the bateys is significantly more difficult than in urban areas, because most of them are Haitian and speak French Creole. We were able to get to know the locals better through door-to-door food distribution, prayer, and sharing of the gospel. I really admired the people on the team who were so passionate about the word of God. It’s so encouraging to be alongside people who have the same love for Jesus as I do.
I had such a great time being able to share with the youth group from Langston Baptist church about my missions’ experiences and I think they enjoyed seeing the kids smile in my photos. I am preparing to embark on another trip to Puebla, Mexico this coming Sunday. I am so excited for what God will teach me in this time and ask you to be in prayer.
Thank you so much for reading,
Isaac
This is Jayden. He is helping us work as you can see. He lives in batey Papita.
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