The Mission Field is Wherever You Are

July 3 

This morning is a bit blurry…I can’t quite seem to remember details but I know that I got up early to go over my lesson for the high school class. We had a good mentor session with Gracie. We processed a lot of what happened last night with the girl and her baby. She really did run away from home but we’re not quite sure as to who the father of the baby his. She claims it’s some guy who is actually an assassin, which is why she chose to run away because she didn’t want her family to get involved or be at risk, but at the same time Gracie was suspecting that her father might have abused her. Some people came by to pick her up and as she left Gracie said, “that’s probably the last time we will ever see her.” But at least we had that small window of time to minister to her. I was really struck by how young she was – just turned 14, which means she was actually 13 when she got pregnant, but she really does love her baby and Evelin was trying to encourage her to keep him. I really hope she does, because the last thing he needs is to be left without a home and without a mother.

        

         We had our English class with the girls at 9. They were very distracted though. I got a little annoyed with how impatient they were being but I did the best I could to make the most of our time. After class, I went with Jen to the pulperia to get a few snacks. It was nice being able to get out and walk around for a change. When we got back it was just about time to head out to the high school. I was a bit nervous, but I felt like I was prepared and I could sense God saying “It’s going to be ok, trust me.” And He was right! I actually really enjoyed teaching the class. They were very attentive and I really hope that God captured their hearts. I knew Franklin was going to be a bit of a challenge though. I sensed that the minute I saw him last Thursday when we met the group for the first time. Something tells me though that God’s going to be working extra hard on this one in these next few weeks and I’m praying that God provides a way for us to reach him. He’s a troubled kid, no doubt, but like anyone else, he seeks to be loved. Rebellion is obviously his defense but it’s my prayer that the Lord breaks him down and builds him back up with His love.

         The rest of the afternoon was pretty chill. I took a nap, cleaned out some files on my computer, Karla played with my hair…then it was dinner time! After dinner, Jen and I “retired” to the room early and we talked for a good while. I’ve really been enjoying getting to know her. She’s been through a lot, but she has a great testimony of how God has redeemed her from all of that. I know I am here to minister to these other girls, and with all the attention they need it can be pretty easy to neglect those who are right beside us who may also need to be ministered to. Ministry can be pretty draining, especially when you constantly have to pour out on other people. Sometimes it’s nice to just have someone you can share your heart with especially when things get overwhelming. The mission field doesn’t necessarily have to be far away or in a foreign land, it’s wherever you are and sometimes it can be right beside you.