This past week was filled with realities. As we helped our ministry host in experiencing our first intentional event with a local village and took the first steps in our own ministry in Chimachoy, many things set in. The reality that we are at war, this is the battlefield, the enemy hates what we’re doing and because we are not stopping neither will the attacks. The reality that true poverty is all around and many basic needs are not being met. The reality that just like everywhere else, many are consumed by the quest for the almighty dollar with zero regard for the damage done in wake of this pursuit. The reality that people everywhere will seek any means of “escape” necessary to avoid dealing with the real problems at hand, especially unfulfillment. The reality that so many are fatherless, with zero positive role models in their lives. The reality that so many of His children, young and old, just want to be heard, to be seen, to be accepted and most of all, to be loved.
But, amidst this heaviness I was allowed to experience and be a part of an abundance of intense light. I was allowed to see that these “realities” were only partially complete. The fullness of reality is that the war has been won, PAST TENSE. The reality is that there is one true authority, one king of kings, one name above all names in which the darkness literally does not have the power to overcome no matter how fiercely it fights. The reality is that He is faithful, and when we seek Him there is no attack that will prevail. The reality is that EVERY need is met and fulfilled when He pours His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. The reality is that no amount of money, the world’s safest investments, or means to escape can ever truly fill the cup designed specifically for His perfect love. The reality is that whether we have the most absolutely amazing earthly father or the most vile, our soul will continue to seek The Father until we let Him in. The reality is that we get the gift of being a light and role model in the lives of every person we come across (I witness my team do this effortlessly, without thinking, at every turn). The reality is that He gives us enough power and love and power in love to listen to all His children, to see them, and to love them in such a way that fingers are forced to point back to Jesus Christ.
The most powerful thing I experienced personally was during our first ministry partnership. For those who don’t know, specifically since I surrendered my life, I’ve always found it extremely difficult to see what others see in me (God included). I’ve been blessed with countless words of encouragement, affirmation and confirmation over the past year. It always wrecks me when I’m referred to as having any of the qualities of Jesus, and I love it, but especially in those instances it’s so tough for me to truly see it. As we went through pictures from throughout the day that evening, several surfaced of me talking, playing, and loving on these kids we had just met. The entire team was taking part, but for the first time I truly saw Jesus, and his endless love, in Jordan. I have no words to describe what I felt at that moment, so I guess the heavy sobs in public as I write this will have to suffice.
Please pray I continue to see more of Him in me each day. Pray that our team continues to love these kids and families purely, as we are loved, without a second thought towards how little time we have with them or any other irrelevant factors. Pray that we learn from the unashamed affection so many of them pour out on us without question and without hesitation. Pray that He continues to break our hearts for what breaks his. And above all pray that His will be done here, in our lives as well as theirs.
Love Always,
Jordan
P.S. His love demands it all without demanding at all.
