In 1519, Cortez and the Spanish fleet landed on the eastern shore of Mexico with a mission to not fail. However, the hardships of a new world made them restless and weak, quietly they whispered, "Let's sail back to the life we knew." Cortez said, "We are here to stay, there's no way we could go back. We've come this far by faith. Burn the ships, we've passed the point of return, our life is here so let the ships burn. Nobody said it would be easy, but the one who brought us here is never going to leave us alone."
July 17th, 2014, I boarded a flight for Villahermosa, Mexico. Fifteen Andrews University/Academy students answered the call of Christ to preach to all nations. "Go therefore..." Matthew 28:19-20. God brought us there to spend and be spent for the people of Pichucalco. It wasn't always easy, there were hardships, we were pulled outside of our comfort zone, our patience was tested, and at times we wanted to sail back to the life we knew. But Jesus called us to something different! You've got to burn your ships! Do not go back the same as you came. Do not go back until you have given every fiber of your being to share Jesus. Do not go back to the life you once lived. Go back with no regrets. Go back with a changed heart.
In 1980, Dr. Bob Moorehead reported on a Rwandan man that was forced by his tribe to either renounce Christ or fair a certain death. He refused to renounce Christ, and he was killed on the spot. The night before he had written a letter that they found in his room;
"I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed, the die has been cast, I have stepped over the line, the decision has been made - I’m a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed vision, worldly talking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I won’t give up, shut up, let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up for the cause of Jesus Christ.
I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till everyone knows, work till He stops me and when He comes for His own, He will have no trouble recognizing me because my banner will have been clear.”
Our last day in Mexico and this is how we chose to live. We are not going back the same - we have burned our ships.
We are forever changed.
How about you?
Camila praying with Amy
Kay post meeting
Katalina preaching the word!
Kaydra pouring her heart out!
Elyse leading!
Sarah greeting!
Thank you Jesus for giving us this opportunity to serve for You.
It's all about people.
*Thank you Micheal for your vision, passion and dedication for people. Thank you for introducing me to the idea of "It's All About People". Thank you for sharing these stories with me/us. Thank you for being you and being the blessing that you are. You are appreciated.
*Thank you Dwight for making me feel comfortable. Thank you for opening me up. I used to feel that what I learned and shared wasn't as profound as the next person's thoughts. It kept me quiet for a long time. After spending three weeks with you, reading the chapter of Mark, journaling, and sharing - I was changed. You always had an "amen" or words of encouragement, I appreciate that about you. Soon, I found myself at the point where I couldn't wait to share what I learned.
*Thank you Mr. D for your constant support. You truly are the brother I wish I had. I appreciate your words of wisdom and your listening ear. Thank you for accepting me as I am. I am not afraid to be myself around you and I truly appreciate you for that.
