Last night at church our mission team that got back from the Dominican Republic just three weeks ago, shared their testimonies and a slide show. It was such a blessing to me and all the others who attended. I was very moved by some of the testimonies. One testified to not liking teenagers before this and now she's absolutely in love with teenagers and wants to help with the youth group... Another testified about obedience and his own missed opportunity at obedience when God called him to share his testimony to a group in the D.R., but he eventually talked himself out of it. Now he wishes he had shared...Another wondered how we could be funding new cushions, lighting etc. for our own church while Pastor Miguel's church is without a roof and windows. She encouraged us to reconsider our priorities and make missions a bigger part of our church budget and forgo the luxuries that we want so that we can help provide necessities for those without. My husband testified to his own changed life and how he wants to make missions a priority in his own life, both here and abroad and how he wants to focus more on relationships, as the Dominicans taught him to do.
There were many other testimonies, but the one that touched me the most was the testimony of my very own 16 year old son. In today's world where youth are taught to "look out for number one," etc. he is thinking about how he can serve others. He wrote out his testimony on Friday, but told me he didn't want me to read it until he shared it on Sunday night. I was a little skeptical but waited. Below is the testimony he wrote and it touched my heart and I hope it also touches yours...
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about any thing; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Jesus Christ. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your need from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Now glory be to God our Father forever and ever amen”-Philippians 4:4-8,13,19-20 NLT
Hola! My name is Sheldon I’m really glad you all could come to night. I am part of an awesome mission team that just a few weeks ago got back from the Dominican Republic. So many things happened that was so amazing, pretty much mind blowing for me to have been down there. It had such an impact on me that I could talk for hours on end. But lucky for you Adam only gave me five minutes. Something that the trip has made me think about the most is what I want to do next summer, but a little bit more important is what my whole life?
Some of you are probably aware that I wanted to be a professional chef. But I’m not sure any more. It’s a really good career and I’m already making some good money from it. One thing I’ve decided this summer is that I don’t want to have a job that’s just for the money. It just doesn’t make sense. I mean, life’s too short to just make money. I know we all need it, it’s how we live and eat. To be able to do anything, always seems to cost money. It never really satisfies though.
Just like the food I cook. It seems like it satisfies you but when the next meal time comes around you’re still hungry. To tell you the truth, it’s almost the same with this trip. I’m still hungry for more, to do more, to help more. I guess the only real permanent satisfaction I will ever have is when I’m at those pearly gates and Jesus says, “well done good and faithful servant”. So for me doing something for money alone is a waste of time and energy. I’d rather work for minimum wage or nothing at all and help others and just feel good knowing that, “hey you know what? I did something and it pleased God,” which fills me with peace and joy every time I think about it.
The verse I read at the beginning, sums up every thing I just said. But just remember sometimes it’s the smaller things that people notice and remember the most! That is one of many things this trip made me realize.
Aug. 13, 2007 - Untitled Comment
That just warmed my heart! How wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
Aug. 13, 2007 - well done
What a wonderful experience for all of you. Your son conveyed his heart so well. And your husband focusing on relationships. Glad you are the beneficiary of this gift of sending them
because of Jesus, Bobbie
Aug. 17, 2007 - Untitled Comment
This is so wonderful. Thank you for sharing it with us. I am going to have my children read it.
Ruth
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