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We have been at El Ayudante for 3 months now. We are settled in and learning more everyday about all the things EA does in the community. There's a lot to learn. We do a LOT! Team season got underway last week. With only a week or two off between now and September, we will be extra busy as we host teams from North America. It was nice to have a few slower months when we first arrived to dive in and learn our jobs. The week before teams started, some of the staff got away for the weekend to beautiful Lake Yojoha a few hours away. We stayed at Finca de Glorias, which is a working farm that has cabins you can rent and beautiful grounds. While we were enjoying the pool there, a donkey wandered up and tried to make himself at home. Squeals and laughter could be heard as guests and staff tried to shoo him away. He was not impressed with our shooing abilities and stayed until he was ready to follow some other guests down to the lake. As funny as it was, later, as I was looking at the pics, it got me thinking.
As Christians we are called to be set apart. Ephesians 5:8 says For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Matthew 5:14-16 says You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Like this donkey, do we as Christians stand out in the world? Are we "out of place"? Does our light shine for Him in all situations? We are to be set apart but not in an arrogant way. We are to to reflect Christ in all things to give glory to our Father in heaven and point others to Him. I want others to notice that I'm "different". I want to reflect Christ in all situations. I want to point others to Him by my walk and my example. How do you want to be seen? What are you doing to make it happen? God, fill us with your light that we may shine for you!
Please pray for us during this busy team season. Pray for endurance for the staff but also for a moving in the short term team members as they come to serve, that they will be open to everything God has for them while they are here. Also pray for the families that they interact with as they serve, that God's light would indeed shine through the team members and point the families to Christ.
Thank you for your prayers and support. They mean the world to us!
Blessings to You!