I sat on the plane headed toward Guatemala and opened my journal. The last sentence of the prayer I wrote said “my heart is open and ready for you to show up, Lord. Show me what you have for me.” I think it was in that moment I knew I wouldn’t be coming home from this trip the same.
The van ride from Guatemala City to the children’s home we would be staying at, Manos de Compasion, should have been a 3-4 hour drive. Our journey took 7. Looking back, I see that God had a purpose for every minute of that drive. As a team, we took turns sharing testimonies and songs of worship. Each team member was emotional as we shared who we were before we knew Jesus, where he has been faithful, and where we have begged him to do something. As each member took turns sharing their story, another team member took a turn praying for them.
While at Manos de Compasion, we did many activities with the children. From soccer games to bracelet making and nail polish, it seemed we were doing a little bit of everything. There was one night particularly that changed my perspective completely. We took the older girls at Manos and had a worship night with them. Our team took turns singing songs of praise in English and Spanish. A short devotional was also shared. After our songs, the girls, unprompted, began to share their stories. We listened to stories of parents who abandoned, abuse that continued, and devastating trauma. Just like in our van ride, each girl began to share the hurt they had been through, but also the healing God had begun in their lives. And, just like that van ride, we began to pray for the girls in that room, that God would heal their hearts and use them.
It doesn’t matter the country we are in or the language spoken, the truth is in every part of the world our mission is still the same: our mission is to listen. Listen to teammates in the van or children pouring their hearts out. Listen and remind those around you, that their story isn’t wasted. Remind them how much God loves them and the purpose He has.
Our mission is to run the makeshift soccer fields, make the 1000th bracelet, or help with the simple daily tasks. Our mission is to show the light that can be found in Christ, even when darkness tries to take over.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
Written by Team Member Ambri Wilson
