I don’t know how to put some stories in words. How does one describe real joy? Can it actually be put in words? I’d argue that it can’t. Thus, I will try to describe the joy I felt during my encounter today the best I can.
Going into this mission trip, I did not feel like I knew enough in order to evangelize. Honestly, I still believe that but I know that evangelism is so much more than just words. Like I learned in psychology, 80% of our communication is nonverbal. Thus, you don’t need to know all the right things to say in order to show people the love of God.
Today, Wednesday the 14th of September, I got the opportunity to meet two incredible people at a restaurant I went to for lunch in Antigua, Guatemala. Their names are Nathan and Maelys. I felt initially drawn to Maelys and to speak a bible verse over her, which I hesitantly shared and next thing you know, I joined them for lunch. Nathan asked me such insightful and deep questions. He is a deep thinker and incredibly smart! I came to realize I don’t have the right words to say or really any answers that will suffice but I do have God’s love. To my surprise, that was more than enough at that time. Maelys believes in the power of the universe but welcomed Jesus into her heart at the end of the conversation, while Nathan said that his view on religion was drastically altered. The love he felt from me had a huge impact on his view! I went there to encourage and love on them, yet left with them loving on me and encouraging me. Odd! But so so good!! Thank you God for showing your love for them through me. Thank you for giving me a heart to love them and the courage to talk to them. Thank you God for giving me the opportunity to be here in Guatemala and to grow with you more each and every day. Thank you God for loving all your people unbelievably well. Thank you God!!
Yay, Vic!!!! So proud of the ways God is moving through you. Praying for you always
What a beautiful demonstration of love and grace! Well done Victoria; you are spot on. The brain prefers and puts more weight on what’s not said, namely, the nonverbal cues and signals we show, yet you were able to use BOTH words and presence to convey the God who loves these two. So proud of you! Chris
YOU GUYS ARE OUT HERE BEING CRAZY AND I AM PUMPED. Wow. Look at the fruit of a heart submitted to Jesus.
GO GET EM!
It has been so cool to see you walk in obedience to the Lord the last week! I can not wait to see and hear what the Lord continues to do through you Victoria!
And this is only the first week of ministry! What a wonderful testimony Victoria! Keep shining for Jesus!
YES!! THAT’S MY TEAMMATE! Victoria, what an encouragement you are to my boldness to evangelize. May God continue to FLOW through you as you submit to Him. Love you, sister
What a powerful testimony Victoria, wow how encouraging can you get. You were an obedient vessel and ambassador for King Jesus and chose to say a big yes in stepping into that clear “God opportunity “.
Two lives irrevocably and eternally changed are you allowing the prodigal in pursuing God to love and engage those two through your gift of your presence, your listening, your questions, and yes, your personal story and words of truth/encouragement.
Keep it up Victoria, “expect great things from God, attempt great things for God”.
You embodied paul’s words to the Colossian Christians.
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
??Colossians? ?4:2-6? ?ESV??
Many many times we won’t have the words to say.. BUT GOD
He will honor your steps of obedience. Keep pressing into more boldness.. He will show up!!
Love this girl! He is so good and creative and at times…unexpected!