The WHY Of Serving Strong

I recently received an email from good friends of mine, the Simpson's, who are currently serving God in Peru. After I read it, I asked their permission to share some of it with you. As you read it, please be reminded that THIS is why it's so vital to remain strong in Jesus Christ. Working with people is a messy adventure. God calls each of us to our own "mission field". If we burnout, we are no good to the God who calls us:

 

Why We Serve

"So many people are hurting, lost, lonely, confused and without hope.  This is the main reason why we came to Peru a year ago and we knew it before coming here, but since being here our eyes have been opened even more to the need of hope, light, love, and God for these His lost children.  

 

An Illustration Of Need

"Segundo is one of those hurting people.  He lives in Belen (Bethlehem in English) where Dalila, Juliana and Laura are working.  He encountered Jesus Christ at the Jesus Film showing during our Love Extreme 2 Iquitos Project in June.  Before meeting Christ he was a drunk without hope and jobless.  Within a month God has done an amazing work in his heart, so much so that his wife is now a believer, and they asked to have the Jesus Film shown right outside their house so their neighbors would have the opportunity to hear the good news as well.  God has also provided a job for him and other needs have been met for his family.  However yesterday, after 2 months of being sober, he was drunk when he went to disciple them.  Please pray for Segundo, his wife Elvira and our 40/40's who are a little discouraged.  We know that God has the power to deliver, and we are awaiting His miracles daily in His people.   So many people turn to alcohol here to numb the pain because it is a cheap form of escaping.  It would be neat if someone felt led to start an AA program here.

 

We Serve As A Family

"Our family is doing well.  My husband has been setting up and operating the Jesus Film equipment a lot, taking care of our guys when they're here on the weekends, taking care of all the finances, teaching guitar a little, making speakers for the church and lots of other odds and ends.  I have been enjoying homeschooling the kids still (we didn't really take summer vacation because here it is winter, but spring is almost here and it is getting very hot again) and just being with the helping the girls here.  They were all so sweet a threw me a surprise party for my birthday.  It was very special.  

 

We Feed Off Of Prayer

"Thank you for your continued prayers and support for our family.  We can truly feel your love and know God has been answering your prayers in so many ways..."

 

This is the organization through which the Simpson's serve:

Extreme Nazarene Ministries

 

This is the specific site for the Simpson's:

Extreme Nazarene Ministries - Simpsons

 

image credit

 

Comments

[MichaelDPerkins]

Scott, I'm real glad you shared this. I can definitely see how this applies to your ministry and your calling. It is important not to get burnt out.

I also wanted to point out what she said. They feed off of prayer. Man, how true is that for all of us? I will commit to praying for them.

[Scott Couchenour]

Wow, Michael, that's so cool you would commit to praying for them. We're all in this ministry together, aren't we? Have a tremendous Wednesday.

[MichaelDPerkins]

We definitely are.

[jasonS]

Perfect way to bring perspective. Serving strong is bigger than me and bigger than right now. It affects lives from my family all the way to people around the world. Great thing to think about and great reason to stay strong and growing in grace.

Thanks Scott.

[Jim F.]

Thanks for sharing this!

[Scott Couchenour]

Jason - you mentioned the key word for this post: perspective. taking care of ourselves is, by no means, a selfish act. it's an investment in our capacity to burn brightly without burning out.

Jim - no problem. i love to highlight the work of my heroes from time to time.