have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have
done for you. 16I tell you the truth, no servant is
greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if
you do them.
past month, I have gotten to know Jennifer, a truly breath taking young woman who amazes me with her patience, ambition to make a better life,
and dedication to her family. Last Wed. I went over to her house (the back two
rooms of a local church, Torre Fuerte) to chat, paint nails, and just have some
girl time. She was quite the professional, and after I received a spa
treatment, it was my turn. And so I began, trying to ignore my shaking, inexperienced
hands. As I soaked her feet in a plastic tub filled with water, massaged them
with foot cream and a scrubbing stone, trimmed the cuticles, and painted, all I
could think about was the passage from John. Here I was, in the ramshackle back
room of a church in Nicaragua, living out Jesus’ teachings. I was washing a woman’s
feet. I do not know how many people have cared for her in that intimate way. I do not know every detail of her story. I do not know the pain life has
brought her. But I know that Christ has a dream for her, God has laid on my
heart the desire to pour into her his love and encouragement.
This week
was also the start of our women’s group, Beauty for Ashes.
We started with a good ‘ole game of Go Fish (which I called Pescar). It was
refreshing to see these women and teenagers playing together, smiling, and for
a moment having no worries. We then hand made notebooks and decorated
them. Imagine, as a male missionary
walking through jokingly called, girl heaven. As we drew, glued, and ate
warm cookies, we went around and shared a bit about ourselves to open the
floor. Next week I am planning a set discussion topic, but this time it was
just a joy to see all the women working together and laughing, even though they
were mere acquaintances. God’s vision for this ministry is to facilitate a true
community of women in a culture where vulnerability and the beauty of a women’s
heart has been shattered. God gave me this verse to share with them, which they
wrote on the first page of their journals, and I hope it speaks to you as well.
God is love, and his love has no bounds. He is our Father and Saviour and Friend, but he is also our great and fearless Husband.
19 I will betroth you to me forever;
I will betroth you in righteousness and justice,
in love and compassion.
20
I will betroth you in faithfulness,
and you will acknowledge the LORD
Hosea
2. 19-20
I love to read your writings. This one is so straight from your heart I can feel it in mine. I will pray for the hearts of these women to be filled with God’s perfect love for them. All my love, madre
It’s so great to see your heart transferred through your blogs! Having you on this trip has been one of the greatest blessings to me. You take initiative and lead from a pure and sincere heart. People will and do follow that. Keep it up! I believe in you.
Hey beautiful daughter of the King :). It is such a blessing to hear about how God is transforming your heart and moving in Nicaragua. AIM should get like buttons… nay, LOVE buttons 😉