Oh Happy Day

Somehow it’s been another week here in Batam! A week from today we will be starting travel to Thailand. My word of the week is encouragement. It’s something I’ve needed desperately, and something the Lord has continually given me.

Sunday was Happy Day, an event dedicated to loving on children in a local village. Half of my squad spent the week planning activities and collecting supplies. Isaiah, one of my squad mates even fundraised with his church to increase the budget. He personally prepared chicken skewers and roasted corn for all the children to have a hearty meal. The squad packed goody bags and juice boxes, grabbed ribbons and crayons and headed to village. Throughout the event the children had the opportunity to color, get their hair braided or put bows in it, face painting, jump roping or soccer.

One major difference between my gap year and this trip is that my ministry is first to the people I’m leading. While I still am involved in the local ministries, my focus and time are both directed towards the squad. It felt strange to simply show up the event with no hand in the preparation, just a role to play. Throughout the event, I adored the opportunity to love on the kids and connect with families. I beamed with pride for my team as I watched the fruit of their labor come to pass and each person walk in their giftings. The kids had an absolute blast, with invitations for more soccer games and happy days to come.

In a role that often feels intense and high pressure, it was refreshing to be reminded that the Holy Spirit dwells in each member of our squad. He can do it without me, and he will continue to make God’s glory known, with or without us.

On Friday night, our hospitality team organized a foot washing event. It was an opportunity to pray for and serve those on our squad, to refocus our hearts on our servant king. It was an answer to prayer, as reconciliation and redemption were brought forth throughout the squad. During my time in worship, the Lord reminded me of Genesis 32, where Jacob wrestles with God. This passage has continually been spoken over my summer. Coming off of a long season, my weary heart has specific things that I’m asking the Lord to do in my heart and life. Like Jacob, I am relentlessly pursuing the Lord and all he has. I want every ounce of freedom and blessing he has to offer, and I am not leaving until I see him move (or ever really).

In the wrestling, the Holy Spirit has continually reminded me of his goodness. He’s corrected and encouraged me, giving me glimpses of glory when I feel directionless. I feel him closer than my skin, equipping me and encouraging me in every moment. Dependency on Christ gains new meaning with each day that I squad lead. Just when I think I’m getting the hang of it, I find myself in need in news ways or faced with a new challenge. I am so aware of the way that God has met me in each moment, reminding me that I’m part of his story, and not the other way around.

This journey has been hard, but I don’t wish any of it away, as the Lord’s goodness has been revealed to me all the more.

Prayer Requests:

Indonesia:
~ Laborers to come and love the people
~ People to seek truth rather than tradition
~ The Spirit to fall over that land

A-Squad:
~ Healthy communication no matter mental state
~ Healthy processing of emotions
~ Clear vision and focus on our remaining time here
~ Prepared hearts for Thailand
~ Physical Health!

Me:
~ Encouragement in where the Lord has me
~ Peace in the midst of chaos and change
~ Wisdom and vision on what stewardship looks like in this season