Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Redefining Ministry

So, Josh and I are having a fabulous time in Europe. We taught in Belgium last weekend on "Reality in the Life of the Ministry" and had plenty of good conversation with our Belgium friends. We then traveled to Prague where we took some time to just enjoy my favorite city in the world...seriously, it is GORGEOUS! Just sitting outside and looking at the amazing architecture while drinking a cup of coffee and having a deep conversation with my husband - it's a perfect moment. We also got to have dinner with Tomas and Miriam, and what a joy to see them doing so well.

It was as we were talking with them that I realized just how much God had used their time in Lubbock to redefine portions of their life. They have a different perspective and we had a few moments to talk about how God had used our trip across the US to show us different aspects of Him.

We are now in HK and just having a fun time with Lukas, Dita, and Sean. Can I just say how fun it is to have international friends? I feel like after 6 years we genuinely connect heart to heart with Lukas and Dita, and we've had some really important conversations with Sean. In fact, we just finished one of those intense, life-decisions type of conversations with Sean and I'm struck that this is ministry.

I mentioned in a recent blog and sermon that God has been redefining ministry for me. He did it in India when instead of feeling successful preaching I realized that He was much more in the time of laughter and dancing with the girls. Likewise, I'm feeling that way on this trip. Although I feel that we did a "good job" of teaching in the Belgium school and I'm about to preach tonight here in HK...perhaps the whole reason we are here - the most important reasons we are here are not to speak to masses of people but to have heart-to-heart chats with new friends and old friends like Sean.

You know, this redefinition takes pressure off in some ways - I'm not successful based on how well I do, but I'm successful when I simply obey and jump on the opportunities that God presents...So, just thinking and enjoying this trip!

By the way, can I just say how stinking proud of Sean I am! He has grown so much in the last 5 years that Josh and I have known him and today he is passionately in love with Jesus, willing to say yes regardless of the sacrifice, and stepping into leadership positions that would have scared him to death a year or two ago. Another reminder that perhaps we've done more good and true ministry just pouring our lives into young people - whether that be through sermons, coffee times, or prayer...

At the beginning of the year the Lord told me that it would be a year of redefinitions...It's not always easy but it brings us closer to the heart of God...

Well, I'm off to go share at Element Church's (www.element.cx) gathering and tomorrow we fly to Brussels. We do another PI school this upcoming weekend, and are excited to see how else God redefines our perception of ministry...

4 comments:

Sarah said...

WOW! That is great, Paige. It sounds like you guys are having a great time. Kudos to Sean! I am so glad to hear how well he is doing-God is faithful. Can I just say I am just a tad jealous that you and Josh right now? Because I am! Praying for you guys!

Leslie said...

Hey sis,
Glad you guys are having such a great trip. Look forward to hearing more from abroad! Love you!

Embracing Grace said...

Tell Sean, Dita, and Lukas hi for us. We love everyone there! I think it is great how God constantly reminds us that His ways are not ours!

Anonymous said...

Hey. I'm gald you guys are having such an awesome trip. We can't wait for y'all to get back and hear more of the exciting things God is doing in Europe. Love you.

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