Daena's visit really encouraged me in several ways. For one, I just really enjoyed talking with her. You know those people that you instantly "click with" and easily fall into great conversation even when you've just met them? :) She definitely fell in that category, and I was glad that I got to go out to lunch with her and a few other people that afternoon in addition to visiting with her at church.
However, her visit also really encouraged me about being a missionary myself. As I was sitting in church, eagerly listening to Daena share about her ministry in Mozambique, I had flashbacks to times I was sitting at church back in the U.S. and listening to missionaries share. I would always get excited about their stories and testimonies, and I would also pray and wonder if missions might be something God was calling me to at some point in the future. Suddenly, it hit me that I was still getting excited hearing about all that God is doing around the world, but that at the same time, I was in the exact same spot as the person sharing--a missionary myself! While that might seem obvious, the Lord both renewed my passion for being a missionary and reminded me of His faithfulness in my life and how He's led me to this point. It was a sweet realization.
Daena shared one story that especially touched me. She talked about a woman in Africa who had just heard the story of Jesus' death and resurrection for the first time and was very moved by it. She asked, "When did this happen? Last week?" She couldn't believe that this had happened 2000 years ago, and no one had told her until now. Wow, talk about convicting! What an awesome privilege and responsibility we have to share the Good News each day...wherever we are.
So encouraged by you, dear sister! Praying for you. We need to talk, too! I have some news to share with you! Next time you're on Skype, hit me up!
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