In C.S. Lewis' Prince Caspian, Aslan says to Lucy, "Every year that you grow, you will find me bigger." We just completed our third country, and I find Jesus bigger than ever before.
It took us about 2 weeks of travelling to get from Brazil to Suriname. During this time I realised that another way travelling adventures can enrich our faith is simply by showing us new facets of God’s exotic world, confronting us with its gloriously peculiar variety and terrifying power. When we encounter Him on the road, in a foreign land, in cultures and landscapes utterly alien to us, we can know Him in a different way. We can also see ourselves more clearly.
Suriname, what a weird and interesting country. The top google search for Suriname is: "Where is Suriname?" Suriname is situated in northern South America, squeezed between other lesser-knowns, Guyana and French Guyana. It is a former colony of the Netherlands and consequently their official language is Dutch. So we found ourselves in the middle of the Amazon jungle speaking to people in Afrikaans!
During our 10 days in Suriname we were based at Hebron Zendelinge School, a bible school on a farm that equips young people for missionary work. We lived with the students in their dorms and joined in their daily program.
I am in awe at how God is working in and through our group. Without us trying, the Holy Spirit encourages people through us wherever we go. And we are even more encouraged by them being encouraged.
''The purpose of the bride is to express the Bridegroom. She stands in the earth as living proof of the Bridegroom's love, provision, protection, and riches. Through her, His irresistible beauty, relentless passion, and incurable attractiveness are made visible to the world.'' - Frank Viola (From Eternity to Here)
We are always stunned when people are blessed and encouraged through us, because we feel we haven't done anything at all to encourage them. From a young age we are brainwashed to think we have to work and sweat to earn His favor. But all He is looking for is people who will believe that they are part of His beloved bride. May we never lose sight of this purpose!
We are currently in Guyana serving at Light of Life Ministries and experiencing so much joy in our Bridegroom **