In my recent trip to Guatemala, I was once again reminded of the sacrifices many men and women of God make around the world. When I travel to different countries, I always try to prepare myself mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for what I am about to encounter. I often brace myself for the worst of conditions, because many times, these are the areas in which God leads Global Infusion to work. However, the reality of what I see many of God’s servants facing in these nations is always shocking.
In the small city of Chiquimula, Guatemala, Pastor Oseas and his family (3 children) showed me the 15×15 room they lived in for over three years in order to grow the church God called them to. He told me about the near-demonic rifts occurring between churches and between the believers in his area. He and I also met with local leaders who are dealing with utter starvation amongst several Indian tribes and local Guatemalans.
Yet I have also discovered that with ministers of the Gospel like Pastor Oseas, they would never want an ounce of sympathy. They are willingly existing in less-than-ideal conditions when many of them could be in the corporate world living a far more affluent lifestyle. I am continually challenged personally, as I see men and women like him face these kinds of circumstances with utter joy because they are serving the Lord.
No matter how often I travel to other nations, I am always surprised at how quickly Western materialism and comfort overwhelms my thinking when I return. I see what money can buy, and wish for more. My own personal challenges flood my mind. But I stop myself, and think of people like Pastor Oseas, and realize that our call as Christians is much higher and important than anything this world has to offer. With the Lord’s grace, we must press on, concerning ourselves not with the seemingly unending difficulties of life, but with winning our world for Christ.
