2nd Baptist Houston - Day 2 on the Amazon

Docked outside Vila Nova in the Amazons during lunch break, the crew on the boat showed some of the team members how to fish. Nothing terrribly fancy, just a simple hook, a small fish as bait on a long fishing line. They rely on their senses to feel the bite of the fish and pull at the appropriate time.  No overly complex equipment that comes with a instructional manual that requires an overnight reading to understand, no going on at the "right" time, and definitely no rules.  Cast, wait, and pull.  Worked everytime.

 

How reflective is this of the Gospel?  We tend to think that the Gospel needs to be given at the "right" time, "right" place, and "right" method.  But the truth is, when Jesus said: "Follow Me, and I will lmake you fishers of men," (Matt 4:19), He never said: "I will make you fishers of men under ________ condition," or "I will make you fisher men only if you did ____________."

 

Here in the Amazon Bend, we didn't have nice facilities to work with.  Doctors worked out of  the little corner of the pavillion, the pharmacy was nothing more a long line of plastic bins filled with medication, and VBS was the dirt field at the center of the village.  Yet we feel His strong presence here. From every breeze carrying the scent of the river to the giggles of the children, we felt Him.  And it was good. (Gen 1:37). 

 

As the villagers waited for the doctors, we shared the Gospel with them.  As the women got their nails painted, we prayed for them.  As the children watched magic tricks, we loved on them. Unconditionally, unlimited, and unhibited love.  We wanted nothing from them, no materials, no goods, no favors, but only to rejoice in the LORD as we have all been so priviledge to do so.

 

This is what doing God's work meant. This is truly the Great Commission at work.  The supplies we brought here is laughable in its adequacy, but thankfully, God came along with us.  Actually, God was here already. He has already gone before us to deliver the land to us. 

 

"Because everywhere I sent you, you shall go... For I am with you to deliver you, declared the LORD." (Jer 1:7-8)