Friday, July 22, 2022

Encouragement from Afar

 


Proverbs 25:25 “Like cold water to a weary soul is good news 

from a distant land.” 


This week, I received a message from someone who encouraged me to keep on to the task God has for me. 

The following is from a special someone we ministered to as a child––and now as an adult. 

This story is one of those special blessings that happened to me this week.

 

The Bible says there is a time for everything. I am carrying on and doing the tasks before me each day. I see ministry unfold each day. And, this past week, God encouraged my weary soul that my labor is not in vain.

 

I received a message from Spain. Yes, Spain! It was from Peggycita—named after me when she was born here in our village 30 years ago. She is the daughter of our ministry worker, Guichi. She is now in Spain working and studying and ministering in a church as the media person and teaching teens. 

 

As you can imagine, I reflect on the ministry Chuck and I did together for so long here in Bolivia. I thank God for allowing us the privilege of being in His work for so many years, and now just me. Was it, and is it worth it? Let me quote Peggycita’s words for you—I’ll translate Spanish to English for you. Smile. 


*Note: Guichi’s children have always called us Abuelita and Abuelito––Grandma and Grandpa. 


Let me quote her words:

 

“Grandma, I am so happy to hear you are still teaching classes. Keep going because many will be blessed through them, as I was blessed for my life.

 

Grandma, I now understand what the Bible says in Proverbs 22:6 (train up a child) because one day you and Grandpa planted a seed in my life. And, now that I am older, I understand it all. For that and much more, I will always be thankful to God for your lives. For that, I encourage you to keep teaching classes because I know the seed that one day you both planted in me, you also will plant in others.

 

I am so happy you are continuing to teach classes. I love you very much, Peggy--your namesake!”


I am humbled by these words from this sweet child of God.

 

I hope this encourages you that YOUR work isn't in vain for the Lord. I know it encouraged me to keep on keeping on in God’s work until He comes for us or takes us home.