Paul's World: Andrews Abroad Week 6/7

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This past week, it has been a struggle to put into words what it feels like when we realized our time here in Ecuador is coming to an end. This update specifically was hard to write. We have had many conversations, and thoughts about our purpose here and what happens in the future as we go. Much of it has been general struggles for all people who come to a transition in their life.

I've heard from several people who thought we were really brave for going to Ecuador, or that we have a lot of faith. Hebrews 11 talks about a cloud of witnesses, the multitude of people in the old and new testaments who had faith. Abraham, Noah, Moses, Joseph, and many others who had great faith in God to do what he promised. I don't feel it's fair to even compare us to them, for my faith is nowhere near the size of a mustard seed, not even half its size.

Some struggles are mental, some are physical, and this five mile hike was both.

32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon,Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword;whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins,destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, 40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

I am reminded of those who were trailblazers here in Ecuador, like the five martyrs of Shell. They had a desire and a vision to reach the Waodani people no matter the cost. They too were killed by the spear for their faith. Their wives and families continued their work which is a testament to their faith as well. Their desire to see these people saved continues to this day, just as the martyrs of the early church helped spread the gospel further.

Article from when the five missionaries were martyred.

My family believes God has called us to be missionaries. He calls all believers to share the gospel. Being believers means that we trust God with our safety, resources, and our children. It is what we are called to do, regardless of where we happen to live.

Please don't praise us for doing what God wants all people to do. We have no more faith than whatever tiny seed God planted in each of our hearts. So instead of calling us brave, remember the cloud of witnesses who have gone before, the martyrs and church fathers who have cleared a path. Maybe in the future, you can just say, "Thanks for doing God's will." We will be praying that all believers will be as bold for the gospel as our cloud of witnesses.