This week has been so amazing! I have learned so much and grown in my relationship with the Lord so much! I have just been completely speechless by how much God has been moving over the last week!
We have been learning a bunch of things that will be super useful while away. We have learned about child ministry, and we got to practice giving a skit like we were giving it to the children which I loved! We had a marketplace scenario this week which was really fun because we got fake money and walked around this fake market to buy dinner and the staff were playing roles of people who you might see in markets (party goers, homeless, tourists, etc.) They didn’t tell us to evangelize, but we were supposed to because that’s a part of everyday now. I felt really convicted because I feel like my natural instinct is to just say no and continue on, but that’s not what we’re supposed to do, and that isn’t the mindset that we should have.
We have also learned about useful tools to help remember and teach the gospel. On the 13th, we got to finally put all that we have learned into practice! We went to downtown Gainesville, and we got to go up to people in the square and evangelize to them. We met a ton of amazing people and had some great conversations! It was really scary to go up to people for the first time just trying to tell them about Jesus, but we ended up having some great conversations with a bunch of people. We actually ended up chatting with 2 homeless men for well over an hour. They were very eager to learn what we believed, and wanted to debate the Bible a lot because they have both studied it but don’t believe. We didn’t get them to believe, but we did get to show them the love that Jesus has for them. I also noticed while we were sitting and talking with them the looks of disgust on people’s faces and judgement when they looked at us for talking to them was so horrible. This made me start thinking back to the marketplace scenario and wonder if I subconsciously had a look on my face when people approached me for money. I think God had us cross paths with those two men to really help put that into perspective for me and show me things that I need to work on. It’s so sad that they are treated like that day in and day out. Us just stopping and talking with them had such an impact, and they were so grateful. Overall it was such a good experience, and I feel so much more prepared for going out and doing that for the next 8 1/2 months.
Spiritual take away of the week/testimony:
God wants to move in crazy ways in your life! We have been talking a lot about having a child like faith, and asking for things from God because he wants to show up for you. I have had the song “Open the Eyes of My Heart” stuck in my head all week. I have been feeling also like I haven’t felt God very much this week during worship, prayer, and reading my bible. I felt very distant from God even though I’ve been spending so much time in things that usually make me feel so close to him, which has honestly been pretty discouraging. During a worship night I prayed for God to show up, and I told him that I want to hear from him and know that he is still speaking to me. I asked him to play “Open the Eyes of My Heart”, and not even 30 seconds later the band played that song. My mouth was literally hanging open and I was completely speechless. God wants to show up in all of our lives like this. God is SO good! He has shown up like this so many times over the last 2 weeks and that has me so excited for the next 8 1/2 months!
This is so amazing and inspiring to read your blog. So proud of you and love you so much. May God continue to protect you in this marvelous journey. Nana and Papa
God does work in mysterious ways doesn’t He? He is definitely walking with you Romy. Prayers for you on your journey with Him.
There have been so many times that the right song or sign comes at just the right moment. In fact, there have even been a few times that I have giggled to myself and mumbled “really?” as if I was shocked that He would show up when I needed him most. But he does, time and time again. His timing is AlWAYS right.
Thank you for sharing this Romy. You never know how God will use the seeds of faith that you are planting but we know He will! The Holy Spirit is at work in you Romy! Thank you for your witness! Continued prayers for His presence and protection!
Romy I think of you and pray for you every day. You are out there doing discipleship in such a unbelievable way. I wish I was young again and be able to join you. Those people are reaching out for your love and your belief in God. What a Blessing you are to be there for them. Sending our love! Take care of yourself and listen to the signs that God sends you!
What an amazing song to have in your head and now it’s in my head! You are changing the world! I love how you are listening to others, you have your eyes open, ears open, nose open, mouth open, and heart open to do His work!
Praying and Celebrating God’s work in you right now!
Don Ortman
Wow! You are a pretty amazing young lady and I am so proud of you. Just know your work goes much further than where you are. Just by reading your story, you have reminded me of who God calls me to be. You are igniting a new spark in me and so many others with your post. Keep posting! Keep holding us believers accountable as well. Love you and thank you for the reminder! Prayers that you, those you meet, and your readers all grow in ways beyond what we ever thought imaginable. Love you tons! Jennnnnnnny
Oh Romy, you are such a light! God’s blessings as you continue to do His work. Praying for your safety and ability to touch so many lives especially during these difficult times in our world. So very proud of you!
Romy, you are doing God’s work and planting seeds of faith in those people at the square even though you may not “see” it. You are in our prayers and believe for your protection, walk with God and blessings to others. What an amazing journey!