So What did I learn in Nicaragua?

The response I received from my Nicaragua pictures and blog posts has been tremendous. People have been very encouraging and open to hear about the trip and what I experienced. Several people, however, said they wished I was more introspective about what I learned and what God taught me through my time there. Because of the overwhelming demand, (sarcasm), I must respond to the pleas of the people and share more about my trip.

So what did I learn? I wouldn’t say I learned so much as I was reminded of many things I already knew. I was reminded that God is not a North American. He is not a white guy who drinks sweet tea and prefers college football. God is the god of all peoples. He is the God of Central Americans and North Americans. He is a God who loves the Nicaraguan people. He loves their families, their culture, and their children. He desires that they would all come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. He created a beautiful county and a beautiful people in Nicaragua and loves them. I already knew all of this, but only theoretically. It was wonderful to be reminded that the Lord is the Lord of all and desires to save all. It was good to be reminded the Lord doesn’t look or think just like me, but he is a great God who has created many different peoples, cultures, and languages, and wants them all to know his Son.

I was also reminded I am a teacher. I may not be gifted as an evangelist, preacher, or any other “gifting” listed in Ephesians 4, but I am a teacher. God has wired my mind and heart in such a way that I naturally think about how to teach and communicate with others. He has gifted me, by his grace, that I am effective, (to what degree I’ll let others decide), in communicating his truth. My heart and mind were alive the week I was in Nicaragua because I was always thinking of how to communicate and illustrate the truths of the Scriptures. I felt like I was doing what God had designed me to do.

Any other time when I have worked professionally or ministered within the church, I have always felt out of place. I love the ministries I have had a chance to be involved in, whether men’s groups, Sunday school teaching, or the Stephen ministry I participate in. Stephen ministry, in particular, has been such a sweet blessing as I have learned how to listen to, and bear the burdens of others. Yet in those things, I feel like I’m a bit out of position. It would be like if I was playing basketball at a gym. I could adequately, if I was in shape, play the “2 guard” position. I could shoot okay and help move the ball around the court to help the team score. However, I’m not a guard. I’m 6’5. I belong on the post or around the paint. That is where my body type, experience, and skill set would be most effective. It’s the same in my life experiences. I can adequately serve in other ministries or work in other jobs, but at my heart I am a teacher and would best fit and work teaching the Bible. What does this mean for me in the future? I don’t know. The Lord has not opened doors or led in such a direction. I struggle to trust his leading, timing, and wisdom in the matter. I trust he knows how unhappy I am currently and trust, albeit weakly, that he will use the talents and gifts he has given me in his own time.

What else did I learn? I was reminded of how much I love my family and how my life doesn’t fully function without the presence of my wife and children. I already knew this, but 8 days away from your family will do wonders to make you aware of how much you love them.

I learned I could see myself living and ministering abroad for a time with my family. My only concern is my middle child, Annie. If you know her, you know what I mean. I call her my velvet tank. She’s tender, strong, and wonderful, but emotional at times. How would God work being a missionary into the life of my kids and my wife? Alison struggles with languages more than most people. How would we survive?

I learned my stomach could handle Nicaraguan food, (for the most part).

I learned and loved how much Nicaraguans laugh and enjoy life. Their laughter is absolutely contagious, even when you don’t know what they are laughing about.

I learned there are great servants of God in Nicaragua, even if they don’t have nearly the training or understanding that I do. I met incredible believers with tremendous passion for the gospel, the lost, and the Lord. Some had little understanding of the Word and how to walk with God, but they loved the Lord ten times as much as I do.

I hope this answers the questions as to what I learned while abroad and also provides some insight into how God worked in my heart and mind while I was away. To the thousands…hundreds…tens…okay handful of people who read my blog, God bless you.