I want them all.

A few nights ago, on the way home from dinner, Alfonso, Becky, Oscar, and I saw two women, four children, and a baby walking toward the hill. (Mind you, this “hill” I’m referring to is more like a mountain. It’s a little over a mile long and at the altitude we’re at, it often feels like you’re scaling Mt. Everest. Also, it is very dangerous, especially at night.) So, we pull over to see if they want a ride up in the back of the truck. One of the ladies had just had surgery and they were on their way home from the hospital, so she couldn’t sit in the back of the truck. So Oscar helped her into the front seat and climbed in the back with the rest of them.

At first I was in so much shock that this lady who could barely move, was about to walk up Mt. Everest, AT NIGHT, with five kids all under the age of six. I was just thanking God that we were able to give them a safe ride home when Becky nudged me and told me to listen.

Alfonso was telling her about Jesus. He was telling her about the confidence he has in Christ because God has always taken care of him. Then I heard Oscar laughing and singing sings with the kids in the back.

Instantly tears came to my eyes. I was so moved by the moment and by the way Alfonso and Oscar can so confidently share their faith with everyone they come in contact with. I had planned to sit quietly in the truck until we had gotten them safely home. Why do I so easily forget the confidence I have in my Lord as soon as I’m around a stranger? I somehow think that I have to discreetly slip in something about my faith and wait for them to ask me questions. Or, you know, live my life in a way that people will see me and and just know that I have God’s love. Well, most of the world isn’t looking for God’s love so how are they going to notice? And even IF that lady in the truck had been looking for it, would she have found it simply because I was smiling at the back of her head for seven minutes?

The truth is… I love God. And I genuinely want all the people of this world to find Him. I want the women and children from that night to feel His peace, comfort, love, and to see how faithfully He will provide for their needs – in the same way He has always done for me. And WHY shouldn’t I have confidence in telling people about all of that after God has repeatedly provided, blessed, and loved me?

I think I can get too comfortable with routines. “Okay God, I moved to Guatemala. I really love the girls at The Oasis. I promise to do my best to show these girls your love. Thanks for everything.” I think God’s knocking my head going, “HELLO?! You think the girls in the compound of The Oasis are the only people I am putting into your life that I’m reaching out to?! Think again, mi hija. I want them all.”

I have so much to learn. But, I am so grateful to have men like Oscar and Alfonso in my life. I learn new things about God through them everyday. Their life ministries are so much like how I picture Jesus’ life was. I am so encouraged in my faith every time I’m with them. They so confidently love God that they never even have to think about it – they simply live it.