Day 2: Go Where You Are Sent; Grow Where You Are Planted

(This is part of a series of posts from our team serving on a short-term trip to Ethiopia)

This morning’s devotion was all about Ephesians 2 – being reminded that we are God’s handiwork, “created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (v. 10) and that we are members of the household of God (v. 19). Having many diverse skills and talents, we are “being built together” on the perfect cornerstone of Christ.

So, why is this important? Several of our team members have a great advantage because they are professionally trained in the occupational field in which we are teaching. At times, there is a tendency for those who are of other occupational professions to feel inadequate in our ability to serve in this capacity.

• Do I know enough?
• Will I remember the things that I have been taught?
• What happens if I mess up?

We remain encouraged – not in our ability – but in His perfect wisdom in having individually chosen us for this purpose. I am sure that some of our students may have felt this way today as well. It was our first day training and there was much information to get through. It was tough, but even tougher with language and cultural barriers and complex concepts to convey. The one thing that kept us going (the team and locals) is His love for us and our desire to see the gospel shared among the nations.

Our purpose is not to train professionals in a particular occupation, but to equip those who have a passion to reach unbelievers with practical skills that can minister to the physical needs, while simultaneously providing an opening for the gospel.

Lord, please be glorified in our weakness and brokenness. Let us not hinder your work, but be flexible vessels for your work.

Please keep us in prayer – particularly for continued unity of the team, endurance as we resume training tomorrow, and physical rest and strength.

–The Ethiopia Team