52 People Under the Same Roof

“People come together 

Strangers as neighbors

Our blood is one.”

Yeah, that is right. Fifty-two people under the same roof. 

Two weeks into ministry in Jaco, we were told a semester’s team from AIM would be joining because due to Covid their ministry host fell through in Nicaragua. My first thoughts were “Wow, 20 more people in an already pretty tight space.. this is going to be kind of insane.” 

God, however, knew exactly what He was doing (as always). This semester’s team of 18-20 year-olds have truly become family. I am so encouraged by the passion they carry to go deeper with the Lord at such a tender age. I cannot wait to hear and see how the Lord continues to use each of them.

A deep desire of my heart has always been to have brothers and sisters. God has blessed me with so many brothers and sisters in Christ. I have loved to hear the unique desires God has place upon their hearts. He continues to reveal Himself each day through the encounters of those around me.

Which continues to bring me back to my “why” for World Race. I am learning the importance of community.

It brings me back to World Race’s vision statement __
“To empower the church wherever we go with intimacy, community, and mission.”

2 Corinthians 5:20 ”We are ambassadors for Christ”

Acts 2:42 “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers.”

This is the call of the church today; we are the body of Christ. Intimacy with God is my favorite thing; He is my sovereign Lord and the best of friends all in one. Yet, this month He has been teaching me how important it is to have a community of fellow believers. What a blessing it is to be surrounded by people who will cover you in prayers when there is a pressing need, people who encourage and uplift you, people who will rebuke the lies the enemy tries to plant over you, people who stand firmly and are rooted in God’s Word.

If there is a pressing need on your heart, dear one reading this, PRAY! Take it to God and ask for others prayers too! (I would love to stand in the gap for you. Please do reach out. We are all running this race together!)

A wise teammate of mine said this recently,

“Invite people into your brokenness.” 

This struck a chord in my heart. I think back to the many times I have acted as if I have it all together when really my heart was breaking. There is a beauty when we let people into those broken spaces; the enemy longs to keep us closed off and in our own heads.

Friends, love on those around you today. There is so much beauty to discover and learn. Every person you meet is fiercely loved by our Father; You will never meet a person that our Father does not love.

The enemy seeks to destroy and divide; 

Yet, we are all unified under our Father!

Back to the fifty-two people..It sounds crazy to throw us all together from various walks of life with such unique passions; However, it actually was quite beautiful. We all were unified under our Father because our hearts are postured just to bring glory, honor, and praise to His Name.

1 Peter 3:8 “Finally brethren, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another..”

Father, I pray today to lay aside my preferences.

May the true longing of my heart be to just glorify and honor You! 

Thank you for teaching me the beauty in community.

God, I pray You open my eyes to the beauty in each soul that You have created. 

Fearfully and wonderfully you were made, dear friend.

God, unify us, YOUR body. We are here for YOU.

Your Beloved, Kel