As I reflect over the last two years, I am overwhelmed: overwhelmed with memories of camping trips in the winter and in the summer; memories of parties for birthdays, new apartments, new years, graduation, etc; memories of friendships, people that I got to know better, or even people that I drifted away from; memories of so many coffee dates or walks or girl's nights, or bible studies; and the memories of so many beautiful faces come to my mind. I gave so much of myself, my time, and my life to the people of Quebec and I received so much in return. I almost don't know what to do next but to keep giving.
My pastor in Quebec taught me so much about what being a "missionary" really is. It basically comes down to what Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-39, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" When we first learn to love God with all our being (heart, soul, mind, strength, etc.) we learn what love is. John sums it up very well in 1 John 4:10-11, "In this is love, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." And Jesus himself summed it up in John 13:34, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another."
I have learned that the mission work is to love one another. When we understand God's love for us, we want to share that love, we want the whole world to experience that type of love: a love so great that we can hardly imagine that it is true. But it is true! God sent his own Son to die for us, to be the sacrifice and payment for our sins so that we can live a life glorifying God. How amazing is that! Doesn't that make you want to shout it from the rooftops?!
Most people believe that missionary work is mostly going out and evangelizing (in a way, shouting from the rooftops) and sharing the gospel to everyone you meet. And there is a part of that in the mission field, of course there is, but another part of it is showing love to our fellow neighbors. I am talking about the small acts of love in talking to a person, listening to them, sharing coffee or tea with a friend, and offering services of any kind (that could be anywhere from babysitting to cleaning bathrooms to just hanging out and listening to them and anything else in between). Small acts of love to a stranger or even a friend can make a difference.
This summer, during English for Kids camps, we heard about a child who went home and told his parents "They love me at that camp." He recognized a different kind of love at that camp. I believe that was God's love being shown to him by the team members of that camp.
If showing that kind of love is a large part of the mission field, then it can be done anywhere. I was reminded by my pastor that the mission field is not just in Quebec, or across borders, or across seas, but it is wherever we are. Our mission field is our families, neighborhoods, schools, and churches. We can still show God's love to one another in the church and encourage each other in that way. We can also show God's love to the unbelievers who live around us everyday.
So today, I feel torn and a little heartbroken for having to leave Quebec. It almost feels like I have left my life behind me. But I have come to learn more about the love of God and am still learning to rely on Him. It may be a while before I can truly feel at peace for leaving Quebec, but for now I can relater to what my friend Mary said:
"Prague [Quebec] is not something God is taking away from me. It is something He has given me, which I should be delighted to return to him to make room for the new plans He has for me whatever or wherever they may be."
I know that I will see those people again one day. I am sure I will go back to visit Quebec, but until then I will try my best to serve His mission field here in San Diego. I want you to be encouraged, know that you don't have to go across the globe to share His good news. All you need to do it step outside and say "Hi" to your neighbor.
So I am bringing this blog to a close. I want to thank each and everyone of your for reading my posts, for encouraging me throughout the years. Your comments and prayers have been such a blessing and an encouragement for me. THANK YOU.
I know that the Lord is with me in this period of my life, His love is steadfast and He will never leave nor forsake us. May you be encouraged to share His love and be missionaries in your homes.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and nor for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
"And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20b
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26
In Christ's love,
Jennifer
