Scott/Wayne EBC Team: Lean In

In last night’s meeting Wayne and I challenged the team “for each of us to get out of our own way so that God can use us in his way. We may have the preconceptions about who we think we are, but often times that is a false sense of reality. God’s version of us is who we really are. What would happen if we pushed past our fears and insecurities? Imagine what kind of potential we would reach for Him. This week, we will be challenged, stretched and uncomfortable but when that happens… we need to Lean in… because, most likely, that moment is exactly where He wants us to be. Today, we did just that.

Our first stop was to Carrefour, which is known as the Home for Sick and Dying Adults. I personally have never been to this stop, so I was not sure what to expect. Our job here was to just be… present… which in our culture is slowly becoming an unfamiliar concept. We often find ourselves connected to just about everything but the present. However, equipped with bottles of lotion we entered rooms of bed ridden patients longing to feel the touch of someone who wants to love and be near them. We had the privilege of massaging lotion onto the patient’s hands, backs, shoulders, legs and feet. Many of the sick are too weak to move or are in so much pain they’d rather not, so having us there is a real treat. To some this may sound like uncomfortable interactions with strangers, but to God, we are obediently serving our brothers and sisters.

Our next stop was to the orphanage, La Loo. La Loo has around 35 children that range from 4-16 years old. These children were a joy! They were ecstatic to see us pull in. Our 6’6” team member, Dave Holmes, quickly became their living, breathing jungle gym. J After some play time we sat down for a bible study and activity. The study pulled pieces out of the books of Ephesians and Romans. [Put on your full Armor of God so that you can take a stand…against the evils of this world… for each of you were made with unique gifts and talents by the grace of God.] In an environment where many of the orphans were abandoned, they need to know that they are still loved and important to God. Furthermore, they must use that understanding to protect themselves from a world that wants them to think otherwise.

Overall, the trip has been physically, mentally and spiritually rewarding and it’s only begun. I am looking forward to experiencing the inevitable growth of this team in the upcoming days. Next up, Water Truck Day!

God Blesses Always,

Scott