Christmas Break

We can possess the attitude that wherever God sends us, we will go. That mindset was reflected by the apostle Paul in Romans 15:
20 And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation,
21 but as it is written: "To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand."
22 For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you.
23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you,
24 whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.

A college student could spend his or her Christmas break in any number of ways - maybe to head home and spend time with friends and family, perhaps a time to decompress, or work a short-term holiday job.  

An article published at The Baptist Paper reports that a group of students from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Texas Baptist College traveled to Spain in December. The article relates:

The 12 students traveled to Madrid, Spain, on Dec. 6 for a week of evangelism activities. The trip was a sort of homecoming for team leader Amanda Williams, a master of arts in biblical counseling student who was born and grew up in Spain as the child of International Mission Board missionaries. The team worked with her parents, Dwight and Mara Williams, and other missionaries during the trip. Williams also is the staff photographer at Southwestern Seminary and was able to document the trip in photos.

The story, which is published in full at the seminary's website, quotes Amanda: 

“In a place like Spain, I have seen my parents measure success differently,” she explained. “If we adopted the same measurements other workers use around the world, ministry here could be considered a failure. That sounds intense, but that is what also makes the work here so beautiful.”

“Although God is able,” she added, “we cannot walk in expecting salvations left and right, but really have to ask ourselves, ‘Am I in it for the long run? Am I able to offer friendship for years, sometimes decades, before somebody becomes spiritually interested and, Lord willing, receives Christ?’”

Nelly Juarez, who is originally from Costa Rica, shared how she saw God move, even though the team encountered a lack of receptiveness to the gospel: “I was able to see God’s faithfulness in the way the church perseveres despite people’s hardness toward the Gospel,” she said. “Although sometimes the fruit is slow to reap, believers keep sowing and trusting God to bring His Kingdom to Spain. I also learned the importance of building long-lasting relationships in order to reach Spanish people and gained a deeper understanding of God’s love for the lost.”

According to the article, "The students conducted evangelism activities in area parks and assisted in events for the local church including a Christmas party for students who were learning English. They also helped with the women’s ministry Christmas party."

Alyssa Espinoza and fiance Toby Dingler went to Spain as part of the missions effort.  The article noted that they plan to serve the Lord together once they are married - they had a unique encounter in Madrid one night in a store.

“Toby and I were speaking in English, so the cashier heard us and took it as an opportunity to practice his English,” she said. As the two men began talking, Dingler shared his faith and they exchanged numbers to hopefully meet up later in the week, she added.

“Toby met with him for coffee a few days later, then the day before we left, I was able to join Toby and the cashier and the cashier’s wife as we had intentional time with them,” Espinoza said. “Toby was able to share the Gospel and challenge the cashier’s beliefs and they developed a sweet friendship in such a short time!”

Toby noticed something about the culture there; he said: “I was blown away by how much the people of Spain valued being with others,” adding, “Everywhere I went I saw people together, talking and having a good time. I couldn’t help but see this piece of Spanish culture as a way for God to reach Spain with His good news.”

The article described the nature of some of the encounters that team members had with local people. Amanda shared: "...time and time again, He brought people that seemed to need a friend right at that very moment. The team was able to form connections and friendships that I’m not sure would have happened otherwise. I know I speak for my parents in saying that we are incredibly grateful for the team, the joy they brought and the encouragement they left to long-term workers [in Spain].”

This story really drives home the point that we should always be willing to go where God sends us at the time He ordains.  We have to guard against allowing excuses to prevent us from doing His will: such as the wrong circumstances, the wrong time, or a deficient amount of finances.  Where God calls, He provides. 

These students utilized a break in the schedule near Christmas to share the gospel - they went to a nation where they were expecting some resistance, based on the experiences of Amanda's parents.  But, they were faithful, and encountered open doors, divine appointments in order to share the gospel. They didn't allow preconceived notions to hold them back from being faithful. 

We can make sure that we recognize that yes, we are sent.  People with a mission who have been commissioned to go into the world.  We are placed here for a purpose, and we can make sure our hearts are open for whatever God desires for us to do.