Living with the Amazon Mosquitoes

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For those who do not know, I’ve been moved to go on a mission trip to Guyana. Initially hesitant to go, I prayed for signs from God and I felt the Lord provided me with signs that let me know that this was what I was to do.

Confession

One good thing in the eyes of God that came out of my preparation for this trip was me confessing my sins. I hoped to clean out my spiritual closet before I went. Even though I was confessing for God, I was still nervous about confessing to another person, a priest. But as I walked into the church, it was uplifting to see so many people waiting in line to confess. I mean I was practically standing outside of the church. I had never seen quite a thing outside of Easter time! Yet, the line gave me time to think even more and so I became even a little more nervous.
Wouldn’t it just be easier if I, ummm, just took a little sidestep out of line and ummm, just sat in a pew without anybody noticing? I mean, our father Adam tried to hide too, right?

Why was I nervous about confessing? It seems that it was me realizing how short I fall of God’s glory; it was me realizing my humiliation in front of God. I realized that only by God’s love for us and by his mercy that I could even approach God.

And then what would the human who hears my confession think?

Yet, God’s grace strengthened me and allowed me to be honest to myself and another human being. And in the end, I knew God’s mercy a little better.

Prayer

The prayer of a righteous has great power in its effects. (James 5:16).
As, I head out to South America, I ask for everybody to keep close to God, confess your sins, and pray that God’s love moves everybody we come into contact with.

Also during this preparation time, I have seen the love for God that compelled people to donate large amounts of money to the people of Guyana. This is faith in action, God’s love being demonstrated through human hearts. So I ask that you pray that the money is used for the glory of God.

Please pray for my faith and actions that they be God’s will.

May the almighty God bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit.