Don't be weary!

"Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good." 1 Peter 4:19

Anyone ever told you that you need a vacation? The other day, someone told me, "you really need to take care of you." I've been a little extra stressed lately. But despite what everyone tends to think, I'm not stressed because of my work load. Don't get me wrong, sometimes the weight of responsibility can get heavy. I'm responsible for a lot. But, I have always been a person who has thrived with lots going on. So, why have I been so stressed lately? I really think it all comes down to focus. When my focus is on what is lacking or what is failing or what is not up to par, I feel bogged down and stressed, and anxious. But those days when I am "in the game" and my focus is on the helping, when I'm "in the moment" I feel great, refreshed even. But I've been on a bit of a rollercoaster ride of focus lately, and in those stressed moments my friends have made a habit of telling me, "you need to take care of you, get some rest, go on vacation." At first I used to think, "yes I do." Then, I realized that I don't like them, vacations I mean. I don't like lots of rest. And on vacation, I always miss everything I get to do in ministry.

I think sometimes we get tired and bogged down with life and we relate it to the natural. If

I'm tired, I need to rest. We think there should be a break in between the difficult. But I've come to believe that when we think this way, we do so focusing on our own strengths and abilities instead of in the Lord. When Peter said the above verse about suffering according to God's will requiring us to trust Him, I think it's important to understand that He is faithful to fulfill what his Word says. Let's look at the context of the verse. Here's what come before:

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name." v. 12-16

We are told not to be surprised by the trials, but to rejoice in them. This passage is akin to James' words, "Consider it joy when you face trails of many kinds..." But I think we need to apply one more verse. In Isaiah, we see the prophet say, "those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they'll run and not grow weary, walk and not faint." In the midst of the difficulty, our tiredness isn't a sign that we need rest, but a sign that our hope is misplaced. Look at Paul's words to the Galatians, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Notice, he didn't say, "take some breaks so you don't become weary," instead he says, "don't stop, don't give up, keep your eyes on the harvest." I think the Lord has been walking me through some specific trials lately in order to teach me to keep my eyes on the harvest. To let my hope in Him renew my strength. To take joy in Him, and let that joy be my strength.

All this to say, if you are feeling weary, instead of looking for the vacation, look to the Hope of Christ and focus on the harvest to come if you do not give up. This is going to be my resolve in the midst of the trials we've been facing. Want to know what all is going on with us here in Bolivia? Here are some updates, a few needs, and some pray points below:

1. Misión Ágape: We have Bible study Thursday evenings, Guitar classes Tuesday afternoons, English classes Wednesday afternoons and are soon to launch monthly nights of worship and quarterly events centered on evangelism. Please also be in prayer for those teens who we counsel and who are going through difficult times.

Thursday Night Bible Study, about 7 others who normally come were there for the pic :(

2. En Su Palabra: Seth still serves as associate pastor and the church is doing well. This week we launched our leadership training and are excited about new leaders. We have the mission trip to the city of Tarija in July (9th-15th). We have several people who would like to participate in the trip but cannot afford it. The cost is $80 per person. If you'd like to sponsor someone to go, please let us know.

Also, Seth officiated his first wedding with a couple we've been doing pre-marital counseling with. Here's a pic of our family and the couple at the wedding!

 

3. Carachipampa Christian School: Ashley's second graders are advancing and growing everyday. Seth will begin working with the school part-time in July to cover the English classes since a teacher is leaving mid year. And Cruz is excelling in cross-country, he came in first for his grade today!

4. The kids are doing well, although we have some more unexpected dental costs for Cruz. He doesn't have enough space for two teeth to come in and we have been getting conflicting information on how to fix it. Either way, we are looking at about $1000 of unexpected expenses related to this. Please pray for wisdom and for God's provision.

5. Our furlough is coming up. Around late January or early February we'll arrive to the US for a 6 month furlough. This time is meant to provide a rest for our family, time for our kids to reconnect with stateside family, and for us to connect with our supporting families and churches. Please be praying for specific needs during this furlough, mainly housing and a vehicle. We are open to staying in the Hattiesburg, MS or Mobile, AL areas. Let us know if you have any ideas (free or low cost haha).

6. Ashley and Seth's anniversary is coming up (May 20th). We are going on a one night retreat to a cabin at a lake outside of the city with two other couples. Pray for our safety and our kids while we are gone.

Thank you for all of your support, your love, and your prayers. We are touched by your partnerships and love you all dearly. God bless!

From Bolivia,
The Powells