From the international bus station, we took a city bus to get all the way to our homes. My traveling partner had already gotten off the bus, so I was solo. I was sitting in the back. My bus stop was approaching, and people started heading to the back door. As the bus actually stopped and I tried to get off, I realized that the people who were in front of the door were not planning on getting off. I started shoving me way towards the door as the bus started moving with the door still open. A man grabbed my arm, thinking I was falling, but in a panic to exit, I tore myself from his grasp and jumped off the bus.
The bus was going much faster than I thought it was, and even though I planted my feet on even ground, the rest of my body immediately met the ground, with my head finishing the fall. Two men at a nearby newspaper stand had me sit down. Sure, my head hurt, but I knew where I was and my vision was fine and I could even speak Spanish, so I got up and walked the last few minutes to my house.
Over the next few days, I experienced symptoms like headaches, neck pain, heavy eyelids, and dilated pupils. Every time I lay down to try to rest, I would think about how idiotic it was that I actually jumped off. Every time I replayed the moment in my head, I got so angry with myself. How could I be so naive to think that I could jump off a moving bus?! How could I be so impulsive that I could not simply wait until the next stop?! Over time, I saw the symptoms come, and I saw them go, and I realized that God had protected me in a significant way. I know I should have been much more injured than I was. My symptoms were not even intense enough that I had to miss any ministry. I am left now with only bruising (thankfully, I fell backward instead of forward, Amen?!).
My worst fear is head injuries. I am afraid of killing brain cells, not being able to think as quickly or as sharply, and honestly becoming stupider. I am afraid of forgetting how to speak, how to play the music, who my friends are, or who I am.
This head injury has finished teaching me a lesson that I thought I had already finished learning. My identity is found in Christ alone. I knew that if we put our hope and identity in anything of this world, we are sure to feel disappointed, lost, and purposeless (I remember that place in my life before I put my faith in Christ). Where should my identity be found? In my outgoing personality? In my athleticism? In my musical abilities? In my appearance? I can lose any of those things at any moment. I knew this when it came to a degree, a job, a relationship, a social status, or appearance. However, I did not include the gifts God has given me. I primarily define myself as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, but I also defined myself as someone who loves to play music and sports and is always up for meeting new people and trying new things. The Lord has given me everything I have and has made me who I am. But His gifts of my abilities and personality are just that: gifts! He can give and take His gifts as He pleases.
John 1:12 says, "Yet to all who did receive [Jesus], to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." My identity should solely be found in the eternal title of God's daughter, an heiress to His Kingdom. What an epic identity. And what better place can my identity be? If I genuinely believe that 2 Corinthians 12:9 is true and "[His] grace is sufficient for [me]", I do not need to fear losing anything else. I do not need to fear losing my money, my family, my health, my abilities, or my memory.
To be honest, this head injury has taught me a lot more. It has reminded me that I have such a hard time being served and an even harder time forgiving myself and my sin. I am really grateful for how God has used this unique circumstance to help me grow in closer relationship with Him. Please pray that I continue to seek God in every hardship I experience here.
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Friday, July 3, 2015
Broke
I want to apologize for the time that has passed since posting my last blog. This week has been busy and tiring, meaning less free time and less energy to be on the computer during my free time. However, that also means that a lot has been happening! If I have time the next few days, I will be shooting out a few blogs, so keep an eye out for those.
Last weekend, I had a last-minute opportunity to travel to Uruguay for very cheap! One of the coordinators here had to go there for an official purpose, so we were asked if we wanted to tag along. Although Anna did not want to go, my first thought was, "Heck yeah!" Later, however, I realized that I had not yet incorporated prayer into my decision. When I first started praying, I was pretty quickly overcome with guilt that, as much of a steal it would be to buy the ticket, the money I had in my bank account was not my money to spend. It was the Lord's. I remembered the incredible quote, "The question is not 'How much of my money will I give to God ?'but 'How much of God's money will I keep for myself?" We have to remember that we are all broke servants, investing our Master's money where He tells us to invest it.
I spent the rest of the day thinking about it as we went to our different ministries. I kept asking God for a reason for me to go, a way to glorify Him by going. When I finally let it go and decided that there would be no everlasting result of me going and that I should stay, I had this uneasiness in my heart that I should not stay. There was a retreat our church was doing that Anna and I were asked to sing for, but I felt really uncomfortable doing it because I did not know the songs well enough in Spanish. Even though we would be allowed to sing in English, I felt like I would be distracting others from worshiping. I also realized I would not be missing any ministry if I were to go, and traveling to gain more experience and knowledge of other places for so cheap could help me in future ministries. I felt that God had something to teach me by going on this trip.
I was not positive if it was God's will for me to go, but because I spent so long making my decision, there was a low likelihood of me being able to buy a ticket with the same exact schedule as my traveling companion. I decided to go for it, and if it was God's will for me to go, I would be able to buy the ticket. (I've realized, however, that sometimes, God keeps the door open as a test, and other times, the devil can open doors as temptation or deceit.) On my car ride to the bus station, I prayed "Lord, if there is another place you want to spend this money that is more glorifying to You, please close this door, but if I have any say in it, I would really like to go." I repeated that prayer over and over.
When I got there, I was able to buy the ticket. So I went! Our seats were in the very front of the double-decker, so it was a pretty cool view. The service was very similar to an airline's with dinner, snacks, and drinks served. When we arrived, we spent our whole day simply walking. We walked through a market with vendors sending all kinds of merchandise from fruit and vegetables to hand-made crafts to coins to puppies to reptiles. Just about everything else, however, was closed because it was Sunday. We could not visit any museums of do very much shopping, but we walked through the streets and admired the architecture. We never talked to anyone, gave anyone money, planted any spiritual seeds, or left any sort of lasting impact. So when I got on the bus to head home, I wondered what was God's reason for me going. What was it that He wanted to teach me? Did I go because of blinding selfishness? It was not until I was about five minutes from being home that I experienced the most significant impact...
Last weekend, I had a last-minute opportunity to travel to Uruguay for very cheap! One of the coordinators here had to go there for an official purpose, so we were asked if we wanted to tag along. Although Anna did not want to go, my first thought was, "Heck yeah!" Later, however, I realized that I had not yet incorporated prayer into my decision. When I first started praying, I was pretty quickly overcome with guilt that, as much of a steal it would be to buy the ticket, the money I had in my bank account was not my money to spend. It was the Lord's. I remembered the incredible quote, "The question is not 'How much of my money will I give to God ?'but 'How much of God's money will I keep for myself?" We have to remember that we are all broke servants, investing our Master's money where He tells us to invest it.
I spent the rest of the day thinking about it as we went to our different ministries. I kept asking God for a reason for me to go, a way to glorify Him by going. When I finally let it go and decided that there would be no everlasting result of me going and that I should stay, I had this uneasiness in my heart that I should not stay. There was a retreat our church was doing that Anna and I were asked to sing for, but I felt really uncomfortable doing it because I did not know the songs well enough in Spanish. Even though we would be allowed to sing in English, I felt like I would be distracting others from worshiping. I also realized I would not be missing any ministry if I were to go, and traveling to gain more experience and knowledge of other places for so cheap could help me in future ministries. I felt that God had something to teach me by going on this trip.
I was not positive if it was God's will for me to go, but because I spent so long making my decision, there was a low likelihood of me being able to buy a ticket with the same exact schedule as my traveling companion. I decided to go for it, and if it was God's will for me to go, I would be able to buy the ticket. (I've realized, however, that sometimes, God keeps the door open as a test, and other times, the devil can open doors as temptation or deceit.) On my car ride to the bus station, I prayed "Lord, if there is another place you want to spend this money that is more glorifying to You, please close this door, but if I have any say in it, I would really like to go." I repeated that prayer over and over.
When I got there, I was able to buy the ticket. So I went! Our seats were in the very front of the double-decker, so it was a pretty cool view. The service was very similar to an airline's with dinner, snacks, and drinks served. When we arrived, we spent our whole day simply walking. We walked through a market with vendors sending all kinds of merchandise from fruit and vegetables to hand-made crafts to coins to puppies to reptiles. Just about everything else, however, was closed because it was Sunday. We could not visit any museums of do very much shopping, but we walked through the streets and admired the architecture. We never talked to anyone, gave anyone money, planted any spiritual seeds, or left any sort of lasting impact. So when I got on the bus to head home, I wondered what was God's reason for me going. What was it that He wanted to teach me? Did I go because of blinding selfishness? It was not until I was about five minutes from being home that I experienced the most significant impact...
Friday, June 26, 2015
Keeping a Positive Gratitude
This past week, CFCI started a new after-school program in Los Galpones on Thursday afternoons. I absolutely love going there. The spiritual clash between light and darkness is so physically evident. I am so encouraged by the love I receive through the hugs of some of the children. Their hugs are so sudden, but the children hold on for so long. They are seriously the warmest hugs. Need I say again? They are so desperate for love. I have also seen love reciprocated very directly. One of the older girls gave me a note yesterday that said "Sara, I love you so much. Me, your friend, Paola." I have been told stories about the incredible heart-change in that girl. When CFCI first working in Los Galpones, she would say things like "Your food sucks, and I'm never coming back." Yet here she is, years later, attending every week and falling in love with the volunteers who love her so deeply.
We have also been helping with a group called "English Talk" every Tuesday, where people simply gather to speak in English about a predetermined topic for two hours. We have a diverse group of English-speakers from Wales, the UK, Australia, California, Michigan, South Carolina, and yours truly, New Jersey. With all of those accents, where else should someone go if they are aspiring to learn English? I love English Talk. I have already made some great friends there, and I am so excited to spend more time with them in the coming weeks.
This past Thursday, English Talk hosted an event called English Night. Pretty original, I know. English Night is an event designed to have everyone gather to spend time together, rather than to formally discuss in English. Lots of music and even some poetry were performed by people who regularly attend English Talk. I met a few people there who have actually never been to English Talk, and I saw a few older friends as well. (My "older friends" are friends that I met my first week in Argentina haha.) The night was incredible. I was especially encouraged by how easily I was able to connect with so many people. I really hope I get to see them at future English Talks! Please pray for opportunities to get to know them better and to share more about my faith with them, whether as a part of English Talk or apart from English Talk.
We have also been helping with a group called "English Talk" every Tuesday, where people simply gather to speak in English about a predetermined topic for two hours. We have a diverse group of English-speakers from Wales, the UK, Australia, California, Michigan, South Carolina, and yours truly, New Jersey. With all of those accents, where else should someone go if they are aspiring to learn English? I love English Talk. I have already made some great friends there, and I am so excited to spend more time with them in the coming weeks.
Lastly, we have started working in "La Municipalidad" this week. La Municipalidad is a department that focuses on politics and public relations in the city of Córdoba. Today, I was asked to translate a document from Spanish to English...(cue the gasp). I was really nervous at first because I am obviously not fluent in Spanish, but after the first paragraph, I got into the groove (with the assistance of Google Translate, of course). I learned so much Spanish through that task, and it was so much fun!
More encouraging than that, however, I heard someone singing on the other side of the office in another cubicle. I realized that they were singing "Nothing is Impossible" by Planetshakers in Spanish! I am not sure who was singing and if she would even proclaim to be a Christian, but the words of that song are so true and so powerful when you take them to heart. Please pray that that singer does come to mean those lyrics and can be a light in that office. I am personally so excited to continue volunteering there.
I am so overwhelmingly grateful to be here. I am in awe of how God is moving, the gifts He has given me, and all the avenues where He is using us. I know God has a lot to reveal to me during this time about Him as well as myself. Please pray that I continue my time here genuinely longing to know the Lord more deeply. Thank you again for taking the time to read through this long one!
More encouraging than that, however, I heard someone singing on the other side of the office in another cubicle. I realized that they were singing "Nothing is Impossible" by Planetshakers in Spanish! I am not sure who was singing and if she would even proclaim to be a Christian, but the words of that song are so true and so powerful when you take them to heart. Please pray that that singer does come to mean those lyrics and can be a light in that office. I am personally so excited to continue volunteering there.
I am so overwhelmingly grateful to be here. I am in awe of how God is moving, the gifts He has given me, and all the avenues where He is using us. I know God has a lot to reveal to me during this time about Him as well as myself. Please pray that I continue my time here genuinely longing to know the Lord more deeply. Thank you again for taking the time to read through this long one!
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Father's Day Fun
Sunday was another great day here in Córdoba, Argentina! Because our church service is at night here, Anna and I were able to sleep in a bit and then finally go running for the first time! When we got back, our host mom (Karina) asked us to buy a few things from a nearby bakery. We were proud to walk out with an embarrassment-free experience!!
For our special Father's day breakfast, I tried Colombian coffee for the first time (Karina's favorite). I usually do not drink coffee, but I have been having it more often here. For lunch, we went to our host dad's parents' house. There, we partook in one of Argentina's greatest traditions: asado! Asado is a barbecue with lots of friends and the world-renowned Argentinian beef and meat. It was buenísimo (so good). It was also Anna's first asado! Next, we did the dishes together and then tried some great desserts with the also famous "dulce de leche", which is like caramel but creamier and oh-so-popular in Argentina.
Next, we went to church. The service was much longer than usual. There was a lot of worship which is always good. There were a lot of speakers who shared about prayer requests with a missionary we are partnering with, an upcoming event, and an encouraging piece of Scripture. The senior pastor (who happens to be our host dad's dad) gave a message, and then we ended with a little more worship and communion.
For our special Father's day breakfast, I tried Colombian coffee for the first time (Karina's favorite). I usually do not drink coffee, but I have been having it more often here. For lunch, we went to our host dad's parents' house. There, we partook in one of Argentina's greatest traditions: asado! Asado is a barbecue with lots of friends and the world-renowned Argentinian beef and meat. It was buenísimo (so good). It was also Anna's first asado! Next, we did the dishes together and then tried some great desserts with the also famous "dulce de leche", which is like caramel but creamier and oh-so-popular in Argentina.
Next, we went to church. The service was much longer than usual. There was a lot of worship which is always good. There were a lot of speakers who shared about prayer requests with a missionary we are partnering with, an upcoming event, and an encouraging piece of Scripture. The senior pastor (who happens to be our host dad's dad) gave a message, and then we ended with a little more worship and communion.
Communion is a tradition based off of Luke 22:19-20 which says, "And [Jesus] took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to [the disciples], saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, 'This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.' " The purpose of communion is to remember the sacrifice Christ made for us and to unify the body of the church. Every church does things a little differently; some have communion annually, semi-annually, monthly, weekly, etc. They all use different bread and drinks as well. For the communion drink at this particular church, they had ushers pass around a glass of wine. I had never seen literal wine distributed during church communion, but it was a cool experience.
Afterwards, we went back to the same house (the senior pastor's house), and had pizza and "sobre mesa" which is essentially when everyone stays at the table after eating and spends time together talking and laughing. How could the day be any better?
Afterwards, we went back to the same house (the senior pastor's house), and had pizza and "sobre mesa" which is essentially when everyone stays at the table after eating and spends time together talking and laughing. How could the day be any better?
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Weekend Update with Sara Hayduchok
I hope everyone recognizes the SNL reference...
Anyways, this weekend has been great! On Friday, Anna and I were able to wake up late and spent a while sorting clothes that we brought to the homeless ministry that night. Since our schedule and all of our ministries are weekly, I have been able to see all of our ministries since arriving. Experiencing each ministry has given me so much more confidence while serving. I know where to go, how to help, and how to approach people.
Saturday is our children's ministry in Los Galpones. Like the homeless ministry, this time around was even better for me than my first visit. I still see the same yearning for love. Two boys particularly stuck out to me. One young boy kept kicking the soccer ball as hard as he could, sometimes into others' backyards, sometimes into others' faces. Later, however, he asked me to play soccer, and when I said I had to help somewhere else, he insisted that I played (so I eventually did). The other boy was a teenager who tried to be rude while we were playing soccer, but by the end when we were cleaning up, he put the last chair up on the table for me. You see, they try to push our love away, but we remain persistent. Sooner or later, they realize we offer genuine love, and they want it!
At night, we went to a new youth group meeting where we will be going for the rest of our time here. Because I have been here for over a week, I thought I had experienced everything in our weekly schedule, but this meeting was a wonderful first-time experience! The worship was so great. They were all songs I had never heard before (there are a lot of songs here that I know in English but have been translated). The people are so kind. Instead of just saying hi, they stayed and got to know us. Because our usual interpreters were not with us, I got to practice my Spanish a lot! That resulted in a few extremely embarrassing moments, but they are memories that Anna and I will not forget! Let's just say I mixed up "de nada" which means "you're welcome" with "de nata" which means "cream."
The main worship leader was particularly welcoming. He knew a lot of worship songs in English, so we all went on stage to the piano after the meeting and sang with him! It was sooo much fun. We were all singing and harmonizing, and I even got the chance to play my harmonica finally! Later, he asked us about our churches back home and how we realized our callings to come here. We were one of the last ones to leave, but our time still felt cut short! We cannot wait to return next week :)
Praise God, my understanding of the Spanish here has been improving significantly. Prayers for time efficiency would be greatly appreciated so that I can be in the Word daily and continue updating this blog while maintaining a healthy sleep schedule. Thanks again for everyone's support!! Please send me any prayer requests if you have any!!
Anyways, this weekend has been great! On Friday, Anna and I were able to wake up late and spent a while sorting clothes that we brought to the homeless ministry that night. Since our schedule and all of our ministries are weekly, I have been able to see all of our ministries since arriving. Experiencing each ministry has given me so much more confidence while serving. I know where to go, how to help, and how to approach people.
Saturday is our children's ministry in Los Galpones. Like the homeless ministry, this time around was even better for me than my first visit. I still see the same yearning for love. Two boys particularly stuck out to me. One young boy kept kicking the soccer ball as hard as he could, sometimes into others' backyards, sometimes into others' faces. Later, however, he asked me to play soccer, and when I said I had to help somewhere else, he insisted that I played (so I eventually did). The other boy was a teenager who tried to be rude while we were playing soccer, but by the end when we were cleaning up, he put the last chair up on the table for me. You see, they try to push our love away, but we remain persistent. Sooner or later, they realize we offer genuine love, and they want it!
At night, we went to a new youth group meeting where we will be going for the rest of our time here. Because I have been here for over a week, I thought I had experienced everything in our weekly schedule, but this meeting was a wonderful first-time experience! The worship was so great. They were all songs I had never heard before (there are a lot of songs here that I know in English but have been translated). The people are so kind. Instead of just saying hi, they stayed and got to know us. Because our usual interpreters were not with us, I got to practice my Spanish a lot! That resulted in a few extremely embarrassing moments, but they are memories that Anna and I will not forget! Let's just say I mixed up "de nada" which means "you're welcome" with "de nata" which means "cream."
The main worship leader was particularly welcoming. He knew a lot of worship songs in English, so we all went on stage to the piano after the meeting and sang with him! It was sooo much fun. We were all singing and harmonizing, and I even got the chance to play my harmonica finally! Later, he asked us about our churches back home and how we realized our callings to come here. We were one of the last ones to leave, but our time still felt cut short! We cannot wait to return next week :)
Praise God, my understanding of the Spanish here has been improving significantly. Prayers for time efficiency would be greatly appreciated so that I can be in the Word daily and continue updating this blog while maintaining a healthy sleep schedule. Thanks again for everyone's support!! Please send me any prayer requests if you have any!!
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Starving Children
On my first full day here, we spent our morning in "los galpones" which is one of the dirtiest and most poverty-stricken parts of the city. There, I encountered dozens of starving children. Thanks be to God, we brought them exactly what they need. We brought torta (cake), mate (tea), and pasta (...lunch), but what they really needed and expected from us was amor (love). I know some of you are reading this and thinking: "Really? It doesn't get much cheesier than that." Let me explain.
These children live in environments where they are abused on every level by their families, neighbors, and even strangers. Most of them live in small houses and sleep in one bedroom where everything their parents do takes place. This includes dealing drugs, taking drugs, and having sex. In this neighborhood, there are no rules. The kids are violent. They throw rocks and hit each other. The kids are loud. They start arguments which turn into pure screaming. The kids are uncontrollable. No matter how much you try to physically keep them from fighting, they keep going until they want to stop. The kids are ungrateful. After spending our whole morning there just to bring them food, drinks, crafts, and soccer, while we were doing the dishes in preparation to leave, I heard what sounded like gunshots when some children began throwing heavy rocks onto the metal roof.
The kids are suffering from so much more than physical hunger. They are starving for love. I can tell by the way they come running to the volunteers and give them a kiss (the common Argentinian greeting). I can tell by the way they got my soccer pinny and even exchanged it for me because the first one was too small. I can tell by the way they just walk up to a volunteer, hug them, and walk away without exchanging even one word. Picture that. It is so powerful. They are so deprived from love, but they know that we offer it. They know because CFCI (Christ for the City International) has been there for three years. They know because CFCI has spent money on buying a house, new tables, plates, and cups, only to have it all stolen multiple times. They know because-- as violent, loud, uncontrollable and ungrateful as they are-- CFCI comes back. Our mission is to help the spiritually suffering where no one else wants to. Why? Because that is what Jesus did.
Romans 5:8
These children live in environments where they are abused on every level by their families, neighbors, and even strangers. Most of them live in small houses and sleep in one bedroom where everything their parents do takes place. This includes dealing drugs, taking drugs, and having sex. In this neighborhood, there are no rules. The kids are violent. They throw rocks and hit each other. The kids are loud. They start arguments which turn into pure screaming. The kids are uncontrollable. No matter how much you try to physically keep them from fighting, they keep going until they want to stop. The kids are ungrateful. After spending our whole morning there just to bring them food, drinks, crafts, and soccer, while we were doing the dishes in preparation to leave, I heard what sounded like gunshots when some children began throwing heavy rocks onto the metal roof.
The kids are suffering from so much more than physical hunger. They are starving for love. I can tell by the way they come running to the volunteers and give them a kiss (the common Argentinian greeting). I can tell by the way they got my soccer pinny and even exchanged it for me because the first one was too small. I can tell by the way they just walk up to a volunteer, hug them, and walk away without exchanging even one word. Picture that. It is so powerful. They are so deprived from love, but they know that we offer it. They know because CFCI (Christ for the City International) has been there for three years. They know because CFCI has spent money on buying a house, new tables, plates, and cups, only to have it all stolen multiple times. They know because-- as violent, loud, uncontrollable and ungrateful as they are-- CFCI comes back. Our mission is to help the spiritually suffering where no one else wants to. Why? Because that is what Jesus did.
Do not forget: we are all starving children without knowing and understanding what Christ did for us. The team here has has sacrificed an unbelievable amount to stay in “los galpones,” but after every single painful visit, they know that it is only a weak analogue for the sacrifice Christ made for us, how much pain he went through for us, how uncontrollable we are, how dirty we are, and how ungrateful we are. YET, He loves us unconditionally.
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
1 John 4:19
1 John 4:19
We love because He first loved us.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
First Prayer Requests
I have arrived safely to my host family's home! As you can expect, my last few days before leaving were fairly busy and my first 24 hours here have been packed! In this post, I will explain what I will need prayer for throughout my time in Argentina. I will most likely need constant prayer in these areas and, therefore, will not list them in my prayer requests repeatedly.
1. Spanish. I originally wanted to ask for confidence in speaking Spanish because my lack of experience in speaking with authentic Spanish-speakers makes me awfully shy, afraid to ask questions, and too focuses on my mistakes. However, since arriving, my real prayer request is for understanding. I used to feel that my understanding was better than my speaking, but it is unbelievably difficult for me to understand most of what is being said here. In addition to my limited vocabulary, I think my understanding is most heavily influenced by the Argentine accent, native slang, and the different verb tense that they use. Please pray for understanding so I can communicate with nationals with ease and without assistance which takes away from other ministry my teammates can be doing. (But praise God for four great English-speakers who have already been so helpful!)
2. Team cohesiveness. Because I am entering a new culture with only one girl from a different culture than mine, I am a little worried about the potential for conflict. It is so easy for any action to be mistaken or considered offensive. Please pray for patience, understanding, and humility for all parties involved.
3. Health and Safety. Last summer, I sacrificed my health in many areas for various reasons. I have already seen how difficult maintaining my health will be for me considering the cultural differences like small breakfasts, shorter night's sleeps with naps, and late dinners. Please pray that, this summer, I take care of my body by getting sufficient sleep, eating well and not too much, and exercising regularly. Also, because I am in a new country, there are dangers that I may be unaware of, so please pray for protection. I feel so strongly about this because of 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies."
4. Guidance. I need guidance every day. I will be meeting and passing many, many people these upcoming months. Please pray for the Lord’s clear guidance in terms of whom to speak to and what to say. Only the Lord knows what each and every person needs.
5. Understanding. While Skyping with some of the Argentinian CFCI coordinators about a week ago, they mentioned that their church is a little more on the charismatic side. For those of you who do not know, charismatic churches focus more on the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit like healing, prophecy, and speaking and interpreting “tongues.” “Tongues” are described as foreign languages-- sometimes Earthly and sometimes Heavenly-- that the Holy Spirit speaks through you. I know it sounds very strange; it is very strange to me, too! That is why I am asking for prayer in understanding. Please pray for firmness in the order that the Bible declares in this area, yet openness in how the Bible is lived out in a way I have not yet witnessed.
Thank you to all for taking the time to read my blog and pray for me! I am so grateful and I know the Lord is using your prayers! If you have any suggestions on how I can improve my writing, please comment or send me an e-mail at Sara.Hayduchok@gmail.com
1. Spanish. I originally wanted to ask for confidence in speaking Spanish because my lack of experience in speaking with authentic Spanish-speakers makes me awfully shy, afraid to ask questions, and too focuses on my mistakes. However, since arriving, my real prayer request is for understanding. I used to feel that my understanding was better than my speaking, but it is unbelievably difficult for me to understand most of what is being said here. In addition to my limited vocabulary, I think my understanding is most heavily influenced by the Argentine accent, native slang, and the different verb tense that they use. Please pray for understanding so I can communicate with nationals with ease and without assistance which takes away from other ministry my teammates can be doing. (But praise God for four great English-speakers who have already been so helpful!)
2. Team cohesiveness. Because I am entering a new culture with only one girl from a different culture than mine, I am a little worried about the potential for conflict. It is so easy for any action to be mistaken or considered offensive. Please pray for patience, understanding, and humility for all parties involved.
3. Health and Safety. Last summer, I sacrificed my health in many areas for various reasons. I have already seen how difficult maintaining my health will be for me considering the cultural differences like small breakfasts, shorter night's sleeps with naps, and late dinners. Please pray that, this summer, I take care of my body by getting sufficient sleep, eating well and not too much, and exercising regularly. Also, because I am in a new country, there are dangers that I may be unaware of, so please pray for protection. I feel so strongly about this because of 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies."
4. Guidance. I need guidance every day. I will be meeting and passing many, many people these upcoming months. Please pray for the Lord’s clear guidance in terms of whom to speak to and what to say. Only the Lord knows what each and every person needs.
5. Understanding. While Skyping with some of the Argentinian CFCI coordinators about a week ago, they mentioned that their church is a little more on the charismatic side. For those of you who do not know, charismatic churches focus more on the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit like healing, prophecy, and speaking and interpreting “tongues.” “Tongues” are described as foreign languages-- sometimes Earthly and sometimes Heavenly-- that the Holy Spirit speaks through you. I know it sounds very strange; it is very strange to me, too! That is why I am asking for prayer in understanding. Please pray for firmness in the order that the Bible declares in this area, yet openness in how the Bible is lived out in a way I have not yet witnessed.
Thank you to all for taking the time to read my blog and pray for me! I am so grateful and I know the Lord is using your prayers! If you have any suggestions on how I can improve my writing, please comment or send me an e-mail at Sara.Hayduchok@gmail.com
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