As I think back on my summer in the States, I am overwhelmed with the love and encouragement I received when I was there. As an overseas missionary, we are here because God has called us and GEM given us an avenue, but our supporters meet so many of our needs while we are here. Oftentimes, people are so encouraged to hear what God is doing here in Puerto, and that is such a good thing. God is at work here, and it is a joy to be an upfront onlooker of His great work. We should be so encouraged.
However, we often neglect to look and see how the Lord is working through friends, family, and sometimes strangers outside of Mexico. After my first year here, I can say I have a tremendous support team, and I have been able to see more of God’s goodness through the people who make it possible for me to be here now — both through their financial support and their faithful prayers.
As a supporter, you may not realize how significant your part is in this mission that God has for the nations, but without your prayers and support and encouragement, serving here in Puerto would be more challenging, if not near impossible.
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace…” Philippians 1:3-7a
As I pray, I remember those who make it possible for us to love and serve the children and their families at Manantial. While most of you will never be famous for supporting what God is doing around the world, you will forever be a crucial part of what the Lord’s work.
Thank you for every time you pray, every word of encouragement, every phone call or random text checking in on how life is here, and every dollar you sacrifice so that we may live here. To me, you are far more than just someone who helps me out financially. To me, you are co-laborers in the sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
-Rachel Hill, GEM Missionary