Saturday, March 23, 2013

God's plan > my plan

When I started thinking about going to Bolivia, I kept pushing the idea out of my head. I didn't think I was qualified and I didn't think I had the right intentions. God's plan is always better. Whenever I had doubts, a sermon or chapel would discredit my thoughts. For example, when I felt inadequate, my Old Testament teacher spoke on how God uses the unlikely (Moses, Abraham, Joseph). Funny timing. 

I started to pray about the trip more seriously. Maybe God really did want me going to Bolivia. I spent hours on the Hospitals of Hope website. I emailed the organization in search of more information. The pieces started falling together. But, I felt that I needed a friend- someone to travel across the world with. 

Two friends entered my mind. I felt that I needed at least one travel companion and so I prayed and asked them if they would be interested. To make a long story short, neither of them were able to go. One friend even applied and was planning on going, but some things came up that prevented her from going. Again, God's plan>our plan. After hearing that the two people I thought were meant to go on the trip weren't able to go, I was crushed. I didn't think that I could go to Bolivia alone. I might get abducted, or lost, or die! I might, I might, I might...

I had two options: go or stay. My parents had a peace about the trip. My mom even said, "When I was your age I went to communist Hungary by myself. I think you should go." My dad was equally supportive. I had a peace about going. Now that things have settled down, I am starting to see that God's plan is better. Of course I would have loved to have my friends come with me, but God wasn't calling them to Bolivia this summer. He has called me and His plans are always better. 

The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 118:8 

Now, I have to realize that God- the ultimate protector- will be guiding me through this trip. I won't know a single person, I will be entering a new culture, I don't know the language very well, and I am traveling alone. It is scary. To the world, this may seem crazy. But, to use the words of Francis Chan, "God doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn't come through.”

My new favorite song is Oceans by Hillsong. It talks about how God calls us out upon the waters, 'the great unknown.' Bolivia is my great unknown but if I keep my eyes on Christ, He will keep me from sinking. 

This is my prayer (and a part of the song):  

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders.
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever you would call me.
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my saviour.


And the song is so good, everyone should listen to it. :) 


Never Stop Fighting

I don't have a lot of experience working with the poor. However, I have served on Skid Row in LA. There are so many people suffering and living lives that are harmful to themselves and others. It can be overwhelming. Often times I would feel like I wasn't making an impact. The problem was so big. I was so small.

Poverty is big. 

Hearing the statistics is motivating, but then I realize that I am just one person. What can I do? Is it worth it? One person can do a lot with the power of the Holy Spirit (Philippians 4:13). While poverty is big, we can't stop fighting. Why? 

Because that orphan, that widow, that homeless person is one of us. Jesus died for them too. We are called to love our neighbors as ourself. I wouldn't want to be without parents, I wouldn't want to be poor, I wouldn't want to live on the streets. 




Video source: World Relief Vimeo

Friday, March 22, 2013

Funds Update

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:19

I hadn't heard anything about my fundraising. I was getting anxious as my trip is rapidly approaching. 

Then, I got an email from Daniel at Hospitals Of Hope telling me that my supporters have given me $1,180.  Thank you! THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU! to everyone who has donated. I am so humbled by everyone's generosity. 

The next step is getting my plane tickets figured out. This is getting real! 


The guesthouse I will be staying in! 

Saturday, March 2, 2013

The Mission


Saludos (‘Greetings!’ in Spanish)! I would like to take a few minutes of your time to share with you about something Christ has put on my heart. For a while now, I have been praying about missions and wondering if I could use my passion for medicine to impact the world for Christ. I am so excited to write that the Lord has opened the door. I will be volunteering in Bolivia this summer with an organization called Hospitals Of Hope. Hospitals of Hope is an organization that aims to, “show Christ’s love by healing bodies and souls”; they do this by bringing much-needed healthcare to third world countries- all in the name of Christ.

As a volunteer, I will be sharing the love of Jesus with many patients and helping around the hospital. I will also be working in the local orphanages, doing street ministry, and [hopefully] seeing some surgeries. I pray that I will be able to share the joy that Christ brings to my life with the Bolivians we will be meeting.

I will be entering a world of unknowns as I go to Bolivia, and so I would like to ask for your prayer while I am preparing for the trip. Please pray for the people that I will come in contact with. Pray that their hearts and minds would be open to hearing the name of Jesus.  

A second way you could help is partnering with me financially. I need to raise $2,500 to cover the traveling and living expenses. We would also like to purchase some Spanish Bibles and medical supplies to give out while we are there. Please pray about giving. If you feel led to support us financially please go here. The money will be sent directly to Hospital Of Hope as they purchase our airfare and food.

If you would like to learn more about Hospitals Of Hope, I encourage you to visit their website at: hospitalsofhope.org

If you have any questions, please email Bethany at: bethany.joy.smith@biola.edu 

Thank you for your time!