Doing Things That Make Us Uncomfortable

In all honesty, I’ve (Jill) always felt more comfortable teaching children versus adults. My words are basic and perhaps, like Moses, one of my insecurities is that I feel I’m not eloquent in speech. Recently, I heard the phrase, “If you’re comfortable, you aren’t living the Christian life right.” While I understand what the phrase is trying to convey, I’m not sure I wholeheartedly agree.  Either way, I believe God calls us out of our comfort zones to learn more from God, to see different sides of God and perhaps for God to show us something new about ourselves. If we are willing to lean into where the Lord leads us, and honestly obey after we’ve prayed, “Lord, show me where you’re working and help me to be a part of it.”, we’ve got to be willing to be uncomfortable. 

Almost 9 months have passed since our family moved from Lubumbashi, DR Congo to Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. While our responsibilities remain the same in ministry, we find ourselves worshipping in new (to us) local Nazarene churches, with new faces and the kids are in a new school. So, while some things remain the same, others are brand new. Shortly after arriving, I began praying the prayer, “Lord, show me where you are at work and please let me be a part of it.” The Lord answered! Through a chance encounter at the American International school (that our children do not attend), Gavin met a Christian American woman who had been longing for a Bible study she could attend in English. Another week, we met another group of Americans, when finding out we were missionaries, asked if we could start a church in English, so they could attend church while living here. It appeared the Lord was opening a door for an English ministry, to expats. This isn’t exactly the ministry we were looking for, or had in mind we’d be leading, but over the course of a few weeks, we organized a Bible study for English speakers. Because of Gavin’s travel schedule, I committed to leading this weekly study. 

For the last 3 months, about 6 of us have gathered weekly to study God’s Word together in English. It’s not a large group, but it has become a precious time of fellowship and discipleship. Americans, Cameroonians and Congolese have met together to be formed by the Word of God. We are lifelong learners as Christians. God is constantly teaching us new things. Even though I was quite nervous to teach adults for the first time, I pray that this time will be used to mold and shape us to look more like the image of God. 

Hibiscus flowers are everywhere in Brazzaville. Locals use them to make a delicious juice!