Joining God In His Global Garden
Various Bibles and other resources are available in several languages at the refugee ministry center.
On a Wednesday night bible talk at the local refugee ministry center, a group of Muslim women from Somaliland came to visit. We had Bibles in Somali and sang a couple of songs in their language, but the talk was in English and the only interpretation available was Farsi. The other interns and I spent the evening using translation apps so the women could hear the gospel in their own language, possibly for the first time. I was deeply honored that the Lord used me in such a tangible yet simple way. Additionally, I found a new sense of gratitude for having resources and technology to share the love of Jesus with those of other languages.
After the service, there was time for snacks and fellowship. As we talked about what they heard and experienced, the Somali women seemed to especially connect with the music and even sang back to us portions of what they remembered. We spent the rest of the time soaking in each other’s company with laughter as we talked about our differing cultures. I left that evening deeply encouraged and keenly aware of God at work in their lives.
This story beautifully reflects one of the areas in which I’ve grown the most in my understanding of both myself and the Lord—what it means to be a spiritual gardener.
Interns were also able to visit a local mosque to gain a deeper understanding of Muslims in Central Europe.
Sometimes we only get one conversation, or one remark, to plant a seed and share the love of Jesus. Yet, we must have faith that the Lord is also at work through fellow believers and in other unique ways.
Who knows, maybe we are coming along and watering a seed that someone else has already planted. Ultimately, we are not the Savior; He is. Yet, how kind it is that He allows us to participate in this life-changing work, listens to our prayers for others, and gives us opportunities for growth like the NEXT internship.
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” -1 Corinthians 3:6