If you only knew.

This one might be a little all over the place, so stick with me.

On our way to ministry we often have nearly one hour each way to stand, or hopefully sit, on public transport. We hop on the bus at five til nine, and catch the packed, blue bus, heading to the north side of the city. The crowded vessel often gifts us with beautiful time to think and work through the multitude of swirling thoughts that captivate our minds.

The bus very seldom carries familiar faces, but the number of stories that are aboard, I’m sure are many. I so desperately wish I had taken spanish in high school now.

I want to share Jesus, but the language barrier seems like a great blockade standing between them and the gospel I know. If they only knew what was truly out there for them. Maybe they do, I pray they do.

If you only knew my heart for them.
Gods heart is so much more.

It’s hard sometimes. I’m in a different country trying to share Jesus with people I don’t know. Meanwhile, I have family back home who don’t know who they are in Christ. They don’t know the one who created them. They don’t know the one who knows all they are, and loves them deeper than any other could. They don’t know the Father; the peace giving, joy filling, never leaving your side, Father.

If they only knew.

Here is a note I wrote a while back in South Africa to my brother and sister.

Paige and Spencer:

“I’m sitting in a hot van on my way to ministry today at 8:45am while you sleep across the world. I’m thinking about you guys. I’m remembering when we were younger and how quickly time seems to slip by. Paige, you have three beautiful, amazing, joy-filled children and you are an amazing mother now! Spencer, you have been through hell and back and I’m so thankful you are alive and in this world still, you have so much to offer. As I have been traveling this beautiful country of South Africa, I have been able to sit down with complete strangers and share the breath of fresh air that is Jesus. While entering random huts and shacks I can’t help but think of you guys. Questions flood in. Have I ever shared this savior with you? Have I lived it out, and walked so differently that you are drawn to it? Have I loved you the way I am loved? I want you to know this way of life, a relationship with God. I love y’all, see you soon.“

A lot of feelings seem to run wild when the “quiet” moments come. I love God though, He gives me a peace even about those I love most. These past weeks I am genuinely more excited about this life I’m living with Jesus. I have a overarching purpose of life and get excited for the day at hand and the future to come. The Lord has really had his on my life and his hand is very evident when I reflect on the past years. Praise God.

“To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us.”
Timothy Keller

-Drew