Burning Inside

I don't know what to do with myself.  There is such a burning going on inside of me. 

There have been times like this in my life in the past, when I was so desirous for something to happen that it made me physically feel upset to my stomach.  Mind you, it was not a bad feeling.  It was just that I was so excited for something that was coming up or that I wanted to happen, that it quite literally took on physical characteristics.  This is the same. 

God's Spirit is burning such a passion into my heart to see people here in NW Argentina come to Him, that it has a physiological affect on me!  I feel tense, driven, energized, nervous, at times it even upsets my stomach, gives me butterflies - sort of like how I felt on my wedding day, waiting for the ceremony to start.

Most of the time it is great - it gives me energy, makes me go, keeps me moving forward, prevents me from being bored or distracted, etc.  But there are times when it is closer to impeding  because of the butterflies in the stomach, the nervousness that I am not doing enough in the moment, need to prepare better, etc.   . 

You see, the are only 2 Assembly of God churches here in the capital city of San Salvador de Jujuy where we are living.  It is a massive city of 300,000 +, and is growing.  It has 31 different neighborhoods (barrios), 31! each with approximately 10,000 people living in them - and only 2 of them have an A/G Church.  The first one was planted 34 years ago.  The 2nd one, the one we are mostly closely associated with, was planted 22 years ago.  That means that for the last 22 years! Years! - not a single other A/G church has been planted in the city.  Incredible. 

I am praying every day for people to respond to God's call to come to Jujuy to plant a church.  We desire to work along side of nationals as a Team, and not just be lone rangers or do our own thing.  For starters, being a Team has power and is as Scriptural as things get.  To do your own thing is egotistical, short-sighted, weak, and foolhardy. 

Also, we know that our understanding of the language is still very limited.  Depending on who we are talking to and what the topic is, we may understand almost everything, or maybe almost nothing.  If someone had a serious issue that they really needed help with, I would want to make sure that they were truly being understood and visa versa.  A national would be much less likely to have problems with this.  

Culturally it is the same.  We do understand a great deal of the culture here, but lets face it - it is possible to live here for our entire lives and still not truly "get it" at times.  A national "gets it" almost intrinsically.  

Additionally, as foreigners, we will have to leave from time to time in the future.  At some point, we will have to go back to the states to raise more support, etc.  In order for the church to survive and thrive while we are gone, they need local leadership.  And I don't mean "band-aide" "fill-in-the-gap" leadership that is just a place holder.  We want true leadership that has always been in place.  Our departure may have an effect, but they are still the leader and things will continue well. 

At this point though, we have not heard of ANYONE wanting to move here to plant a church.  In fact, there has not been anyone for many years.  When we talk about it and ask people about it, they make kind of a funny face that says, "Please don't get your hopes up.  No one does that here." 

Now, just like God can overcome all of the above listed issues of language, culture, and continued leadership - we know that God can overcome this one as well.  In fact, we are sure of it.  I KNOW, it is burning in my heart, it is total and completely assured faith - that God has ALREADY been moving on peoples' hearts to move to NW Argentina to plant a church.  Just as He called us to come here, we know that we are a part of the team that God is sending.  We KNOW, deep within our hearts, that we are but the 1st part of the team and that God will move in more pieces of the team - many more, I pray. 

I suppose that it seems a bit like foolishness to those who have been here for so long and have never seen it happen.  But to us, whom God changed our life's direction to call us here and get us here - it is totally realistic.  After all, He sent us.  Why couldn't He send others?

In fact, He is so burning it into our hearts to PRAY for this so often, that we KNOW it is going to happen - BECAUSE we are praying for it.  God answers prayer!  Simple.  Direct.  Fact.  Seen it happen a thousand (literally) times.  I have experienced His Spirit's leading so often in my life over the years that I know this feeling, from experience.  And I know what God does.  He IS answering this prayer.  : )

I'll gush more about it in the near future, but for now I need to get some sleep. 
I have to get up early, give God the first part of my day in close worship and painful intercession. 
I require sleep to do that.  : ) 

Good night all and God bless -

* Please pray for Jujuy - for God to send church planters to the capital!
Pray for God to save THOUSANDS.  - Why not?  If you are going to pray...Pray Big.  : )