Women’s Ministry Minute
June 18, 2020
With Jeri Callaway
At the age of 19, my father arranged for me to join a group traveling to Miguel Aleman, Mexico. It is a border city overrun with corruption and drugs. I arrived on a Saturday morning with my luggage, my camera, my Stephen King books and my disc man. Sure, why not go with strangers? I had aspirations of being a translator, and my employment as a photographer would come in handy to help document the journey. I was, however, dreading being part of a group of American Christians who “knew better”, who would “fix” problems for the troubled Mexicans. I WAS WRONG.
I quickly was embraced and became a part of a group of humble, loving people who opened their hearts and minds to learn from the beautiful citizens of Miguel Aleman. I documented our journey of faith, journey of sharing, and journey of deep bonding. God turned me upside down with my perceptions. It was on this trip, that my definitions of Christianity and blessings were forever changed. I learned how to identify the “silver lining”, and I learned to open myself to the beauty that the entire world has to offer.
Individuals who were persecuted, threatened by drug lords, hungry, etc., smiled and laughed as they cherished every moment of the life they were given. We worked alongside them to build a cement wall around the church, and then we were served incredible, homemade food as a thank you. The children took us on a tour of their community with such pride and shared traditions. We listened, we learned, and we loved.
On our last night, the host church held a worship service. It was energetic and full of praise for new relationships, and especially praise for stronger connections with God. To my left was an elderly gentleman (picture provided). He had his Bible, and I could tell he was deep in prayer. Just beyond him, was the concrete wall that blocked light from coming in the window. This man didn’t need light from the sun; he had light from God. It was in that moment of observation, I felt myself stand up and proclaim that I wanted to make a statement. It was completely uncontrollable. I began to sob and look around and gesture toward each person in the sanctuary. I couldn’t make a statement, but I kept trying through gasps, tears, and cries. I wanted to explain how I came down here an ignorant teenager with a negative assumption, but they changed me. They taught me what a blessing truly is. A hand gently took mine, and an elderly member of the church spoke to me in her soft, Spanish language, “It’s God, honey. It’s ok, God, has shown you.” She was right! He was showing me how to let his light breakthrough the wall.
Today, our "concrete wall” blocking God’s light is made up political unrest, racism, economic hardships, and many other worldly struggles. I return to my memories of this experience during dark times to let God’s light penetrate my wall. As I grow in my discipleship through the years, more and more light brightens my life, which helps me brighten the life of others.
As you hold your Bible, think about your wall and allow God to breakthrough and shine brightly.
Psalm 119: 105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.