Jared Oosterhuis and Miriam Tysseling
Stepping into a real, challenging conversation with a young man reminded Jared and Miriam that time spent getting to know a person’s heart is never wasted. Facing these foundational questions about faith head-on brought them out of their comfort zones, leaving them thankful for the open doors to plant seeds of truth.
Present in Abaco physically, mentally, and spiritually, we are immediately immersed in God’s creation. From the ocean waves on the shore to the sounds of children’s laughter at the Growth Groups youth gathering show His sovereign hands over all things. We had several incredible service opportunities on this first day, with a specific conversation that was more impactful than ever imagined.
Some of us were raised in a church, others not as much, and others have never heard the name of God. Early in the evening at a local partner church, the youth started arriving for the weekly Growth Groups ministry night. One young man came in, and we struck up a conversation. I immediately saw in him a talkative, friendly, and well-spoken personality. We talked about everything: music, work, plans for the future, and finally settled on those topics of eternal significance: faith, God, and salvation in Jesus Christ. Excitement was high as games, laughter, and conversation commenced, but this engagement was different. Exciting, yes, but held with a certain gravity.
This conversation was challenging, as most worthwhile things are. Touching on some of the most foundational and important questions regarding who God is, His nature and character. Often we live our lives in complacency, avoiding those difficult questions and seeking comfort rather than wrestling with those very questions that would make our faith stronger: Why does God allow evil and suffering? How do we know the Bible is reliable? When the rubber meets the road, what does it actually look like for Jesus to be Lord of my life, and not just Savior? We wrestled with these questions and planted seeds of truth. I was so thankful for his openness and willingness to talk to me, a random stranger from the US, giving up free time to talk. Time spent getting to know a person and their heart is never wasted. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
New experiences like this Impact Trip are designed to bring us out of our comfort zones and broaden our experience, shape our perspective, and deepen our faith. This conversation is one of what will be, by the end of the week, many profitable, God-honoring opportunities. As we face challenges head-on, we know God’s sustaining mercies are new every morning and that a gospel seed is never planted in vain. New Kingdom Missions tomorrow!
– Jared & Miriam
