Getting close to the finish line!! (May 2026)

We are almost to the end (a little more than a month)!

It has been a big adjustment for me going from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Having to “adopt” the mindset of the original recipients of each book, we got very used to thinking like Jews. I feel like I understand the challenges that the Jews faced when Jesus came and changed everything! But wow. Thank you God, that you sent Jesus TO CHANGE IT ALL.

It has been really special to see my classmates grow because the Word of God is alive! We get to witness the power of the Word in real time in this school. We are all willingly (stubbornly, too, maybe 😉 ) letting ourselves be molded by God. I have personally seen myself grow in trusting God and others – trying to grow in vulnerability and empathy (and very much still growing in this, I know, I know) – I have seen us, as a whole class, become more kind, mature, and more intentional with listening to and obeying the Spirit. It is a gift to walk with people in the process of sanctification. There is always something to learn and always a way to grow to be more like Jesus! 

We have been cruising through the New Testament letters and finding so many treasures. So, I will just point out some of my main takeaways from a few of the letters 🙂 

Philemon (a favorite even though it is literally one page haha) – reconciliation matters in the big things and the little things. It is forgiving AND walking in right relationship. Saying that is a lot easier than doing it. We are all called to be humble and ask for forgiveness (like Onesimus). Giving forgiveness when you have every right not to requires us to lay down our rights (like Philemon). Outsiders have the chance to be bold and kind to help others reconcile (like Paul). We all make mistakes in relationships and I want to be quick to restore relationship – because I know I mess up a lot- we are human! 

James- asking us if our faith aligns with our theology and beliefs. Are you actually doing things that align with what you believe? If we believe we are to love our neighbors as ourselves…are we actually doing that? Faith and works go together- this is a constant topic in the New Testament. Do we accept the grace of God or are we trying to prove ourselves by our good works and checkboxes? The Jews struggled with this and I think it is still a struggle today. 

Colossians- there is NOTHING to add to Jesus. Jesus alone is fullness/plentitude. We all need this reminder. The Colossians were being influenced by a lot of worldly things (just like we are being influenced today), and we must focus on the nature of Christ when there are so many things trying to pull our attention and devotion. Is Jesus enough? Or are we trying to add something to Jesus? 

I had a lot of fun with Acts because we made comic strips for Paul’s missionary journeys. I liked getting out of routine and engaging with the Bible in a new way! The Bible is not boring! 

 

I’ve spent my ministry days participating in evangelism in downtown Tijuana. This looks different every time. One Monday, my small group ended up spending a bit of our time with a young boy who was being bullied in the park (pretty bad bullying). My friend, Misa, felt like we just needed to be present with the boy even if we could not do anything about the situation. Some boys stole his nice, soccer goalie gloves that were gifted to him by his sister. This was a big deal to him. After spending a bit of time with him, and praying for the bullies to return the gloves, they actually did! Go, God! He asked us to walk him to his soccer practice. He was a little shaken and sad from the situation. As simple as this story is, I think it really shows that God cares about things that matter to us- like soccer gloves. God used us to be friends with this boy because that is what he needed. I pray that he recognizes God’s care and love for him! Make yourself available to be the hands and feet of Jesus- it could be as simple as being a friend! 

Another Monday, we wrote/ drew cards of encouragement to pass out as we walked around. My group ended up talking with a few sad women. I, surprisingly, was able to start a conversation in Spanish with a lady at a furniture store! My group ended up taking over the conversation because they spoke more Spanish. This lady had lost her son 5 months ago and was going through a sad time. We were able to listen to her story, hear how she has noticed God being faithful in her life and then remind her that God’s love and presence is always with her. I gave her a drawing with a verse reminding her of God’s fatherly love. A simple gesture that mattered. I am always amazed at how quickly and openly people talk when you give them the space to share. So, step out, be available, and ask someone how they really are- then just listen.

This last Monday, a team member did a prophetic painting next to the Cathedral. As she painted, everyone else began talking to people who were around/ looking at the painting. The painting was of a mom holding her daughter (near Mother’s Day). This painting represented the mother aspect of God’s love for us. We started conversations by asking people what they thought about the painting. I had two conversations (in Spanish!) and was able to invite people to our Tuesday community event. I held the canvas for the artist, so I got to see everything. It was beautiful to see so many team members engaging in conversation and seeing the people in front of them. I felt really honored that I get to be apart of this community. Thank you, God, that I get to be apart of this- even if it is scary! We ended this time of evangelism with open air preaching and people gave their lives to the Lord!!

I am usually pretty nervous when it comes to evangelism because I am not one to just go up to someone and start talking about Jesus. Focusing on using the 5 love languages to show the love of God in Japan changed my view on evangelism. After studying Romans, the Lord changed some of my perspective towards evangelism, again. Maybe he will continue to change/refine this perspective for the rest of my life- and that is probably a good thing. The gospel is good news WITH power. Pointing out sin and our need for God’s grace and forgiveness might not be the best first approach when sharing the gospel (yes it is an aspect of it, sure.) But, Roman’s really showed me that it is the embrace of God that changes lives. The embrace of God is what brings people to repentance. The embrace of God is what brings people to accept his grace. The embrace of God is what it is all about. God has been embracing humanity since the beginning. God is embracing us now. Let God embrace you. 

What if I approach evangelism by embracing those in front of me. To me, an embrace looks like open arms. What does “open arms” mean? To me, it means being open, available, and accepting. Jesus was open, available and accepting. Approaching evangelism in this way changed what I consider a “successful” day of ministry. Jesus naturally came up in the conversation that day on the streets when I focused on embracing people instead of having an agenda/ expectation on myself to share the gospel perfectly. This was really encouraging and has me excited for more opportunities to go to the streets! Our job is not to tell the world why they are wrong, but to be a witness to why God is right (Mark J). Who can you embrace?