This is Ann and I am so very honored to be here in Ecuador with my sister, Susan. Her house is a modest one, perhaps ‘lesser than’, by American standards for modern conveniences, but the most beautiful home I know as it is absolutely full of the love and peace of Jesus.
My bed here is a cushion on an old fashioned wooden plank floor in the living room. There is no Air Conditioning and the jungle heat is sweltering. The electricity and running water are hit and miss at best. Last night my ‘guests’ were a family of four bats, 2 frogs and a lizard.
In the early morning hours of this day, I awoke with a heavy heart. I wept. First, for the millions of people all around the world that live in conditions that we consider dire, without a roof over their head, without three meals a day, without the many modern conveniences that we Americans dare to call ‘needs’.
Then I wept with gratitude for Susan and our other great Missionaries all over the world that CHOOSE to live in conditions that most of us would only grumble, complain and ask God ‘why’, about. Their love for God, for souls transcends any ‘sacrifice’ they will ever make to tell someone about Jesus. In fact, you will never hear them use the word sacrifice, but rather, honor and privilege to be Called and Chosen by God.
Lastly, I wept for myself. Not for pity sake, but for shame. Ashamed that I am not strong enough, that I don’t have a burden big enough, that I am not willing to do whatever it takes to reach a soul. God forgive me.
