The last two months, my husband and I, literally put our lives in Az on hold to be a part of these outreaches (Ywam). We saw provision come at the last minute to encourage us that nothing is too costly or extravagant. This reminds me of the parable in Matthew of the pearl of great price. The merchant went out in search of pearls and he found one pearl to be very expensive.
Being a designer, I chuckled at this truth.This is so typical of a design project, we are in search of that perfect item and find one that blows our whole budget. We then make sacrifices.
We knew this mission would lead to something of far greater value than the cost. What we did know was how valuable it would be to teach us the high cost of our faith. Inquiry always leads to discovery. We knew we were searching for something but when revealed we understood. For the first time we were able to appreciate our Christian worldview in a city as diverse as you can imagine. Our flat was located where 300,000 people commuted into work everyday in the most affluent world market center.This same city is where Richard Dawkins unraveled atheistic thought.
We discovered how many people are searching for truth. Truth comes when love is alive.The love deficit in the streets can overwhelm you unless you uncover it for yourself. The truth is we are all starved for love and searching for significance.
We were so excited to open our hearts with others and share the extravagance of what had already been paid for by Jesus. His love and the free gift of grace that the bible tells about in Romans opens ones eyes.
One thing we did was read the entire book of Romans out loud in the city of London. Truth lept from the pages and landed in our hearts causing conversations leading to conversions in the streets. Truth triumphed. Love vanished fears. So many treasures were found, these precious pearls are still being strung on the necklace of our hearts. We discovered how many people like in the parable of the pearl of great price that when they finally behold love for the first time perspective changes. You will do anything to purchase it.
Funny thing is, the Olympics was going on and many were purchasing expensive tickets. We chose to walk with the history makers, like Oliver Cromwell, John Wesley and William Carey who shaped Christian thought. They certainly weighed the cost of the Kingdom to burn at the stake for what they believed. There is price tag attached to everything. What are you searching for?
The Kingdom came to us. We are so grateful to those who have gone before us. We were thrilled to meet so many who are walking with us.
