Salt & Light

What do salt and light have in common?  A lot.  As Christians, we see the theme of light spread all throughout the Bible.  Jesus is the light of the world, and we are called to be the same.  We “go” to the dark places and bring hope, life, and peace.  We shine bright so others want to know what is different about us and what is the source of our joy.  

Salt, in a similar way has a lasting impact.  You remember a food that has good flavor rather than a food that is bland.  When salt goes on something, it stays.  Trust me, I’ve salted food TOO much and you can’t take it away!    

We are called to be both light and salt to the world.  We are called to have a lasting impact.  In order to have an impact though, you have to “go” or “rub” shoulders with someone.  You have to invest time.   

Before refrigeration in the US, people used to rub salt on their meat to preserve it.  (I actually got to experience this in my 8th grade history class as we did this as an experiment!).  The thing is, it has to sit for a while (maybe a month or so) to have the preserving impact. 

Too often we get so busy in life we don’t take time to sit down and have real conversations with people.  The TV is on.  We are on our phones.  We have this task and that task.  While being in Africa, we still have the distraction of phones and TVs at times, but they know the art of taking time out for people.  To listen. To help. To understand.  Their hospitality is unfathomable.  Some of my greatest moments on the mission field have just been “being” with people.  Listening to stories. Listening to life.  Listening to their heart. 

Over the past few years, I’ve realized I love to just sit, talk, and listen with people.  People have always told me I’m a good listener, and I thank God for that beautiful gift he has given to me.  In a world filled with chaos, sometimes you just need to feel someone’s presence with you.  Sometimes you just need to share God’s faithfulness to keep going through a storm.  Sometimes you just need an ear and a hug to let you know you’ve been heard and are loved. 

Although being in a country with a language barrier can sometimes be difficult, there is a beauty of presence, being, and the universal language of love.  God is love and love transcends all things. 

A lot of my ministry involves building relationships.  When I go to Pokot, it’s often spending time with the families of the sponsored girls.  I’ve spent time cycling, hiking mountains, and walking the streets with people.  I also often find myself in the homes of so many people throughout Kenya–they want me to stay for months.  Although that usually is not possible, I do try to spend a week here and there.  And the fruit of staying with them and getting to pour into them is beautiful. 

BUT, Satan attacks my thoughts at times and tells me what I’m doing isn’t ministry.  I compare myself to other missionaries who work at orphanages, hand out food, and do work projects.  Is what I’m doing really making a difference?!?  Am I wasting the money that people are donating to me?!  Then I go back to the sword of truth to attack the lies. 

So many transformations and important events happened through relationship building in the Bible–sitting around a table for fellowship and sitting around and telling stories (parables).  I can also look back at my ministry and see how sitting, talking, visiting, and building relationship has “rubbed off” on people and has flavored their life.  Taking time out to make sure people are seen, known, and loved is all part of the gospel!  

Don’t ever let satan steal your joy or the impact you are making.  You can do it here in the states or even across the world.  God just wants us to take time to rub shoulders with someone and flavor their life.  Who knows, you might just be the spark that sets their world on fire.  Be salt.  Be light.  Flavor and SHINE. Never let Satan blow it out…and give God the GLORY, GLORY!!

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  Matt 5:13-16

TODAY, I go for my COVID test and TOMORROW I start my journey back to Kenya!  Please keep me in your prayers! <3