some lessons learned on S.T.I.N.T.

(ALL of the Stinters who lived either in Panama, East Asia or North Africa for a year, a number of them are returning for another year :)

• God is able to do what he says he can do. (Lamentations 3:37 - The will of the Lord alone is always carried out.)
• God’s will is perfect and he has perfect timing. I usually question if his will is the best one, and try to tell God when it’s time for him to do something. This is not smart. Ecclesiastes 3:11 - God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.
• Stressing about situations doesn’t make them easier to get through; they often make matters worse, me busier and more irritable.
• God’s will is not as mysterious as I’d like it to be. In James 1:5-6 it says that I should just ask God and not doubt the answer once he tells me.
• Some days it’s the complexities of life that discourage me. I try to make peace by figuring things out. Other days it’s the complexities that bring me joy, happiness through ignorance and peace in knowing that I am some small and God is huge. Isaiah 40:28 says that no one can measure his (God’s) understanding.
• No matter how confused, discouraged or annoyed I am, the Holy Spirit lives inside of me and I can act out of the supernatural love within me. I do not have to follow what my flesh desires; I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Ephesians 4:2 – Be humble and patient with one another, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.
• Gods mercies are truly new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22) No matter how much I feel like I’ve abandoned God, he never abandons me. The quicker I realize this truth and accept his love, the quicker I get back into intimacy with him. If not, I tend to just blame God and ask Him why He’s abandoned me.
• Secrecy and lies pave the way for the enemy’s work in our lives. Satan utilizes our natural tenancy to be with and influence others, so that the darkness may trickle from one person to the next. Imitation people, artificial tendencies and anything that denies truth will just eat you alive from the inside out. We are all susceptible to these lies because we’re all human.
• Putting on the spiritual armor of the Lord daily is probably one of the largest pieces of advice I’d give anyone going into ministry. Belt of truth, Breastplate of righteousness, Shoes ready to preach peace, Shield of faith, Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit. John 10:10 - The thief comes only in order to kill, steal and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life – life in all its fullness.
• It’s like we all grew up in a garbage dump, eating it, playing with it and smelling it all the day long. You have a garbage way of life and that is what is normal and accepted. God sweeps in with real food, real toys and nice smelling things but we have to give up everything we’re used to. Most people in the dump have no clue how bad they smell, or any reason that they’d need to change. We all live in surroundings the reek with selfishness, depravity, lack of understanding and loneliness. Not until you hand the Lord your garbage can you really get something back in return, something you could never have dreamt up or imagined in the dump.
• Loving people deeply also means hurting deeply for them, and when apart from them feeling a profound sense of loss. In the same breathe comes deep love and great pain. Amidst this, I just need to keep a thankful heart and remember the source of love that is in within me which springs forth the pain.
• People can survive with very little. Living in villages without sufficient water (and suffering in the hospital because of digesting bad water) or electricity showed me that people do not thrive, but survive none the less. Job 31:24-25 states, Have I put my trust in money or felt secure because of my gold? Does my happiness depend on my wealth and all that I own? This is something I need to keep myself “in check” about. I should be happy with every blessing great or small.
• God allows us to go through times of desperation and utter confusion so that we might turn to him with all we are to seek the truth and comfort found in him. Sometimes this is the only way God can get through to us. Amos 5:14 – Do what is good and run from evil – that you may live! Then the Lord God Almighty will truly be your helper, just as you have claimed He is.
• Language learning is all about humility. It’s often the hardest thing because it gives a good kick to your pride. Screwing up is the best way to remember what the right way of saying things are. (i.e – deditos means fingers, not teeth.learned that the hard way!) Proverbs 12:1 – Any who loves knowledge wants to be told when they are wrong. It is stupid to hate being corrected.
• The story of Elijah really paved my way through the support raising process. Elijah goes through a miraculous experience of faith and God’s power in Chapter 18 of 1 Kings. I needed that faith to believe God would provide financially over my time on stint, just the way God sent down fire to display his power to those around that altar. But later in Chapter 19, Elijah, after experiencing such power, might and clear signs of God’s presence and guidance in his life is abandoned by his people until he was the only one left in communion with God. He never gave up, just as I couldn’t give up when I felt alone on stint or discouraged. After winter, must come spring.
• Most times, it is better to keep my mouth shut, than to open it. Psalm 12:18 - Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal. It’s good that I’m verbal and like to express truth, but sometimes I need to be more careful. Proverbs 10:9 – Honest people are safe and secure, but the dishonest will be caught.

These are just a few thoughts I wrote down during debrief. My desire is that you would be able to relate, or be reminded of a few things. Now I'll head back into this crazy Canadian life I've now started...can't wait to see friends and family at my party tonight!! :D Much love, Tricia.