No Longer Alone

One of my biggest frustrations in the first months of ministry is the lack of strong relationships with missionaries and Australians. I am the kind of person who loves to be around people and a social life is very important to me. I expected to make many friends when I came to the country in January. But by late March that had not taken place. As the weeks and months passed my irritation over not having close friends became discouragement. That discouragement came to a head one night after dinner. For almost an hour I voiced my frustrations about lack of friendships to the missionaries who I had been staying with. I asked them why God did not give me friends and mentors to help in my ministry. Their answer was that I should wait for God to develop those relationships.

A few Sundays later I began a month long internship at a local church in the area. Following the service he took me out to lunch and I spent the afternoon at his house. While watching sports on television we talked about the burden and vision that God has placed upon our hearts for ministry. Later we laughed and shared stories over cups of coffee. That night I excitedly told the short term missionary who was staying with me at my house about what had happened. After more than three months I was finally beginning to develop close relationships with other believers!

For the last four weeks I have been involved in an internship at another local baptist church. Two of the missionaries who minister there as pastors were used by God in my life. Specifically they were a source of Godly council and advice. When I encountered a very stressful situation in my ministry their help was greatly appreciated. If it had not been for their timely advice I would not have been able to calmly deal with the crisis I faced.

These two men have also been used by God as a source of encouragement. Whether it is by calling me at home just to make sure that I am okay, or asking how I am really doing, they have taken it upon themselves to help me. That does not mean I don’t struggle with hard decisions and stressful situations. But it does mean I have Godly mentors who I can come to in that time of need.

Another pastor in the area has taken me under his wing as well. He is one of the greatest encouragers I have ever seen. Every time I see him he makes sure that I know how much he appreciates me. He has sent a message to my phone on more than one occasion to just let me know that I am doing a good job. I will never forget the night he took myself and my short term missionary friend out to get coffee after church on a Wednesday evening. The coffee is not what I remember but instead I remember the interest he showed in me. And that interest was an incredible source of encouragement to me.

These four men are just a few of the many close friends, mentors, and encouragers that God has given to me in the last two months. One of my biggest fears when I came to Australia was the loneliness that I would experience. I knew that Satan would take me through periods of loneliness. I also knew that without close friends, mentors, and encouragers I would not survive. That is why these relationships I have developed are so important to me. There are still days when I am forced to walk the valley of loneliness, but I thank God that I don’t have to walk it alone.