Walk With Me

6/21/13

After a half-day of working in a village, the team had the opportunity to travel to a Mayan ruin called Ek Balam. The ruin was actually quite large and had a Mayan observatory, temple, and other buildings. The stepped pyramid was quite intricately designed. The steps on the pyramid were created uneven to slow down enemies during warfare. The Mayans were also smart with their observatory. Reflecting pools were built into the top of the observatory pyramid so that stars could be seen and mapped in the reflection instead of simply looking at the sky.

Yet for all their ingenuity, the ruins at Ek Balam pale in comparison to the small cave pool in the forest nearby. The term for these cave pools is a “cenote” (sen-oh-tay). The pool was about a 20 minute walk away. Swimming in the cenote was a very welcome break from the tropical heat. During my swim, I couldn’t help but think of the greatness and beauty of God’s creation. I had expected to be fascinated by architecture, but ended up enjoying a hole in the ground with water in it even more. God is certainly a brilliant designer. It’s crazy to think of all my trips to different parts of the Americas and Australia and know that there is so much more of God’s design on this planet that remains to be seen. I’m always curious to know what beautiful things that God puts into stars and onto planets that humanity will never even see.

I was by myself on the walk back from the cenote, so I began to pray. As I prayed, thunderclouds gathered above and signaled that rain was near. I heard the thunder and prayed for rain. I wanted to be drenched, not only with water, but with God’s spirit. However, no rain came. Finally, I decided to just wait and listen. In that moment, God decided to speak to me. I believe God said the following: “Walk with me, and you will get drenched.” Immediately, raindrops fell. By the time I got to the bus, I was soaked to the bone and exceedingly happy about it.

In my life, I can hear the thunder. I can see the vision. God has unbelievable things in store. If I walk with him, I will be drenched.

“Look at the nations and watch – and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” – Habakkuk 1:5.

No Hablo Espanol

6/18/13

I do not speak Spanish. This has become increasingly problematic, due to the fact that this missions trip is in Mexico. For the past couple days, I have been traveling with a team of about twenty people, including two doctors, some pastors, and many general helpers. We are the branch of IMA that ministers to impoverished Mayan villages outside the Mexican cities near Cancun. I have served in the past couple days by filling the prescriptions that the doctors issue to the villagers. Mostly I’ve just been filling orders for Tylenol, ibuprofen, and anti-parasite drugs. However, my position as a pharmacist also means that I have to inform the patients about dosages and other rather important details – in Spanish.

Out of every person who has come through the clinic, there hasn’t been a single person who has spoken English. It is an extremely humbling experience to be unable to describe what you’re trying to say or think. God has very much gifted me with the ability to encourage people. Without the ability to communicate, I’ve been unable to build relationships with any patients who come through the clinic. Even if I had the opportunity presented to me, I would not be able to share the news of the gospel.

As a person interested in future medical missions, this realization has greatly affected me. Missionary work is never a one-man show. The church has never been a one-man show either. I will always be at the mercy of God to provide the money, translators, workers, and organization to be able to carry his gospel into places outside of my sphere of influence. That being said, I’ve been working on my Spanish while I’m here and have been able to deal with most of the questions that are asked. I’m sure that God has slipped in the gift of interpretation here or there to help expedite the process.

God has me in the correct place at the correct time. The prayers have been much appreciated. Hopefully soon I’ll be able to write about the operating room!

Day Zero

6/15/13

At 3:30 this morning, the alarm on my phone politely informed me that my flight to Mexico would leave in a couple hours.  I’ve learned quite a bit since then.

This morning, I knew only a few things about this missions trip.

1.       Location – (Near) Cancun, Mexico.

2.       Purpose – Gospel, Medical ministry

3.       Leadership – Holy Spirit

Honestly, three weeks ago I didn’t even know that this trip even existed. By the time I applied online, I was already a full month past the last possible application date. Within those short three weeks, God provided all the resources, guidance, and grace I needed to get here. As of this morning, I didn’t know a single person who would be going on this trip in the first week (I’m vaguely familiar with someone who will be in the second week). As this whirlwind of events was taking place, God brought to my mind John 3:8, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Let me list a few of the blessings that I’ve been hit with in the past 20 hours:
                1. One of the doctors on this trip is a professor at the MSU College of Human Medicine, downtown GR. (The same med-school that I’ve been wanting to attend.)

                2. The flights and layovers gave me the time to read more than half of the new Bonhoeffer biography alongside Matthew 5-8. (Extremely challenging, highly recommended)

                3. A college student from Texas named John. He’s highly encouraging and a man after God’s own heart.

                4. A team that is ALL about helping people

I’ll post whenever I have internet access, which may not be until the end of the trip.

Thanks for any prayers you send my way!

The Grind

I'm going to conveniently ignore the fact that I haven't posted anything recently and just start from where I'm at now.

Obviously, I'm not in Australia anymore. Since this is the case, I won't be continuing to use this blog to inform you of how things are going in Australia and at Hillsong Church. However, I recently did some reading of my old posts and was greatly encouraged by how God had showed himself faithful and taught me important lessons in the midst of difficult circumstances. Since God is not restricted by oceans and borders, these lessons have continued here in Hillsdale. I hope that the things which I record here will bless you and your relationship with Him as He has blessed mine.

Here we go!

In my recent reading, I came across Psalm 39. Within the psalm, David sings, "Show me, Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is." After reflecting for a short while, I was hit by David's realization. Our days are indeed short. By most standards, I've already lived between a third and a fourth of my life on the earth. Meditation on this passage leads me straight into frustration with my circumstances. "What the heck am I doing in college?"

College is difficult. Often it can feel like treading water or just passing time. Even before I left Australia, I had misgivings about my decision to return and pursue medicine. In my mind at least, I was very comfortable at Hillsong. God clearly blessed my time at Hillsong with momentum, miracles, and success. It's very hard to leave such a charged environment for one which you can't be quite sure about.

However, I am sure of some things.

1. God is good. - This goes right along with his faithfulness. He was with me and carried me through his journey for me at Hillsong. He will be with me here.

2. God's plan is good. - An in-depth look at any creature, process, body part, atom, star, or force will show that God is at the very least an artisan. The time which I spend in college is not wasted. I believe that if God has me here, this is the very best place that I can be.

3. People are worth it. - If I'm going to endure anything at all, I have to change my perspective and realize that ultimately, college is not entirely about me. Yes, I will have the opportunity to grow as a person. However, the scope of God's plan for me at Hillsdale extends beyond the internal. Everyday I will come into contact with hundreds of people who need to see Jesus. I have the constant opportunity on campus to be a showcase of the power of Jesus to transform a sinner and sustain him.

I am sure that the reason for my placement at Hillsdale will be forthcoming and will be as exciting as anything I have yet experienced. As for now, I will continue in the knowledge that God is good and that people are worth it.

God's Goodness

"Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!" -Psalm 105:1

For a while now, I have removed myself from this blog mainly out of convenience. It takes effort to sit down and recount the things that have happened in my life. In my readings of the Psalms, however, I immediately hit upon the theme of declaring the works of God to all peoples. The Holy Spirit did that conviction thing that it likes to do and so now I've returned.

For the past two months, I've been at Hillsdale studying harder than I ever have in my entire life. I am taking 16 academic credits which include Organic Chemistry and Rhetoric and Great Books with Jackson (purported to be the most difficult teacher in the school). I am also taking piano lessons with a wonderful (and difficult) teacher as well as playing lead trombone with the Big Band and a small combo. Even with that schedule, the grace of God has given me the ability  to spend time at home and serve at church on the weekends and also build my relationship with my older brother. In hindsight, I don't see how those things are possible except through the supernatural. I am experiencing firsthand that when God gives responsibilities, he also supplies the time and resources that you need in order to be excellent in whatever those responsibilities are and regardless of how many you have. God provides.
Transferring from Hillsong to Hillsdale has been quite a change. The thing that sticks in my mind the most is the level of encouragement that gets thrown around. I believe that people of the kingdom of God should be people who encourage each other and use encouragement to minister to those outside the church. When I say encouragement, I don't mean that we should always be telling people things that we don't actually believe. If you're impressed with someone, let them know how and why. I guarantee that you'll stick in their mind as someone they can identify with and rely on. Wherever we are generous with our words, people will be built and God will be glorified.

If you ever have trouble finding a way to encourage someone, remember: "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8 

Hillsdale

Yesterday, God helped me transition my life into Hillsdale College. And God, yet again, reminded me that there is no possible way to know the extent of the plans and purposes that he has for us.

I am now living in a four-floor dormitory named Galloway with my roommate, Colton. So far, all of my fears were completely unwarranted. God has definitely positioned us together to bring Christ and the Kingdom to this college and beyond. I only know a few things about the man, but so far I've found out that Colton does missions work in Haiti every summer, plays guitar and wants to be involved in campus ministry, and also has a passion for teaching about the revolutionary war. I'm very thankful for being constantly surrounded with men and women who are sold out for Christ and I can't wait to begin the work that we have to do.

At this point, I'm aiming at being a chemistry major with a pre-med focus. Long term, I'd love to be an emergency room doctor wherever God places me, and do missions work for whoever needs doctors and Jesus. That is definitely subject to change, but I feel like God has confirmed that occupation for me in a number of ways.

Two weeks ago, I received a message from a man who I met and served with in Australia named Andreas. Andreas was originally from Germany, but was in Australia serving with Hillsong Church. He told me that he was going to be in Chicago for a wedding, but needed a host family to stay with in the United States. I asked my parents, they said yes, and for the past week and a half, we've had a German man living with us! I love that God is allowing my two ridiculously distant worlds to stay connected, and that my family is always willing to bless strangers with the comfort of a home. It seems like God is always unlocking something new within us, some gift that we've had a vague idea was there, but never knew how to use. God is truly a master craftsman.

Awe-inspiring verse of today: "Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you" - Exodus 16:4

Plans and Purposes

I am excited to come home.

I believe that God has told me that his plan for me continues in Michigan at Hillsdale College. However, from what I've experienced so far, the promises that God gives you don't usually line up with the circumstances that you're in. I first experienced this in my run-up to coming to Australia in the first place. I knew that God had placed it on my heart to come, study, and serve with Hillsong Church. However, at that time, finances were impossible and it looked as if I would have to give up my goal of being a doctor for quite awhile.

As it turned out, God's word is true that "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." This year has been simply unbelieveable because of the opportunities and connections that God has placed here. While at Hillsdale, I'd like to be involved quite heavily in global medical missions. While at Hillsong, I've made connections with a wealth of nations that would've been impossible to connect with otherwise.

Serving with Hillsong has also given me a massive heart for my home church (Living Hope say whaaat?) and the city of Grand Rapids. It's amazing to me that sometimes God has to remove you from a place to give you a brand new appreciation for it. I can't wait to be back with my family and friends and step out together into what God wants to do in our city and in our nation. I have no idea what's coming up, but I can guarentee that it will be fantastic.

'Mmerica!

Hillsong Conference is quickly approaching!

Strangely enough, I've been allocated to a team called "Night Refresh", which means that I'll be cleaning toilets at 2 AM! Please pray for me.

 Other things to pray for :

-It's Ryan's birthday today. Send him a birthday prayer!

-Anthony has decided to stay in Australia, but is looking for a house to move into and favor for a job.

Thanks for all your support and prayers! I'll continue to update as much as possible!

John Mark

"Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told." -God.