It’s that season where we reflect on all that has happened over the past year. And what a crazy year it was! I’ve been on 28 flights, taken over 10,000 pictures, captured over 2,500 video clips, helped run 2 Storytellers missions’ trips, explored 16 different cities in 3 foreign countries, moved 9 times, and produced over 13 videos. More importantly, I’ve experienced God’s goodness and love as He cared for me throughout this year. I’ve learned how to better pray for my brothers and sisters serving God around the world. I’ve tasted the life of a sojourner and been reminded my home isn’t on earth. I’ve been hopeful as the videos have begun circulating that God would use them for His glory. And I’ve been humbled as I’ve seen God work throughout the storytelling process in ways I never thought.
Let me share one example. You may recall a former post that shared Catalina’s story. I had the opportunity to have lunch with missionaries that work alongside Catalina in October, and they shared how God has been continuing to use this video and the process of making and sharing it to work in Catalina’s life.
Before coming to Christ, Catalina had an abortion and got into drugs and alcohol to cope with the trauma of the abortion. She is now a believer and works at a pre-natal counseling center but wasn’t comfortable sharing her story in a public way. Someone asked her if she was really healed from her past if she couldn’t share it. Understanding that the video I produced would be public, I filmed her testimony. She had realized she needed to share her story. Once the video was ready, in a moment of courage she asked it to be shown at the pre-natal center’s volunteer meeting. The other volunteers weren’t aware of her story. After it was shown, she confided in a missionary that she felt free now. And because of her new-found freedom, the missionaries will be sharing her story in the area to help other women who have had an abortion find complete healing in Christ.
I don’t always get to hear the impact videos I produce have on others, but I’m thankful the missionaries took the time to share that story with me. We forget sometimes that God can work through the process of serving Him and not just through the defined ministry itself.
As we close out 2019 and transition to 2020, will you rejoice and worship God with me as the wise men did at what He has done? My time in Latin America was all made possible through your prayers and support. Thank you! I hope you had a great Christmas season celebrating our Savior and have a blessed new year!
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:10-11
Here are some of my favorite pictures from my travels in 2019!
Gloria Images 