Heavenly Hospitality

Ok. Maybe I already know that the title on this one is a little cliche sounding, but it works. SO thanks for being here! <3

A few nights ago, my teammates were having a little chat with a friend from their last squad and she asked us all to answer one teeny tiny, simple question. 

She asked us to use one word to describe our time in Guatemala up to that moment. Though I struggled a bit, I landed with “provision.” I’ve seen the Lord provide in ways over this last week that I really never have before. He’s so kindly provided me and my team with things that we don’t even need, but that’s who He is. His kindness and generosity never cease. It’s neat to me how deeply He knows me and even more sweet how intimately He cares for me. I can’t express how much peace I have knowing that He’s gone before me and I am having the best time catching His handprint along the way.

Biblical hospitality has played such a pivotal role in my development as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. Sometimes finding his print is difficult for me, but luckily, He left one smack dab on top of our host placement in Guatemala this month…  Check it out!! 

When I began to pray into leaving camp and pursuing ministry in an international setting, I knew that I could count on Shane and Kodi Atkins to give me solid advice and to remind me to seek Jesus. Over the year that I had lived in New Mexico, they had become a sort of “catch all” for me. I called them when I needed advice, encouragement, prayer, therapy, and when I simply needed friends. They heard of all my discontentment and pushed me to the Lord; in my satisfaction, they reminded me to praise God. Honestly, I knew that there wasn’t a thing they wouldn’t do for me or a conversation that they wouldn’t have with me. That included offering me a space in their home to navigate the transition to whatever might come next. When they initially made that offer to me, we were all unaware that I would actually move in a few weeks later. 

What was really so special to me was that they didn’t simply give me a room in their house and call it a day, but they welcomed me into their lives. For the entirety of my time doing life with their family, I was astounded by their kindness and generosity. They’ve been such a unique example of Christ to me and I’m so grateful for them. 

I never imagined that I would find another situation that would so beautifully and plainly display biblical hospitality. 

I swear to you that my team’s host pairing here in Guatemala could not be more perfect in a plethora of ways, but let’s take a second to appreciate the fact that they have welcomed four of their disciples into their home to take part in their lives. Their lives dictated a need for a new housing situation and Rachel and Nolo (our hosts for the month) not only saw that need, but met the need by moving them into their very own home. It’s also notable to mention that unlike other missionaries that work in this area, they only live about two blocks away from the community that they serve. They’re so incredibly admirable. They’ve abandoned much for the sake of expanding the kingdom and being placed with them for this month has been a signature of sorts from God. How stinkin’ neat!?

Rachel and Nolo have gone above and beyond their responsibilities as hosts and we really couldn’t have imagined how well they would take care of us. They’re kinda spoiling us. They rented a house next door to theirs with warm water, a washing machine, wifi, and a kitchen. You’re not even ready for the best part tho. OUR HOUSE HAS A ROOFTOP TERRACE TO WATCH THE SUNRISES AND SUNSETS. How kind are they AND the Lord!? 

We started ministry one week ago today and we are exhausted both emotionally and physically, but we are beyond taken care of. Thanks, God! Thanks, Nolo and Rachel. 

Honestly, I admire them so much, because as I mentioned before, biblical hospitality has been a vital aspect of my growth and development and I’m thankful for the people in my life that have taken the mandate in Hebrews so seriously. 

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:1-2

These situations and the provision from the Lord have encouraged me and my team to ask the Lord what it would look like for us to be hospitable during our time here and we’re hoping to get some things in motion quite soon. I’d love it if you would take some time to ask God what it is that you have been given that he wants you to use for his sake. How can you display biblical hospitality right where you are? 

P.S. We are holding this new info with open hands, but we are officially planning to be in……. COSTA RICA next month!!!! I’m stoked to hop into whatever God’s got going there. 

Thanks for your prayer and support. 

I love you, 

AWM