A Life Well-Lived, Part 24; Gifted for Service

When I saw this video (thank you Paul Perry) from a trip Timothy made to the Amazon, it brought up so many memories. I had gone with him to the health department to get a shot for yellow fever. It was recommended by Paul, the missionary he would be staying with. As usual, I asked Timothy if he was absolutely sure he wanted to go on this trip. He shot back, “Mom! This is the dream of a life-time!” Alrighty, then! Let’s do it! When He returned from the Amazon, Timothy spoke at our Ladies Auxiliary meeting about his trip. He said that the mission trip had hosted men from other countries and other languages, with few, if any interpreters. One evening, he and a fellow team member were sitting on the deck of the ‘big boat’ in the pitch dark of the Amazon River. Tim reported, “It was amazing that we didn’t speak the same language, but we were communicating!” He told me later that it had been one of the most awesome “God” moments when he realized what the Holy Spirit was doing in their conversation – removing the language barrier to allow them to communicate on a heart level! I had often told Timothy through the years that I believed he had the gift of languages (“tongues” as the King James Bible says. 1 Cor. 12:28), because he picked up languages so easily when he traveled. He would always disregard my opinion on that, and say, “Nah, you’re just a mom.” But finally, someone else told him the same thing, and he started to believe me. He laughed and said, “Maybe you’re right about that 'tongues' thing. So-and-so said it isn’t normal to spend a few weeks in a country and be able to speak their language. He said nobody does that!” lol On the plane ride back from his first trip to Brazil, Timothy’s seat-mate started talking to him in Portuguese. Tim said he kept up with the conversation for quite a while, but finally, he tapped out. He laughed and said, “I’m sorry - I don’t really speak the language. I was just there visiting for a couple of weeks.” His new friend didn’t believe him! In shock, he said, “You sounded like a native!” And with Timothy’s thick dark hair and dark complexion, he looked the part, as well! Languages didn’t always come 'easy' for Tim; but he was willing to spend the effort necessary to conquer them. I remember the months he spent working on the Chinese language when he was in Taiwan and the effort he put into keeping the language when he returned home. But that’s another story for another post!

“Lord, reveal our spiritual gifts as we become involved in Kingdom work. Turn our natural abilities and passions into “supernatural” gifts, ignited by dedication to the Lord, energized by the Holy Spirit’s power, and used for the glory of God. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and dwelling in each of us is the same God at work.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)