Minister's Corner - "Seeing God In A Different Place"

The Amazon River is at the highest flood stage in recorded history. To describe the river as “awesome” and “amazing” or “spectacular”, seems like poor adjectives but that must suffice. 
The mission team from New Beginnings Church traveled more than 430 miles one-way up the Amazon River to minister the gospel in the isolated villages of Lago Grande.
The river is the interstate for ships, barges, passenger boats and tiny skiffs that flit across the expanse of water. Traveling at night on the Beatriz, a small passenger boat which held 16 team members and as many crew was a challenge onto itself. We slept in hammocks tied to the ceiling a few inches a part. The open air of the night made a light sheet necessary. Our hammocks would bump as a wave bounced the boat but sleeping was nice.
A panorama of the heavens open up at night in the Brazilian sky. Each star is defined, every twinkle pronounced—the whiteness of the Milky Way reflected in the water. As the Psalmist wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” 
Gazing at the seemingly endless array of celestial creation, I was in awe of God who knows our lives to the hair on each head.
Only the Lord could call, equip and send people from Shawnee to the uttermost parts of the earth for His service. We often refer to them as lay people, the non-professional clergy who are the army of God today. Actually, Christians from various churches in Shawnee and the United States have fanned around the world to share the faith and minister to physical needs. More than trips are taken on these journeys, relations are eternally established.
How wonderful our God is to use the dentist, school teacher, doctor, musician, construction worker, farmer and nurses in His economy of labor.  How significant is it that the person who stands in line with you at the bank or supermarket was on mission the week before. God has always used a cross-stratus of society to carry out His work. He still does today.
The incredible night closed with the Amazon sun warming my face to a new and exciting day of adventure with God. A long way from Shawnee but close to God as ever, because of His grace. 
Jesus said, “Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life.”
You know, I truly believe that counsel. He is in control, here or around the world.