Staying in bed is NOT an option!

There’s more than one day in a month when I wake up not motivated to do my work. Even though we are “missionaries,” we still have those moments of “I’d rather do something else than what’s before me.”

Maybe you can relate. Recently, I had one of those unsolicited reminders of why our work matters and why working with excellence is key in making an impact in the lives of others.

If you think what you do doesn’t really matter, think again. It does. How you communicate with others could be the difference between life and death.

Paul wrote to the Christians living in Colossae about how to engage in daily work and what their motives should be. Check this verse out from the Amplified Bible, “Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men….” (Colossians 3:23)

Work from the soul. I love that! And when we work for the Lord, we can leave the results of our labors in His hands to do with it as He sees best. Sometimes we experience defeats and sometimes we celebrate victories.

Over the past 4 years I’ve been involved in a brand new initiative at YWAM Tyler. The main concept was establishing a dedicated area of our ministry to nurture relationships with anyone interested in personal discipleship or missions.

Nurturing relationships takes time and intentionality. I’ve spent hours and hours on phone calls, sending emails, and developing systems for others to do the same. Occasionally, I receive a note with a story like this:

I got this note on my first day back to the office this month. What a way to kick start 2021. My work does matter. It’s not in vain. Lives are being impacted even if I never hear about it. I hope I can remember this throughout the rest of the year, especially when I wake up and feel like staying in bed is a better option.

We love getting mail. Who doesn’t?! Ripping open an envelope or box, even if it’s my own order, is on another whole level than a text or email. One package which came this Christmas was especially meaningful.

Last school year, Amy had the opportunity to teach a young lady from Hawaii. Her family was here doing a YWAM DTS. It’s never easy to start a new school, especially midway through the year when class routines and friendships have already been established.

Amy felt especially drawn to connect with this young lady and make her feel welcome. The connection came through literature. This student found classic stories on Amy’s shelves that she wanted to read, and from that common ground, conversation would happen. Amy found joy in connecting with this young lady’s heart.

In Bible class, she especially loved reading her insights on the Word. With a penmanship and vocabulary unlike most, she elegantly reflected on God’s word in ways that were deep and mature. Sadly, she didn’t end up staying for long because her family had to return to Hawaii.

As unexpectedly as she came, she left. Many months later, Amy got a letter from her that was so endearing, full of thankfulness for Amy’s kindness and care. Then shortly after, another letter arrived in a box full of goodies: homegrown coffee and macadamia nuts, as well as a handmade piece of pottery.

The card and gift moved Amy to tears because the words written and the time put into the gift was just so heartfelt. Amy had no idea the impact that had been made on this young lady. God is so good.

This is why Amy loves teaching. She loves her students and wants each one to know they’re special. We never do what we do for the pats on the back and monetary gifts, but when they come it’s very moving within. It’s nice to know what you do matters.

Thank you for your continued prayers. I hope you see your part in each of these stories. We believe discipleship is a key to developing faithful leaders in our world. We are committed to seeing God raise up a generation of world changers through our work at YWAM Tyler. Your support through prayer and financial gifts really does matter and is a huge part of all we do here.