Learning Obedience

A few years ago after the huge triple disaster in Japan, a team of Brazilian soccer players came to Japan to help recovery efforts.  These team members came for a bigger purpose, however.  They came to deliver the love of Jesus.  Yes, they were Christians intent on doing an act of obedience to the Lord.  They were men and women of faith.  They came at great cost to themselves.  Some were poor; others had wealth.  They all had Jesus. 

One day I got to ride the bus with them.  It is an experience I will always remember and cherish.  I was able to sit in the midst of these mighty men of God, and share in their passion for the Gospel.  Most were young and still finding their path in life.  They were a large team and it took much work to facilitate this event here in Japan.  Many contacts were made as a result of this team.  However, they could not point to any definite decisions or salvations from this trip. I think they were disappointed a bit. 

Six years later what do we see?  There have been decisions in people who attended the events involved in this team.  My family and I have made two trips to minister in Brazil.  We have friends in Brazil.  But what about the team?  Life has gone on with them. Some got married, some had babies.  Some became less passionate in faith.  To me, however, it is exciting to see some involved in ministry, and best of all some becoming missionaries.  It reminds me that the biggest work accomplished in that team was in their own hearts.  Learning obedience to the Master.  I view them as mighty men of God.  I pray we will always strive to be mighty men of God for His glory!