Go Fish!

By:  Donna Martin

Mike and I just returned from one of the most amazing adventures of our lives.  The last nine days we have lived aboard the Amor e Esperança as we traveled along the Amazon River in Brazil with 22 Americans ranging in age from 8 to 65, 13 Brazilian translators, and the ship’s crew, chef, and laundry lady.  Each day we visited a different village. 

The croaking of frogs sang us to sleep each night as we snuggled in to our hammocks.  We were drenched to the bone as we ran back to the ship in the middle of an Amazon downpour.  We began and ended the day hot and sweaty from the heavy humidity.  It was no luxury cruise, but we both consider it a luxury that we were privileged to serve the Lord with an incredible group of people who began the trip together as strangers and left feeling like family.

“Why do you go to the villages?” a flight attendant at the airport asked.  “Don’t you disturb their culture?”  We explained to her that we do not change their culture.  We would not want to Americanize them.  They are happy with little material belongings, living a slower paced life, and enjoying life in the beauty of the Amazon basin.  No, we do not want to change their culture.  Instead, we want to give them hope, purpose and joy that Jesus gives to all those who believe on Him.  Why, because Jesus tells us to go and make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:12).  He told his disciples to follow Him and he would make the “fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19)

You do not have to travel far to follow the Great Commission that Jesus gave in Matthew 28.  There are people right next door to you who need to know the love of Jesus.   Who can you tell?  Where can you go?  Ask God; he will provide you with opportunities if you open your eyes to the people around you.

Tidbit 248 in the book 366 Tidbits We Have Learned in 14610 Days of Marriage says, “Go on mission trips together.”  Not only will going on mission trips help you grow closer to God, it will also help you grow closer as a couple and as a family.

Visit Amazonoutreach.org  to learn more about how you can be a part of the ministry to the Amazon.

The Martins currently present “Happy Together” Marriage Enrichment Events for churches and organizations.  To schedule an event call Michael at 940-735-1515. They are certified “Prepare/Enrich” Facilitators and are available to work with couples on an individual basis using the “Prepare/Enrich Assessment.”  They publish a weekly “Happy Together” Blog about family and marriage issues.  You can order copies of their new books Dancing With Death and 366 Tidbits We Have Learned in 14,610 Days of Marriage, read, and subscribe to their “Happy Together” Blog by logging onto the Martin’s website at www.happytogethermarriages.com.