The Shankill is an area of Belfast we will be ministering in. ***Photo by our friend, Tom Rose.
I often heard it said, “God chooses the littlest, the least, and the last because He is the biggest, the best, and the first.” I have lived on these words for many years. They have always stuck with me, and especially have encouraged me these last few months as I prepare to move our family to Northern Ireland for mission work.
Since our decision to move to Belfast to serve alongside of G.O. Kidz, it has felt as though someone has come along with a highlighter and highlighted all the weaknesses and disadvantages we posses. Our “lack” of abilities, resources, talent, funds are ever before us. It is easy to throw our hands up to the Lord and say, ” You have made a mistake! You chose the wrong folk for this mission!” (and sometimes we do say this). There is always someone better for the job. It doesn’t take long to look around and pick someone out more talented, intelligent, charismatic, or well liked that we would have chosen for the task He has called us to.
Recently, I was speaking to our Father about how unworthy I felt in all of this. I just felt incredibly inadequate. It wasn’t too far long into my speech about “not being good enough” that I was reminded of those words Jesus said to His disciples:
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” John 15:16
Jesus chose the least likely lot to be His twelve. Those fishermen were not the most educated men. In those days, a tax-collector would not be what we would call “well-liked”. A zealot may be charismatic but in all the wrong places. This famous group of twelve were not necessarily the “cream of the crop” but He chose them. He chose an ordinary crew because He would bring about the extraordinary through their willingness to follow Him. I am beginning to see that the Father is not so much concerned with our abilities (since He already knows what He is has gifted us in) but is far more concerned with our willingness to follow Him in His leading.
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19
It is Jesus who makes me what I need to be for what He calls me to do. Despite our “lack”, He is faithfully showing the Rhodes family that He is more than enough. The Lord has gifted us with specific and unique abilities to do the work in Belfast. We both have experience in ministering to children and teenagers. Troy has been an intern for G.O. Kidz. He lived in Belfast and has worked with the organization. Noelle has loads of experience in theatre/drama and has directed both teens and kids in productions. Though we see that the Lord has been preparing us for this work years and years ago we can still be tempted to believe there is someone better for the job if we look around long enough. Yet, our eyes need to be focused on Him and our ears tuned into His speaking. It is our willingness to follow Him that qualifies us for the journey not our talents, experience or personalities.
So, we are encouraged that He chose us to go to Belfast, Northern Ireland! We are blessed and so very thankful! We want to encourage YOU, that the Father has CHOSEN you too! The areas in which He is calling you to follow Him into may seem a bit out of your “league” or “comfort zone” BUT be encouraged! He will make you what you need to be for what He calls you to do. He will provide and supply all that is required! Don’t give up and don’t give in to the belief that are not good enough. Remember that God chooses the littlest, the least, and last because He is the biggest, the best, and the first! (gosh, we just love that saying!)
Thank-you for your continued support and encouragement! Please pray for us as we are still raising financial support for Belfast. We have about 10% of our monthly support raised. We have a long way to go but we believe that He is faithful! If you would like to know more about how you can support or help us in any way, email us at emailrhodes@gmail.com or call us at 973-368-3745. Blessings!
Because Jesus IS love,
Troy, Noelle, Silas, and Olive Pearl
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