“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1 is one of the most iconic passages in scripture, resonating even with those who might not regularly read the Bible. But, in the hustle and bustle of life, family and work, do we truly let the Lord guide us as our Shepherd? Are you aware of his leading in your everyday moments?
This past week, our staff from SI Santiago and Jarabacoa came together for an amazing retreat themed “I Am Fearless,” inspired by Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Over 80 of us gathered to connect with God, and with each other. It was a powerful time of reflection, prayer, fun and fellowship, reminding us of the strength and courage we find in our true hope, a Good Shepherd.
As a mission-driven organization, we are constantly active, serving others, and taking action to make a positive impact and share God’s love. However, sometimes we get so caught up in our work that we forget where our true strength comes from. It’s vital to remember that the true source of our life, joy, and resilience is in following the true Shepherd. Whether we are celebrating our successes or facing tough times, our strength and purpose are deeply rooted in Him, guiding us every step of the way.
At SI Jarabacoa, after a bustling summer with many teams, we’re now excitedly preparing for the Fall season. Our educational programs have kicked off with the start of a new school year, and our sports teams are gearing up for their respective seasons. Additionally, we are happy to welcome four Global Bridge 2 students and two interns who will be with us this semester. While these activities bring great opportunities, the true joy and impact come from experiencing the presence of our Shepherd. He guides us and provides peace, reminding us that real happiness and a fulfilling life come from a personal relationship with Him, as illustrated in John 10, where it mentions He knows each of His sheep by name.
This past summer, I read about the remarkable missionary Hudson Taylor, who endured tremendous suffering and challenges while bringing the gospel to inland China. I was deeply moved by his words: “I am no longer anxious about anything, as I realize the Lord is able to carry out His will, and His will is mine. It makes no matter where He places me, or how. That is rather for Him to consider than for me; for in the easiest positions He must give me His grace, and in the most difficult, His grace is sufficient.”
As the Fall season begins at SI, we invite everyone to join us in a heartfelt prayer. We seek guidance from God to help us see His influence in every aspect of our lives. May we tackle our tasks with the same confidence and boldness that Hudson Taylor had, trusting fully in God’s grace, which is enough to see us through both the highs and the lows of our journey.
