To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 1 CORINTHIANS 12:10, NKJV
Yesterday I started to tell you about a mission trip I went on to Venezuela. Our plan was to prepare the land, dig the foundation trenches, pour the foundation, and lay the foundation blocks. Since we were in such a remote part of the country, all this work had to be done by hand. Our team of workers consisted of a mix of local workers and our group from North America. Our combined team worked all day long for almost two weeks to achieve these goals. If any of you have ever been on a mission trip, you know that it’s one thing to get there and work, but it’s another to meet the local people and make new friends.
I’ve been on several mission trips, but this one was unique because I was the only person in the group who spoke both English and Spanish. Although I went to work building, I found myself spending a lot of time serving as the interpreter between our team of volunteers and the local team of workers. That was not my intention for the trip, but that ended up being a productive way for GOD to use me. During some of the other evenings we went into the nearby Ciudad Bolivar to talk to people and give away Bibles. Again, a lot of the weight fell on me as we interacted with the people of this town. It was a fascinating experience, and these were things I had never done before.
Al first it took me way out of my comfort zone, but soon I adapted. What impressed me the most was how GOD used my gift of speaking different languages to advance His work in Venezuela.
Do you speak more than one language? If you have the opportunity to learn more than one at home, don’t squander It. GOD may need you to develop that gift so that you can use it someday. You are responsible to use the gifts GOD has given you.