by Amy McGee
Language- That word has a whole new meaning for me these
last few months. Well, years really, if
I'm honest.
My love of language started young. It has been an ever
growing and changing relationship; very much like my love for the Lord.
My mom and dad always had friends from different cultures
around the world, and they were able to speak another language. I was always so
fascinated by the sounds and rhythms of all the different languages. But even
in the differences, there was the same core to communicate and understand each
other better.
Similarly, as I grew up, I moved a lot. Therefore, we
attended many different churches and different denominations, and like
language, they each had their own cultures with different sounds and rhythms.
However, there was always the same core: the unconditional love and mercy of God
and Jesus Christ.
I continued to love language and even studied it a bit in
the short time I attended college. I would stop and listen anytime someone was
speaking a foreign language. I still do, and I wish I could have them talk to me whether I understand or not. And the
words themselves, I mean they have such rich history and purpose, ya know.
I guess I never really understood just how much until I
started trying to learn Spanish. It's the same with other believers; I love to
listen to their stories even if they differ slightly from mine; but, their
stories have so much purpose and richness of God.
The thing that has impacted me the most is how much more
rich and purposeful God’s Word and God’s people are to me now.
I know a lot of
people have spent years reading God's word and looking at Hebrew and Latin
translations to grasp the true meaning and depth of His word. But, I have never
done that much. We have a wonderful man
in our church who loves to look up and study the Hebrew words and meanings, and
I am always in amazement at his knowledge and love for the language.
Right now in class we are reading Bible stories, and as I am
learning the Spanish words and figuring out what they are in English, well, it
adds a different dimension to me; like they are becoming 3D. The word they use
might be different from the word I have heard used in English. And I am curious, why would they use that
word? Why wouldn't they use the "correct" translated word? Well,
maybe the actual Latin word (Because let's face it, Spanish is a Latin language)
is closer to this. Or maybe what was being said here was closer to that
meaning. But the fact is I am growing in God's word and gaining a more profound
understanding of His love through His word here at the language school.
And, also, being out here on the mission field I am gaining a
more profound understanding of His people and the love and sacrifice of Jesus
Christ through His people.
I am so grateful for the chance to study so that I can more
clearly and deeply share God’s word and love to those He has called us to
serve. You all have greatly impacted the kingdom of heaven with your prayers
and support. You all are spreading the message of hope and love, and I am so thankful
for each one of you that have supported us through encouragement, loving us,
praying for us, and donating to this ministry.
~ Amy :)
