Beyond Sunday
Welcome to Beyond Sunday, the Podcast that takes you deeper into the Word of God throughout your week, with your Host Pastor Lee Day.
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Beyond Sunday
Missionaries Leave It All Behind
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Ever wonder what actually makes someone leave family, routine, and comfort to serve in another country? Pastor Lee sits down with Ava and Martin, two missionaries with United in Christ ministry, for a candid, hope-filled conversation about calling, obedience, and the surprising power of simple presence. We talk about how children’s ministry opens doors to entire families, why discipleship looks like shared meals and long talks more than quick slogans, and how showing up with humility can change a neighborhood.
Ava shares how her vision of missions shifted to relationships around tables, and how waiting at home prepared her for the internship when the timing was finally right. Martin opens up about battling the belief that he can’t learn Spanish, the importance of working from intimacy with Jesus rather than for it, and the joy of recognizing the same Spirit across cultures and languages. Together they recount vivid scenes from Mexico and Chiapas: soup kitchens where people ask to hear the Word, youth events that meet teens on their level, and a quiet moment when a man too weak to speak visibly embraced Christ.
If the story moved you, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show. And if you want to support Ava and Martin’s work, visit cfochurch.org and click Giving. Your encouragement and generosity make a real difference.
Welcome to this episode, my friends, of Beyond Sunday. I'm your host, Pastor Lee Day, and I pastor Christ Family Outreach Church, located here in the one and the only Amelia County, Virginia. Have you ever wondered why in the world do people become missionaries? We're going to talk about that today. Why are people willing to pack up their bags, their belongings? Why are they willing to hop on a plane and leave the people they love behind? All very interesting questions. And I believe that the answers are going to bring God glory. And that's what this episode is about. What drives missionaries to do that? On this episode of Beyond Sunday, that's exactly what we're going to hear. Because here at the table, I have sitting with me two missionaries that I know personally, Ava Carter and Martin Dilley. Thank you both for coming in. How are you doing?
SPEAKER_02:Doing good, doing good. Thank you so much for having us.
SPEAKER_01:Absolutely, Martin. It's a blessing to be here. Amen. So thankful. It's a blessing to have both of you in the house and around the table. I'm excited to have you here with me. So let's jump right into it. Growing up, did either of you, and Ava, we'll start with you first. Growing up, did either of you think that you would be living on the mission field and spending a lot of time in another country? Because I know sometimes people grow up and they just feel like they've had this call their entire life. And then other times people kind of walk into that as their relationship with Christ uh intensifies. So Ava, where where are you at? When did you know that you first wanted to become a missionary?
SPEAKER_02:I think I was probably 11 or 12 the first time I really felt the Lord calling me to step into that. Um growing up, I always kind of felt a maybe an inclination. I read these books growing up about missionaries like Amy Carmichael and Elizabeth Elliott, and it always like interested me. But when I was maybe 11 or 12, I really felt that call. Maybe it wasn't something I took super seriously because you know you're a kid and nothing is for sure. Yeah, yeah. And you still have dreams. But when I really encountered the Lord when I was 17, I knew that all those dreams it was worth to leave behind to pursue that.
SPEAKER_01:And you know, you knew that this thing of being a missionary was gonna become a reality. Because I know you spent some time, you spent a lot of time praying about it, right? For the door to open up. Yeah. The door of opportunity to open up. And here you are, you know, praise God. You're you're you're living that heart's desire. You're living that call that God had on your life. How and still has on your life. How are you doing, brother Martin, with with this particular thought process, right? Like, is this something that just recently came up? Have you considered this before? You know, I know your journey, just like Ava's journey and every other person's journey, is unique in the process. So, at what point did you start thinking, man, it would be cool to like go to another country and share the gospel with people in need?
SPEAKER_00:Yeah. Man, that's uh growing up, I I never once really thought about it. Um I I had I had heard of missionaries and um heard stories, but I never put myself um imagined myself doing that. Yeah. Um but uh looking back, um, I moved around a lot growing up, and um I felt like I would be in a place one season and I'd be in another place another season, and um I kind of I would just move around so much, and I I wondered why. And I knew I was learning a lot, I was experiencing a lot. The Lord was drawing my heart to to people, yeah, broken people on the streets or um just anywhere in the church, everywhere. Um, but I never put myself in that place. But looking back, I can see him preparing me for this, and that's just pretty cool to realize.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, that's good. So even as you say that, Ava, I see you shaking your head, like like you're feeling what he's saying, you know. Like basically, I think what the two of you agree with this, it's it's almost as if God trained you on the mission field here to take you to a mission field abroad over there. Amen. Exactly. You know, walking you through training ground here to prepare you for what was what was to come. Matthew 28, 19. I'm gonna read this passage of scripture. I'm sure you guys know it, but Matthew 28, 19, Jesus says this: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them all that I have commanded you. And behold, he says, I am with you always to the end of age. Amen. So the the two of you are currently serving on the mission field together in Mexico with United in Christ ministry worldwide. How are you guys getting out? Martin, we'll start with you on this one, then we'll go to Ava. How are you guys getting out there making disciples of the people of Mexico? What's that process look like?
SPEAKER_00:I think it really starts with the kids. Um starting from a young age, you know, people um from all ages are important, but the kids are so impressionable, yeah, and so uh they're they're in they're in the trenches of their environment and their family, yeah, and they're there's so much happening that they can take with their whole lives and that will will mark their lives. And so there's a lot of darkness around them. Yeah. And and we have the chance to go and and plant seeds. Like we're plant, we're planting seeds. We don't know what God will do with it. God brings the growth. Yeah, that's right. Um we're we're just we're just there to do a work that God will finish.
SPEAKER_01:Amen. So I've been I've been there a few times with United in Christ, uh, quite a few times actually, and they are so good at targeting the children to present the gospel to. And and even here in the States, I see it. If if we can get the children connected to the church, if we can get the children wanting to come back to church, yeah, you know, then then you've got a really great chance of getting mom and or dad, hopefully, into the church. That's right. Into the church as well. Uh Ava, Ava, what about you? How how do you see that you guys are getting out there making disciples of the people of Mexico?
SPEAKER_02:Well, like Martin said, I think really it does start with the kids. We've in so many outreaches with the kids, and it's so beautiful to see how open they are to receive the gospel. Um, one thing I've had to learn is to redefine what it means to make disciples because I've always thought of it as this like street evangelism, which is great. I love that. That's like I love evangelizing on the street. But also there's this deeper part of discipleship that I've learned that is having a relationship. And how Jesus sat around a table and talked to people, it just really blows me away. That I mean, he's the God of the universe, he knows everything, but he would sit at a table and talk to people.
SPEAKER_01:That's right.
SPEAKER_02:And that's how he made disciples, really, I think, is by that relationship, because that's what he desires from us is that relationship. So I've really had to redefine what that means to be to make disciples, and I think that's what we've been doing is going to house to house, sitting with people, eating food, making disciples, hearing their story, their life. And that has been really, I think, life-changing to me.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah.
SPEAKER_02:Is to see that process.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, that's so good. So you're talking about basically sitting down, breaking bread with people, just being real, right? You're being real with them, they're being real with you. For those that have never been to Mexico, this is one thing that's just so mind-blowing to folks if when you go on your first trip. Mexican food there tastes really different from Mexican food here. Would you agree with me? So true. Like we we have so Americanized our Mexican restaurants. You know what I'm saying? Uh, but it's a completely different flavor when you cross the border. Completely different. I would say better. You know, I know for some, I know for some you got to get used to the taste, but but but I I would say, I would say for the better. Um Ava, we'll start with you on this one. What are some of the best ways that you've experienced uh great impact for leading people to Jesus on the mission field? I know you say you guys are targeting the children, but in what way? Are you guys doing like vacation Bible schools? Are are you guys having like parties within the church? Like what are ways that you're making it interesting for the young people out there on the streets and in the church? How are you guys making Christianity contagious and attractive?
SPEAKER_02:Well, we have done lots of outreaches with the kids. Um, we do like VBSs, especially for the younger kids. I think it's a lot easier for the younger kids. You just kind of give them a snack and play a game, sing a song, and they're happy. But with the youth, it is a lot hard harder. Yeah. We have done um youth events in Texas too, you know, in Mexico and Texas. And just making it, you know, I see Jesus' example on how he uh talked and taught imperables. Right. He taught imperables about farming. Yeah. You know, he didn't m make them come to his level. Jesus is so humble that he would go on to their level. Yeah. So with the youth, I think, and what I've seen is us finding how do we go to their level? How to how do we sit with them and where they're at, not try to bring them where we are and use Christian lingo and lingo and you know, how can we go down to where they are and show them what we believe.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah. That that that that that's that is so good. For those that do not know you guys personally, if you don't mind, just let's go ahead and share. Because I don't want people thinking, well, I'm too young, or or even I'm too old. You know, so many times I think we can buy into what the enemy's selling and create excuses on why we shouldn't go surf or why we shouldn't help out in our church or why we shouldn't volunteer to surf with our young people and children's church or with youth group. If you don't mind me asking, Martin, share with the people how old you are right now. I am 33. So 33, right? And again, did not go to college for for for ministry, right? No, but but felt a call. Yes, okay. And you're like, you know what? If God's called me to go, I'm gonna go. And it may be difficult to let go, it may be diff difficult to have to be obedient, but but no one ever said being obedient was gonna be an easy ticket. That's right. You know what I mean? Uh Ava, if you don't mind sharing, how old are you?
SPEAKER_02:I'm 19.
SPEAKER_01:19. Okay. So at 19 years old, willing to say, you know what, I'm gonna put, I'm gonna put myself to the side and I'm gonna honor Christ, right? And really, when we, this is what I've experienced, guys. When we choose to sell out and follow Jesus, we say, Yeah, we're we're we're we're dying to sell if we're putting ourselves to the side. It's so true. But we find new life in Christ. You know what I mean? So really, I the only thing I lost was like the old sinful me. Yeah, I've I've gained so much more than I lost. So we could say, you know, 30-some years old, 19 years old, oh my goodness, they've put everything on hold to go. But nah, did you really? I mean, you know, you've gained so much more than what you would have put on hold. Do you guys agree with me on that? Like you're coming out so much more ahead than than than what you may be putting on hold or or or losing at this point of of life. Um, Martin, I'm gonna ask you this one. What are you most enjoying right now about being a missionary? What what what is that thing that when someone's like, hey Martin, how do you how do you feel uh about being a missionary? What what excites you most about this missionary life right now? What is it for you?
SPEAKER_00:Man, I've gotta say it's seeing the people experiencing their hospitality, their heart. Yeah, especially, you know, the the Mexican people of the culture is really um hospitable and giving, but seeing a Christian filled with the Spirit, you know, um there's just and even the language, sometimes for me it's been a hard barrier. Um but man, when somebody knows Christ, you can sit across the table and and man, just their face. You can see it in their face, you can feel it in their presence. Yeah. Um, and and it's been really cool to be in rooms with people, like Ava was saying, we we do a lot of connecting um face to face around tables with food, fellowship. And um I remember thinking at times like I would have never met this person. Yeah, if I I would have never seen their face, I would have never experienced God through them.
SPEAKER_01:Never known they existed, yeah.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, but I'm so thankful I get to see their face, and I'll never forget their face. Yeah, and um, and I want to see their face again. Amen. Um, so it's just that's been that's been really special to experience. And there's so much more, but that's a highlight.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, and and you mentioned like, you know, just just seeing the happiness and and and the joy and and the smiles of people and dealing with the children. Go ahead and share with everybody who who's never met you personally how how tall is Martin Dilly? How tall are you?
SPEAKER_00:I'm six six.
SPEAKER_01:Six six. So probably one of the taller people in the country of Mexico. Yes, sir.
SPEAKER_00:Yes, sir. So stand out a little bit that way.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, you do stand out, right? This this this tall white guy, right? In in the middle of in the middle of you know, Mexico. The reason I bring that up is because I see that I see the pictures that you send back, and I'm grateful for those. I really appreciate it. Yes, sir. But you know, you're always the tallest guy in the photo. You know, it doesn't matter if they're men, women, or children. But when I look, it's just like they're they're not just physically looking up to you, but they're they're just they're just happy to be within the presence of other believers. Wow. You know, I mean, I even seen a picture of you sleeping on an air mattress one time and and your feet, your legs were hanging off. You know, you know what I mean? I'm like, my brother's having to adapt to a whole new way of living, being all man.
SPEAKER_00:He's been training me for years for that. I've never had a bed. My feet didn't fall off the end for years now.
SPEAKER_01:So God's been training you for years on that one. Yeah, I hear that, brother. I hear that. That's that that that's uh that that's so good right there. Um Ava, what what about you? Like what what what right now for you is the most rewarding about being a missionary? What are you enjoying about that call in your life right now the most?
SPEAKER_02:I really enjoy being in a place where I constantly have something to learn. Like I've learned so much being down there. And I've had my like, I feel like my faith has grown so much in being in a place where I have nothing to rely on but faith. At times in my life I've always had something to kind of backpedal, and even if it wasn't a sinful thing, just you know, my family or or or friends or whatever. But there, like it's your faith, you know, and that's what you have. So and that's what you you know, you have to keep going with that. You know, there's no like, oh, it's the weekend, I take a break, or it's not Sunday, so I don't have to. Yeah. It's it's every day. So it's been so good and like strengthening to me to have that, to have to rely on and learning how to stretch that and grow that.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, yeah, that's really good. And a lot of the photos that I see, like Ava, with your newsletter that you send, and I appreciate you sending it, it's really good. Martin, with pictures that you send in. Um, I see you guys in a lot of the same photos together, like y'all have mentioned, around a table, having a meal. Um, do you guys find yourself as y'all go out into the mission field? Are y'all are y'all part of the same team? Is it are y'all together the majority of the time when you guys are out into Mexico? What does that look like when when when the brothers at United in Christ send send the teams out right now?
SPEAKER_02:Usually it's always us together. I think we've been together every day since we arrived, honestly. Yeah. I think we've worked together pretty much always.
SPEAKER_01:Now, before leaving, did you guys know each other before before leaving? I didn't think that you guys did, right? Okay. So that's really interesting because uh, brother Martin, you mentioned just moments ago that that you that you were seeing faces in another country that if you weren't on the mission field, you never would have seen before, right? And how going down there, but think of it like this. We don't know if you wouldn't have gone down there if you guys ever would have seen each other and you lived in the same county. I know. You know what I'm saying? Like, look how God works, you know what I mean? Like your obedience, you know, creates a friendship as a brother and a sister in Christ, and and all of a sudden you guys meet each other because you're leaving the same county and going down to Texas and to work with, you know, to being a missionary, working with a with an evangelistic outreach into the country of Mexico. And and now you guys know each other. You know, I mean, isn't that something just how how God works that? Uh, let's get into some prayer requests though, because I'm sure there's gonna be listeners out there that even if they do not know you guys personally, you know, they may be thinking, uh, hey, I'd like to pray for them. You know, there's there's people out there that are prayer warriors. That's just something that they really enjoy doing, right? So uh Ava, we'll start with you on this one. What are some things that people can pray for you uh while you're while you're away from home and out on the mission field? What does that look like?
SPEAKER_02:Just continue praying for renewed strength, I think, for all the missionaries. That's a a big thing. It's easy to become tired, but in that tiredness we find like the strength that you can't even explain that comes from the Lord. So just continuing that for the Lord to guide. And most importantly for me, I I really I pray myself is that the Lord would continue to give us opportunities, He would continue to open ears and to open hearts that people would be willing to receive, and that the the knowledge of Jesus Christ can be spread. That's good. And that I mean he would use us, like how humbling it is that he would use us, and really that would be the most important thing you could pray for because it is my heart's desire, and I think it's the heart of the Lord also for people to know him.
SPEAKER_01:Amen. Totally agree with you, sister. It is the plan of God, John 3 16, for God so love the world, right? That that every one of us would have an opportunity to come to know him and what he did, what he did for us through his son Jesus Christ on the cross. Um, so absolutely great answer. Martin, what about you, brother? How can how can we be in prayer for you while you're out on the mission field?
SPEAKER_00:To keep learning Spanish. Um I know it's been my the four months there, I've I've really battled um the belief that I can't do it. I've had this internal just just sharp place inside me that really stings. Like I I try to learn it and I think, oh no, I can't do it. I'm not smart enough. I've tried before, didn't happen, I can't do it. Uh just any any and every thought, and the enemy used that so many times. But um talking about Ava, it's been so cool. The Lord has used her to not only to translate for me at times, that she's picked up on the language, she's put a lot of time into it, and um the Lord is is blessing that. And and I've been blessed to be able to receive from what the Lord's given her, and and then and she's encouraged me to learn and had moments where I'm like, I'm done, I can't do it. Yeah, and then no, I'm still going. She, you know, it brings an encouraging word, and um just see the spirit behind that. So just continue to help pray that we would uh encourage one another and um and and be an encouragement to those who are there, and that the gospel would be so tasteful and so welcomed by the the the most desperate and that the most the most sick and the most sorrowful and those who are stuck in the most uh uh um just alcohol, drugs, any everything, yeah, that nothing could hold back the gospel. Amen. The gospel can't be uh bound, you know. People are bound up, but but there's there's freedom for those people. Jesus came for them. Yeah, that's right. So we're sent we're sent to the broken, to the lost, and and if they look like they're uh hopeless, there's hope.
SPEAKER_01:Amen. That's right. That's right, that's right. You're right. Though the people may be bound, but the word of God never is. What are some of the ways, Martin, that you've been seeing personally the hand of God move in the lives of other people out on the mission field? How have you been seeing God work in in those lives out there?
SPEAKER_00:I would say Jeff, definitely the their their willingness to to hear the word. You know, that we go to soup kitchens and um and serve and and feed them physical food, but um they they they sit and they wanna hear the word. And you know, you don't always understand what God's doing uh with that word, but they want to hear it. And uh I you know, I pray that that it's taking root and um you know there's gotta be at least one that that's like just being touched, you know. Maybe you see look around and they're taking it in, and maybe not the majority may maybe won't really do something with that word, but I I believe somebody, if it's just a kid or or a or a mom, then we have chances to pray of see seen Ava just pray in the spirit, you know, the with the power of the spirit, and you know, in in our weakness, he's made strong. Amen. And so being able to see that in in those who we work with, and then and then in those who are hungry for it, and you know, be able to pray for them and just um just many opportunities we had to to see the power of God. On two-week trip we went to Chiapas and um just everywhere we went, it was just there was some moment that it's really hard to explain it in one sitting, but um, where the Lord did a beautiful work and yeah um he's still doing it. Amen.
SPEAKER_01:Isn't he? Won't he do it? Praise God. Won't he do it? Yes, he will, praise the Lord. Ava, what about you? How how are you seeing, sister? How are you seeing the hand of God move in the lives of those out on that mission field in Mexico?
SPEAKER_02:It's so powerful, honestly, to see how the encounter of Christ changes everything and to see him working like that. We have seen so many things of just people's lives being changed through a prayer. And it's not in my words. I know my words on their own are not powerful, Martin's words on his own aren't powerful, but to see the power of God that he could take just human words and he could change someone's lives through those words, like he could bring salvation to someone with his power, like it's it really is, you know, it's life-changing to me, but how cool is it to see him, his heart for people, how he truly does desire his people, how he does really love his people. And it's been so cool to see whether it's a prayer through whether it's a sermon, whether it's just a conversation, that he can touch lives like through anything. I don't think he even needs me to speak to for him to be heard. And that's one thing I've learned, not being able to speak Spanish fluently, yeah, is that I don't have to speak for God to be heard. Yeah, and that he can be heard through really anything. So it's been so cool to watch his power, how he can move in any situation. I remember in Chiapas one day we went, and this was probably this is something that really sticks with me of watching how he changes a life, is we were going and we were in the mountains in the jungle, and we were going to this house to pray for someone who we had heard was really sick, and we got there, and he hadn't eaten in nine or ten days or something like that. Wow. And he was really, really sick, and he was like maybe 30, he was like Martin's age, and he was laying there, but he was so skinny and he was so sick, and we're watching him, and we start praying for him, and he wasn't a Christian, but in there he couldn't speak, he was so sick he couldn't speak, and he could barely move. And in that moment, we saw him accept Christ without repeating words, but you could see the change in his eyes and the tears down his face. Praise God.
SPEAKER_01:Just his countenance changed.
SPEAKER_02:Yeah, like it changed his whole life, and he didn't even have to say a word.
SPEAKER_01:Amen.
SPEAKER_02:So it's been so cool. That's just an example. But time after time you see the power of God moving when people are willing to be moved.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah. Ah, that's so good. Thank you for sharing that. That is that is that's powerful. That really is powerful. What what are some ways we've we just talked about like seeing God work in others? What are some ways since you guys have hit the mission field? Ava, we'll start with you on this one. What are some ways since you've hit the mission field that you're seeing God work personally in your life? What does that look like?
SPEAKER_02:Well, I've seen how he's he has fulfilled so many promises. Because I did, I truly prayed to be a missionary for the past two years. I've prayed, and so many times I've questioned God, why have you not let me go yet? But really, his timing, I've learned his timing is perfect. Amen. That he has fulfilled so many promises, but he also continues to make more promises in my life. I've really seen my faith become greater, I guess, not in myself or anything that I've done, but really like I trust God. And honestly, it's got to the point where I have doubts, but the doubts make less sense than my faith actually does. It's I've become I I've come to a place where God has brought me to a place of understanding him where I don't think I could ever not be a missionary. Right. I could never not share him just because he has brought me to this place of understanding that I know he is everything, and because I know he's everything, I could give up anything because nothing else really even matters to me anymore.
SPEAKER_01:Amen. I'm proud of you. That's so good. Martin, where are you at? How how is the almighty hand of God working in your life right now since you've been out on that mission field? What's changing? What's happening?
SPEAKER_00:I think I'm I'm really noticing um my weaknesses and uh where I really need the power of God, and I have the power of God, and I need to tap into the power of God because um I've got flesh, I've got feelings, I've got uh I've got forces of darkness trying to um infiltrate, you know, what God's doing, kind of shift you away from so I've I'm noticing um how much how much I need him and how much I want him. Psalm 121 um says, I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved, he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper, the Lord is your shade on your right hand, the sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil, he will keep your life. The Lord will keep you your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. And so I'm learning, I'm learning to look up, I'm learning to to acknowledge him in all my ways and and and trust him. He comes through, he comes through when we call. Amen. And every time you fall, it says the righteous fall seven times, but they get up. Amen, brother. And so I've been experiencing falling, and that it's a beautiful thing to rise in Christ. Amen.
SPEAKER_01:He never leaves us nor forsakes us. I know you guys have already experienced that in both of your lives. Ava, what do you think the most difficult thing for you has been as you walk out the call during this season of your life as a missionary?
SPEAKER_02:I think a lot, if not all of my weaknesses have been exposed in the last couple months. Like really, I've had to face who I really am in so many moments because so long so often I could maybe cover that up, or you know, God, I just can pray it away. And but then I'm faced with, okay, this is really the issue, and this is what you need to you know take care of in your life. Yeah. So that's been one thing is seeing all my weaknesses, seeing those things, like how, oh, I could get angry super fast. Okay, well, let's solve that issue now. Right. Instead of just covering it up or acting like it's not there. That's been one thing. It's really having to face any weakness or anything that it is, and having to um really rely on God in those moments and learning how to be obedient to Christ has been a big thing, is because you know, I I've taught a lot of the God of love and I know a lot of the God of love, but I can't separate the God that requires obedience as well from that God because they're the same God. So having to learn what does it mean to be obedient to Christ and really it means to what does it mean to pick up your cross and follow Christ has been something very hard for me to to figure out how to do and to apply. Because it's one thing to say and to understand how to do it, but then an application I think has been a thing is figuring out how do I apply this, how do I actually walk this out when things aren't easy? Yeah, how do I have faith when things aren't good? How do I have faith when there is suffering? Yeah, and how do I overcome things when things aren't this this perfect life that I want to you know show everyone, oh I have a perfect life. But that's not always true. There's there's weaknesses, there's struggles, and things are really hard sometimes. So there have been moments of like I wanted to quit. Like I don't know if I can do this anymore. I'm not cut out for this. God, you called the wrong person. I can't do this. But then it's like God is like just whispering in my ear, like, when was it ever you in the first place? Yeah, when was it ever your light of the world? You're not the light of the world, Ava. Right. I'm the light of the world. Yeah, so like God can do it, even in that.
SPEAKER_01:Amen. And I think our listeners could be encouraged of that, you know. Like, like you had said, like, God, have you called the the wrong person, you know, like was I really the one? Well, yes, yes, you are the one, you know, and there's people out there listening, and they are the one as well. And if you feel God calling you to go do it, then you've got to walk through it. And God's not gonna, God's not gonna require anyone to walk through something he's called them to go do by themselves. And he's not gonna call them to walk alone, you know. Martin, where where are you at? Is it the most difficult thing for you being on the mission field? Is it the language barrier that you mentioned earlier? Is there something else? Like what are what are you finding in that?
SPEAKER_00:I want to say keeping that keep honestly keeping that intimacy um when it gets busy, when you get when you get uh what feels like you're just kind of getting pulled different ways and you're just moving where the Lord is leading, but you kind of I've kind of had moments where I'm I I'm longing for that intimacy and just learning to be um not work for that intimacy, but but um work from that intimacy. That's good. That intimacy with Jesus is what makes the joy. Because if you can lose your joy and in doing a lot of good things um but without the joy of the Lord, I mean you're you're just kind of you're just kind of checking a box like I did this, I did this, I did this. But um I think the I've noticed that and I'm I'm excited to to continue going back, you know, just to to keep intimacy with Jesus and everything and every moment and it's all for him. It's the serving as a missionary is just is just serving the Lord, being willing to serve in whatever way uh that looks like. Whatever capacity. Yeah, might just be cleaning toilets, yeah, or cleaning uh an area, or fixing a meal, or or um just patting somebody on the back or uh supporting somebody in some way. So it's or preaching or teaching, and there's so many, so many ways to serve. Yeah. And God cares about the small things. He said the the the greatest of all will be servant of all and the and the least of all. So amen. We get to we get to we're not here to be greatest, we're to be servants.
SPEAKER_01:Amen. Amen. Let's talk about the call to go for a moment. Isaiah shares his call in Isaiah chapter 6, verse 8, and says this, and I heard the voice of the Lord God saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And then I said, Here I am, send me. So I just think that the the call to go is so important because before you can go, you first got to recognize the call to go. Like, how do you how do you know where you're going if if you haven't been sent to go? You know, how do you know what the mission is gonna be if you haven't been told the the game plan to a degree, right? So how did you know, Ava, that God was sending you onto the mission field? What was it was it a a time of worship? Was it a time in prayer? You know, was it a dream, a vision? Was it just an unction in your spirit? Did God move your heart? Like how did you know that God was saying, Ava, you've been praying for two years, but now's now's your moment. It's time to go.
SPEAKER_02:Well, I had been waiting, like you said, and I had been praying, and really the the internship just opened up. I had been waiting for that internship. I remember I was down in Mexico, I guess almost two years, about a year and a half, I guess. And um I knew I wanted to enter intern with them. And I was down there, I don't remember even what we were doing, but I do remember out at church and I was just working in the the ministry on a a smaller trip, and I was just there and I really felt the Lord telling me, You're gonna be with these people, you need to go. So I was like, okay, God, fine. Just let me know where. I was like, Yeah, God, I'll I'll go. And at the time, I was actually like, Oh, I'm gonna step out in faith. So I quit my job and did not have anything. Like I thought I was gonna stay down there.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah.
SPEAKER_02:And then that was like the Lord was confirming it that this is the time, I'm moving down here. And then the end of the week came, and I was supposed to go home, and I got on that plane and went home. And I thought, Lord, you let me down like you told me, and I quit my job. Yeah, like I thought this was the time to go. And then I went back home and the Lord was teaching me that being a missionary wasn't about Mexico or being out of the country. Being a missionary was my heart. So I went home and he said, be a missionary at home. So I became the missionary of a million county. That's why I would call it in my head or whatever, and just thinking, like, Lord, you can use me here. If you can use me in Mexico, you can use me here. So I spent that time here, just in this waiting season of like, I will be a missionary where my feet is because that is my calling, and it's not about Mexico, it's not about being out of the country. That's a lot cooler to post and say, I'm in Mexico right now. Yeah, but like I'm a missionary here too. I'm a missionary in 7-Eleven, just like I am in the jungles of Chiapas.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, that's right. So amen.
SPEAKER_02:Having to learn that, that's was such a lesson. But eventually the internship did open up. And once I learned my lesson and got a job again and started working in the in the mission field of Amelia County, that's when the Lord opened that field and said, Okay, time to go. So then I packed up things and I went.
SPEAKER_01:Amen. I'm so very proud of you, sister, for realizing that because so many people don't get it their way and they just shut down. You know, well, if I can't have it the way that I want it, or if I can't see it the way that I see it, then maybe, maybe I, maybe I missed it. Maybe I'm really not called to go do XYZ. When really, no, you were called to do XYZ. It's just God is God is creating a heart posture. You know, He's He's building us up and preparing us for what's to come down the road. You're both currently home right now, visiting your families for Christmas. All right. So let's just kind of take it on the home front for a minute. What has been the best thing about coming back home? What's the best thing about coming back? Ava, you take it first.
SPEAKER_02:Definitely seeing my sisters. I have four little sisters, the youngest one being only she just turned four. Okay. So they're a lot younger than me, but they're like, I mean, they feel like my kids sometimes, and being able to see them, being leaving them has been the hardest part, honestly. But being back with them and seeing them around Christmas time has been just so precious. And them like wanting to be missionaries too, and seeing that like desire in their hearts. I know, even if it's just because they think they're cool, because they get to say it because I am. Yeah, but seeing how they might be inspired, yeah, it's it's super cool. And just spending time with them.
SPEAKER_01:How do you keep in contact, Ava, with your family since you're gone, oftentimes in another country? Are you guys FaceTiming? Are you you know using some some type of platform to be able to see each other through video calls? What what does that look like? How often are you able to communicate with with your sisters?
SPEAKER_02:Well, WhatsApp is a lifesaver. If you go to Mexico, everyone uses WhatsApp. So I I communicate a lot through WhatsApp and then also just FaceTiming my sisters. I do that a lot. Thank God for FaceTime. I couldn't imagine being a missionary before and having to write a letter. Yeah. Because I don't have the patience for that. So FaceTime is such a blessing.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, no, that that is that is awesome. Martin, what is the what's the best time about what's the best thing about coming home right now at the uh the Christmas season?
SPEAKER_00:Definitely seeing family and friends and um all the support has been so amazing. So seeing each all the faces again that I love seeing. Yeah, I love seeing the faces in Mexico, but seeing y'all's faces and uh just the love and just embracing brothers and sisters in Christ here and um seeing my grandma is always a was a was a blessing because spent a lot of time with her before getting this call to go. And um, she was a big part of that, just God preparing me as well. And yeah, um, just being able to experience she's 95 and have just uh calm and peace of just being in the home with her again.
SPEAKER_01:And what did her face look like when she got to see you for the first time?
SPEAKER_00:Oh man, so good. It was just we didn't even know what to say. It was just hugging and and uh smiling ear to ear, I'm sure she was, right? Yeah, I know it was such a blessing, and I'm so thankful for for her and for everybody.
SPEAKER_01:Amen. Amen. All right, let's let's talk real quick food for a moment. What's the one thing that you guys wanted to come home and eat back at your hometown? Ava? Anything that you were looking forward to coming home?
SPEAKER_02:I actually made some food like back here? Yep. Uh huh. Oh man, I think I missed honestly, I missed eating like Chick-fil-A. I haven't eaten Chick-fil-A there. Okay. I'm sorry. I I just literally like all that fast food and then like not being able to eat it because I'm there. So going there has been really good. And then like probably burgers. I love burgers. Okay. So having to make that has been really good. Yeah. But I haven't eaten out a lot.
SPEAKER_01:Okay, that's good. Martin, how about you, brother? What's that thing that you're like, man, when I get home, I've got to go tackle this?
SPEAKER_00:Man, I'm uh I hate to go back to to to grandma's, but grandma's cooking. Nothing wrong with that, brother. Uh her her mornings, um, her breakfast, especially. Yeah. So I love eggs, so she she loves eggs too. And um I don't know, you can just it just tastes better. Tastes different when it's grandma's way, though. Yeah, it's so so good. She puts a lot of love in there.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, yeah. That's right. Cook with love. The main ingredient is love. But it's the same way, you know. Like, I'm I'm I'm 44 years old. So when uh whenever I go back to my mom's house, the food always just tastes different when it's your mama's, you know what I mean? So, you know, so so I just enjoy someone could cook it the exact same way, and it's just not gonna taste the same in my head, you know what I mean? So it's amazing. Yeah, no, I get it. Back back at grandma's house and just sitting at the breakfast table. Yeah, just being with her. That's awesome. Yeah, that's awesome. Well, folks, if if you would like to support these two missionaries as they serve out on the mission field in Mexico, you can you can head over to our website at www.cfochurch.org, www.cfochurch.org. It is a safe and secure way to give. And in the top right hand corner, you can hit the button that says giving. Once you hit the giving button, you select your fund and you will see the opportunity to give to Martin and Ava as well. Uh, and you can support both of them financially doing that. 100% of what you donate to them uh will make its way to them individually. So, guys, I would like to thank both of you for coming in and for sharing here at the table just a little piece of your new lives being missionaries. You've only been out on the field a few months so far. Uh, and you've only got a few days here left. And you guys, right after Christmas, actually, day after Christmas, you guys are are are hopping on the plane, going back down to the border again. Well, again, thank you. Thank you both for being willing to just kind of put it all out there, your testimonies on just the past few months or what you're going through. And thank you for being willing to just drop everything, literally, and go down and serve the people of God. Ava, you made a great point that wherever we are, we're missionaries serving, you know, and and that is God's heart. God does have a desire to want his people to get to know him and and live with him on a personal level. And that's what I love about a real relationship with Jesus. It is real, it is true, it is genuine, it is intimate, and it's always made to have. Us look more like God every day that we spend time with Him. So let's pray. Father, I'm grateful for the sacrifice of these two people, and they are willing to make that sacrifice because of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus Christ gave to us on the cross. Father, we thank you for your son. I thank you for these two missionaries. Father, I pray in the name of the blood of Jesus that you would just continue to strengthen them, encourage them. Father, I pray that you would continue to give them hope, give them strength. Father, I pray that they would continue to be the light in a very dark world. Protect them, Father, on all sides, that you would go before them, making their path and their way clear and straight. Have mighty warrior angels looking after them, Father. Give them health and keep them safe in Jesus Christ's name and blood. Everybody said together, my friends, amen. Amen and amen. God bless. And until next time on Beyond Sunday, continue to stay in the Word of God and spending time with Him in prayer.
