He is Worthy of It All

Hello everyone!

I hope you're all doing well. I'm excited to share what God has been doing in my life over the past month or so: how He has challenged me, pruned me, encouraged me, and, of course, continued to love me and His people so deeply.

Recently, my life has felt full of really high highs and low lows. I can definitely feel the weight of physical exhaustion and the pace of life taking a toll on my body. The combination of cafeteria food, a hectic schedule, lack of sleep, and the mental challenges of living in a different country and learning a new language has definitely been heavy.

But in the midst of all of that, I have felt the Lord so near. Over the past few weeks, I’ve had such a deep hunger and strong desire to spend time with Him, a desire to talk to Him, to praise Him, and to be honest with Him. And for that, I am so beyond grateful. The Lord continues to remind me that while this season is difficult, it is also filled with beauty. There is so much beauty in being pruned, in being tested, because we know these trials produce character. And I’m beginning to see glimpses of that growth.

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

The Lord has given me a new perspective, one that I’ve been praying for a long time to have. He’s helped me take my eyes off myself. Like I mentioned, I’ve had this unexplainable adoration for the Lord these past few weeks, and I know it’s by His goodness that I’m experiencing it. He is our provider. He knows what we need, exactly when we need it. It’s been such a gift to live in awe of who He is.

It’s been a tricky balance, looking ahead to the future while also trying to be present where I am. I only have a month and a half left here in Argentina. Can you believe that? Even crazier, it’s been over a year since I first moved to Mexico. Just look at the faithfulness of the Lord. I'm speaking Spanish now, and He has already opened doors for the next season. Thank you for praying for me, partnering with me, and walking alongside me throughout this journey. Though this past year has been hard, I truly believe it’s been hard in all the best ways. I know the Lord has shaped me in ways I can’t even see yet. I believe this is all part of His preparation for what’s to come, and I’m so thankful for it.

Even in the midst of the challenges, this year has been such a gift. I feel incredibly blessed that God has surrounded me with people who have become some of my closest friends here in Argentina. Over the past 10 months, I’ve shared so much life with them, laughter, tears, growth, and deep connection. As I begin the process of grieving and saying goodbye, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. It’s moments like these that remind me of just how richly the Lord has provided. He has placed people in my life who reflect His love so clearly that parting from them is genuinely hard. I’ve felt this same deep ache leaving my friends and family in Ohio, and again when I left Mexico. And now, I feel it once more. Thank You, Lord, for blessing me with such meaningful relationships all around the world. Thank You for designing us to live in community and for faithfully meeting that need in every place You've sent me. You truly are the ultimate provider.

Though I’m sad to leave soon, I truly feel ready. Many of my friends here have tried to convince me to stay longer, but I feel peaceful and confident in the Lord’s timing. I know the next right step is to return home, prepare, and then head back to Mexico. It’s such a strange thing to feel like your heart lives in multiple places at once. I’m currently in Buenos Aires, but part of my heart is in Akron, Ohio, and another part in Mazatlán, Mexico. It’s tricky to balance it all. But I’m praying the Lord gives me wisdom and discernment to know when to open my heart and when it’s not quite time yet.

Stepping into full-time missions at such a young age is intimidating. It’s intimidating to go home, raise support, and prepare to live on my own again. I often find myself thinking, I’m not equipped. I sometimes wonder why God chose me. I feel like the least qualified person. And in many ways, that’s true. I’m not fully ready, and I probably never will be. But I truly believe that God sees more in us than we see in ourselves. He desires to use us for His kingdom and His glory, even when we don’t see the potential in ourselves. The less there is of me, the more glorified our God will be.

I’m clinging to the truth that the Lord has already gone before me. He is already fighting for me. And He has already won. I’m holding onto the hope that one day, God will restore all things. One day, the pain, exhaustion, brokenness, and sin will be no more. And we will get to experience the glory and goodness of God forever. I’ve caught just a small glimpse of His glory. And I can only imagine what it will be like to see Him face to face. Lord, I want to see Your glory. I want to honor You with my life. And I want to bring others with me to experience You too. You are worthy of it all.

A Few Milestones to Celebrate!I just finished my first college classes entirely in Spanish! Last week, I wrapped up Discipleship and Evangelism (Discipulado y Evangelismo) and Christian Life (Vida Cristiana), and I even took my first exams fully in Spanish (besides the Spanish language ones, of course). I'm so thankful for how far the Lord has brought me over this past year.

This week, I began two new classes: Hermeneutics and Methods of Studying the Bible (Hermenéutica y Métodos de Estudio Bíblico) and Dispensationalism (Dispensacionalismo). What a blessing it is to intentionally study and grow in order to better serve the Lord!

Prayer Requests: 

• Continued hunger for the Word

• Continued Awe of Who God is 

• Motivation to finish language school strong 

• Comfort as I am preparing to move back home

• I was assigned to work with a church in the capital, Buenos Aires, for the rest of my time here. Pray for wisdom, dependence on the Lord and a fruitful ministry. 

You are loved and appreciated! Our God is so big and is moving all around the world! If I could do this all over again, I would, so that at least one person could experience the life change and hope that is found in Jesus Christ. Our God is just that good. 

What a JOY it is to follow Jesus! 

Naomi Bogue