Introspection

I told you all that I would be back with an update of what I am learning and growing in, so here I am to stand and deliver exactly that! 

 

Worship. That is the first thing I would say that I have been challenged with. Not the vocal kind, but the kind that comes through obedience and willingness to surrender and walk in a continuous life to repentance. When we are on the road, the days are long, complaining is easy, and sometimes it truly does feel like you have gone absolutely nowhere – backwards even. If any of you are truck drivers, you understand. The boredom can be (ironically) overwhelming and when it is, your mind immediately starts to look for things to fuel itself on. I asked myself one day, “How can I use this time?” The internal answer was immediate and obvious; the answer was worship. I then began to ask, “How can I glorify God and not move an inch off of this seat at the same time?” And truth be told, the call to action (in this situation) was in the very simple things. I began to remember what the Lord has done by telling stories over and over of His goodness and provision and redemption in my life. I began to have similar exchanges with others as well. I began to challenge myself by refusing to look towards the genuinely negative and look instead towards the blessing amidst the dismal despair scattered across the reality of the work we do. 

 

One thing I have been learning is to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. In this position of work that requires little other than simplicity, reliability, and flexibility, it is easy to put too much focus into those things. The food that I eat and when, my cell service, my laundry, etc. The more simply I have lived, the easier it has been for me to idolize the little things which is why in these past few weeks in specific it has been difficult to put Him first above all. A simple life brings simple challenges (most of the time) but their significance and difficulty is the same as any other way of life that presents its own challenges as well. When you pray for me, pray that I would seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. What have I to worry about other than praying instead? 

 

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When I published the Ukraine vlog that I filmed, I wanted to get it out to you all as soon as possible. That is why the blog/previous update I sent was so short. 

 

Numerous hours of the week were spent filming and editing to form a piece of work that would be able to provide a gateway of understanding into what a week in the life of an aid worker is like. If you have watched it already, please reach out to me and let me know how it turned out! I would love to hear from you personally! If you would like to know any more about the vlog/video I filmed in Ukraine the only advice I could give you is to watch it and find out for yourself! 

 

The second reason I published the video was to help raise support. I am still in need of monthly/any support through A Jesus Mission to help pave the way for ministry here. I will absolutely have more details on these things later; right now in specific I need help to pay rent, buy food / any supplies I might need, as well as fundraise for airfare and potential (and expensive) visa costs. I am very passionate about what A Jesus Mission is doing and how they are providing relief for the Ukrainians, but the reality is that I cannot do it without your help. Please prayerfully consider supporting me on this journey that I might be able to continue to work with AJM for as long as possible/needed. 

 

I appreciate all of you very much, and I have below attached a few photos from some of the drives as well as the adventures we have been on in the past month. Click the link below to view the Ukraine vlog. Click the second link to support me financially. Many thanks to all of you!

 

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To Ukraine and Back

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Gabe Montanez / Support and Donation

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Til next time! 

– Gabe

 

 

The Photos below are from 
a gallivant some of the men took 
to some nearby salt mines 
that were open to tour.