Trusting God with my Fears

Liz Ortiz
Feb 28
3 min read

One of my insecurities is the fear of not being understood and lost in the language. As a child, I struggled with a speech impediment. Other kids sometimes teased me for how I sounded. I spent several years in speech therapy. When God called me to Togo, I was nervous about learning French. Could I learn another language well enough so people could understand me? He affirmed in my heart that all things are possible through Christ. I was determined to follow God’s leading in my life, even if it meant facing a task that felt overwhelming. Language school was difficult, but it was worth it. God was with me every step. I'm grateful for my time as a student at Parole de Vie.

As I was preparing my presentations in French for Quebec, I was a bit anxious. What if I’m not understood and my French is awful? What if I’m lost in the language? What if I’m too overwhelmed? No. I told myself. I have decided to follow Jesus, there is no turning back. I can do all thing through Christ who gives me strength. As I was driving to my first presentation at Parole de Vie (Word of Life) Bible and Language school I was listening to a song by Seph Schlueter called Won’t Start Now. The lyrics spoke to my heart.

“You've never left me in the cold Never hurt me or let me go You never have before And You won't start now.”

As I was entering the Bible school to speak at chapel, I was reminded that God wasn’t leaving me at the door and saying, “Good luck!” No, He was with me, walking alongside me. He has never left me before, and He wouldn’t start then. I am pleased how all my presentations and meetings went in Quebec. I received several compliments on my French which made me so happy! I was encouraged and blessed by my time in Quebec. It felt good to be back, to reconnect with many friends and to make new ones. I look forward to when I can return. God was with me every step, every visit, and every presentation. He never left me. I felt his presence. Praise the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness. He is good!

It has been an encouraging time to be back in North America. I have enjoyed reconnecting with many friends. It has been good to be close to family again. On the mission field, I often miss milestone family events and celebrations. I was grateful that I was able to be present for one! Last month, we celebrated my mom’s 60 birthday! We had some close family friends visit from MN for that weekend. It was a great time celebrating with loved ones. I’m thankful that I could be here for it.

March is a busy month for me! Please be praying for good health and safety as I travel to the different events. Also, pray for wisdom as I prepare. I must admit that I am relieved that all of the March presentations will be English, but I know that God would still be with me if they were in French.

Thank you for praying and encouraging me on this journey. God is at work, and I am grateful to be used by Him, for His glory.

God bless,

Liz Ortiz

Prayer Requests:

Pray for safety as I travel to Pennsylvania March 4^th -8^th.
Pray for DEMO event at ABWE March 6^th-7^th that it goes well and that I make good connections. Pray that it is an encouraging time for those who attend as they seek God’s calling on their life.
Pray that the missions conference at my sending church March 15^th – 22^nd goes well.
Pray for wisdom as I prepare for the various presentations.
Pray for safety as I travel to MN March 26^th- April 1st and give presentations.
Pray for good health during all my travels this month.
Pray for the teachers and staff at the deaf school and blind school to have a good semester.
Pray for 31 students at the school for the deaf and the 50 students at the blind school. Pray for their hearts that God would draw them to himself. Pray that they would continue to learn and grow in their studies. Pray that they would all stay healthy.
Pray for someone(s) to join me in the ministry.