In our busy lives, many of us often only experience God as the overseer of our daily concerns. Thus, when individuals depart comfortable lives in Madison to venture on a short term mission trip, many people may wonder, “Why would anyone go on a short term missions trip?”
Here is a response in three parts.
You will foster relationships
God has called His Church to be a body of believers. In this body, we are to love and support one another so the world will see our good deeds and praise Him. Thus, when one part of the body is hurting, we are to serve and care for those parts in need. Therefore, if one individual in the Church has HIV, the Church has HIV. Where one Christian lives in poverty, the Church is impoverished. For us not to lovingly respond to our brothers and sisters is to disobey God as He calls us to unity. In fact, solely sending money and resources is not enough. We must export our most precious commodity: ourselves. Through this act of compassion, God’s love is clearly manifest. In turn, He blesses us with new relationships with our international brothers and sisters in Christ.
You will take part in what God is already doing
As the maker of the universe, God’s Spirit oversees all humanity. Thus, He is currently working to bring about His kingdom in every corner of the world. In fact, God doesn’t need us for His plan to succeed; however, as a loving father He allows to take part in what He is doing. To be a part of God’s plan, no matter how small is a blessing, is humbling, and is significant. This after all is our calling: to be ambassadors of God’s kingdom.
You will be changed
When one pursues cross-cultural experiences, she experiences more of our infinite, global God. As we allow ourselves to stretch in this way, we learn to seek after God with increased faith. One Kenya team member noted, “I learned how to look at confusing and potentially disastrous situations and say ‘God you are in control, tell us what to do.’ On learning this, I realized that I don’t say that enough in my own life.” Being stretched deepens one’s relationship with God. Here He becomes more than your very own personal savior. Rather, you recognize God as the Lord of the weak and poor. In fact, by venturing to international locales, one is called to partner with God in resolving issues of social justice such as poverty, physical and sexual abuse, and oppression. Once your eyes are opened to these horrors, it becomes impossible to turn away at home or abroad.
Here is a response in three parts.
You will foster relationships
God has called His Church to be a body of believers. In this body, we are to love and support one another so the world will see our good deeds and praise Him. Thus, when one part of the body is hurting, we are to serve and care for those parts in need. Therefore, if one individual in the Church has HIV, the Church has HIV. Where one Christian lives in poverty, the Church is impoverished. For us not to lovingly respond to our brothers and sisters is to disobey God as He calls us to unity. In fact, solely sending money and resources is not enough. We must export our most precious commodity: ourselves. Through this act of compassion, God’s love is clearly manifest. In turn, He blesses us with new relationships with our international brothers and sisters in Christ.
You will take part in what God is already doing
As the maker of the universe, God’s Spirit oversees all humanity. Thus, He is currently working to bring about His kingdom in every corner of the world. In fact, God doesn’t need us for His plan to succeed; however, as a loving father He allows to take part in what He is doing. To be a part of God’s plan, no matter how small is a blessing, is humbling, and is significant. This after all is our calling: to be ambassadors of God’s kingdom.
You will be changed
When one pursues cross-cultural experiences, she experiences more of our infinite, global God. As we allow ourselves to stretch in this way, we learn to seek after God with increased faith. One Kenya team member noted, “I learned how to look at confusing and potentially disastrous situations and say ‘God you are in control, tell us what to do.’ On learning this, I realized that I don’t say that enough in my own life.” Being stretched deepens one’s relationship with God. Here He becomes more than your very own personal savior. Rather, you recognize God as the Lord of the weak and poor. In fact, by venturing to international locales, one is called to partner with God in resolving issues of social justice such as poverty, physical and sexual abuse, and oppression. Once your eyes are opened to these horrors, it becomes impossible to turn away at home or abroad.
James
No comments:
Post a Comment