So I have been noticing a common theme and question in regards to this mission trip. For some this question would warrant a response of “Oh give me a break!” and to others, such as a worried parent or concerned friend, it’s a thought that has come across the mind at least once, but regardless it’s a perfectly legitimate question. “What if you die or get killed on this trip?” At first glance that is pretty dramatic isn’t it? Almost laughable. But if one were to entertain the thought for a minute or two, they might come to the realization that it’s a viable possibility. I mean think about it. People who travel into other countries are exposed to thousands of people from all over the world, and their diseases, in the airport alone. Throw in actually living in 11 countries for 11 months, with different foods, animals, insects, ways of life, hygiene practices, and the fact that we as Americans overthink and overreact to everything anyway, someone is bound to get sick. Who’s to say someone might not catch something serious? And then there is the other aspect of this whole thing. Not only are we american, which let’s be honest here not all countries are pro-America, but we are also Christians. What does that say about this whole idea? Persecution is real and people die everyday for there faith and not just Christians.
Now before someone has a heart attack or pulls out of the trip I will say The World Race DOES have policies and precautions to keep their participants safe, and there hasn’t been any major issues since the organization’s start, but that really isn’t the point that I am trying to make. What I am presenting is an idea that is much deeper than all of this. It’s a calling!
After about the 10th person to ask me that question I sat down and really thought about it for myself. “What if I don’t make it back?” People have asked me things like “Aren’t you worried?” “Doesn’t that scare you?” The answer is no, no it doesn’t. And not because of some innate courage that I was born with or because of the hero complex I have, no its something better than that. The peace that have with this trip comes straight from The Lord. This is something that He has placed on my heart and has called me to do. Therefore, He WILL keep me and my team safe. But For me it’s much more than that. I know the risk involved, and I know that The Lord will call me home when He pleases, but while I am here I would rather die serving The Lord and His people, or at the very least spending my time and energy helping those that are less fortunate, than living safely, comfortably, fearfully, and selfishly here at home. What kind of life is that? You see, life is all about perspective, and that is mine, What’s yours?
