So it’s finally here….
As I write this I’m sitting in a motel in downtown L.A. I depart for Thailand tomorrow morning around noonish. We’re flying on China Airlines and I have no idea how long the plane ride will be. We’ll be actually flying into Taipei first (I think that’s in Taiwan??) and then onto Bangkok. From Bangkok we will be taking a 12 hr busride to Phuket….later posts to come on that adventure I’m sure J
Anyway, I’ve been thinking more lately about the significance of this trip and two specific things: What it is…and what it ain’t. It’s been interesting to hear responses from friends, relatives, coworkers when telling about this upcoming trip. Most are excited for me and some think I’m off my friggin’ rocker haha. I’ve also gotten responses like ” this is such a great opportunity to travel and see the world” and “ohh so you’re doing humanitarian work…kinda like the Peace corps??” Although this trip consists of both travel and offering help to those less fortunate…. its much more than that. This trip is about offering the hope of Jesus Christ to the lost, broken and hurting. Christ set an example for us to follow as evidenced by the fact that the majority of his time on this earth with the “least of these.”
Which brings me to another point….if in serving these people we bring food, clothing, education, shelter but don’t care about their souls then are we really caring for them at all? A passage in Matthew 16:26 brings this to light when Jesus says, “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” My prayer is that my teammates and I continually keep an “eternal ” perspective as we travel and offer hope throughout the world.
So yes during this trip I will: travel, see God’s wonderful creation, do “humanitarian” stuff, help the poor, ride an elephant (maybe), charm a snake or two, fight a spider monkey (or two)…but my main job is to bring the hope of Jesus Christ because ultimately I’m called to….
“Go into the world and preach the good news to all creation….” Mark 16:15
