Great Expectations

I expect that we will be reaching out to those that society has cast away.
I expect to see the side of these countries that the travel guides try to hide. 
I expect that Jesus will use those of us going on this trip to be the hands and feet of Him…to show them love they have likely never seen…and to give them a message they have never heard…that they are loved, forgiven, and can be with our Lord forever. 

The opportunity is likely something they have never seen or heard the likes of. 

I want to go to the places that others shy away from. 
I want to meet the people that nobody wants to meet. 

Consider this Scripture. I am quoting from the NLT. 
"God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs." 
Matthew 5: 3-10

I expect to reach out to the poor, those who mourn, the humble, those who seek justice. I pray that we will be merciful, that we will minister to these souls with pure hearts, that we will work for peace and that God would use us to grant peace to others, and I fully expect persecution. 
But when persecution comes upon us on the mission field, I hope to resond like this…

"Don't be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him." 
Philippians 1: 28-29 NLT

I expect to be completely surprised, shocked, maybe horrified…I expect to be shaped and molded by the Lord and to grow closer to Him when all the material comforts of this life that I have been so blessed to have are given up. 

I expect to look back and say "I never expected that!" (In a good way.) 

I only have great expectations….not that I am going into this blindly, blissfully, with ignorance or denial, or with the belief that it will be easy. 

I expect it to be emotional, hard, difficult, sometimes downright miserable, but I also expect that the love, joy, and closeness with Christ I gain through the experience will be SO much better! 

In Luke 10, Jesus laid out what are basically instructions for missionary work to His followers. I have clung to this passage in my prayer and preparation for the coming year. But I am excited, too, that even though that was so many years ago, the Lord still uses His children to effect change in the world for His glory. 

What an honor to be a part of that! 

I can't wait to start this journey! 
Please pray not only for myself but for the whole R squad and those who are on the race right now, and all those who will be going. 

And, if you are able and feel it is a worthy cause, I would be most appreciative of any support (see the Support Me! link to your left). 
But, as always, prayer is the most important support I could seek. 

Thank you to all who are supporting us and keeping us in prayer as we seek to further the Lord's Kingdom through missionary work!