What a week of a PVT, parent vision trip, can do for you…
Written by: Melanie Howington.
What I learned was that His grace covers us all and unconditional love is essential to be Christ-like. Love for those who are different than us, who are broken and need healing and restoration. This trip put to test my many preconceived ideas of various lifestyles and prejudices. His love covers us all and we are called to love all people. After all, that is what He did for us. He loves us in spite of ourselves. Mercy, grace, compassion, and forgiveness – that is what we have received and should give as well. In Matthew He calls us to love our enemies.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘hate your enemy.’But I say to you, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be like your Father in heaven, since he causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors do the same, don’t they?And if you only greet your brothers, what more do you do? Even the Gentiles do the same, don’t they? So then, be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:43-48
His love shines through the people who help out at Remember Nhu – an orphanage for children vulnerable to the sex-trade industry. Shining brightly through the Zion Café as they host and love on the people in downtown Chiang Mai. However, my most favorite moments were spent with a young lady. She is kind, witty and compassionate and meeting her changed my life forever. She taught me the ugliness of prejudice, arrogance and pride.
Out of my comfort box and into His love! Isn’t that what life is supposed to be about? PVT – take one if you ever get a chance. Let Him grow you and take you way beyond what you could ever imagine.
