When you hear the same thing over and over again from different people….you just might want to listen.
From recent meetings with mentors, hanging out with friends, and church sermons, a common piece of advice sticks with me….remember your goal and purpose, and don’t get distracted. It’s possible to go on a mission trip and not fulfill the mission, as it is also possible to live life day to day and neglect your calling and purpose.
I’ve been thinking and reminding myself about why I initially chose the 10/40 window route for this trip. When I applied for this route, the specific countries we would be traveling to weren’t listed. My decision was based on knowledge of the region, a passion for unreached people, and a desire to respond in obedience to the Lord. It definitely takes some amount of faith to apply to go somewhere when you have no idea what countries you’ll be traveling to.
The 10/40 window consists of North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. I was initially drawn to this route for 2 reasons: because it is the most unreached area in the world, and because of the persecuted church in this region. Unreached means that there are many people in these nations who have never heard the Gospel and have no one to share it with them….that bothers me every time I think about it! And the limited knowledge I have of the persecuted church challenges me, and compels me to pray! When I hear about what some of these brothers and sisters in the faith endure while loving those who persecute them, and see how fervently they share the Gospel, often times at the cost of their lives…I am extremely convicted, and realize that I have much to learn. Do I fully understand what I really have in my relationship with Christ and how valuable this relationship truly is? I don’t want to take the precious gift I have in Christ, nor the freedom I currently have to live for Him for granted.
Luke 10:2 says, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to send more workers into His fields.” As we pray to the Lord of the harvest, it is our choice and responsibility to respond to His answer. We each have a role to play, and individuals to reach. I’m reminded of the Lord’s instruction to go to those who are unreached, to seek out those who are seemingly forgotten, and to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…to share their stories. The purpose in going is to demonstrate who Jesus is, to make His Name known, to be His reflection, to share the good news (the best news) that is the Gospel…by the way I live, love, and serve, and to continuously grow and mature through it all.
While preparing for this next year is necessary, good, and godly, it’s easy to get caught up in and distracted by the process. I’ve recognized how much of my focus is placed on packing, accumulating gear, planning fundraising activities, and imagining the scenery, cultures, and beautiful people we will encounter on this journey. It’s so important for me not to forget the reason why I am going, and equally as important not to neglect what the Lord has for me to do while I am still here. So my heart and my prayer for my team and myself is that we would remain focused on the Lord and His vision for that to which He has called us….that we would follow His lead in all aspects of our lives, and ultimately fulfill His plans.
Proverbs 19:21 – There are many plans in a man’s heart. Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel – that will stand.
It’s really great to watch the Lord provide throughout this journey! I am currently about $300 away from my next goal/deadline of $10,000. Would you prayerfully consider partnering with me?
Thank you again to all of you who have supported me financially and in prayer! I am truly grateful for your partnership, support, and generosity! Feel free to contact me via email at [email protected] if you have any questions.
