It has been interesting to hear the response from people as they learn of our trip. There have been many people that are jealous that we are doing this as doing mission work is something they have always wanted to do, but never took the step of faith required to do it. Others are really excited to hear about it and look forward to following our journey, but know there is no possible way that they would ever do it, and/or feel no calling for it. Then there is a third group that is fearful and would almost prefer that we didn't go.
It is this third group that has been very frustrating for me. Not to say that there are not legitimate concerns, but often times the issue is where the priorities are as well as what they are putting faith in. Michael and I have both had to work through some of these issues before we ever applied for this trip, so I know I should be more patient and accepting of these concerns, but this is something that remains a challenge for me. I would like to take this opportunity respond to some of the concerns that have been brought to our attention.
First, I want to say that I don't expect everybody to totally get why we are doing this. I think if you have never felt a distinct calling to go somewhere or do something then it is a hard concept to grasp when somebody says that is why they are doing something. But I get it now. I had a distinct calling, no doubt about it. I can tell you exactly where I was, the seat I was in, what I was doing when it came. I thought it was crazy, and I wasn't sure what to do with it. But as much as I tried to ignore it, I couldn't get away from it, so I had to figure what specifically I was meant to do. And we searched a lot to figure that out, and all roads seemed to lead to this particular trip.
Now here are some of the concerns that people have about or trip:
It sounds awfully dangerous.
Well, I suppose it is on some levels. There is always some levels of risk when you travel abroad. And we are going to war, but not the kind with bombs and guns. We are going to war for souls. But the great thing is, we have the best commander you could ask for, God. Political situations in the countries that we are going will be monitored to to make sure we don't end up in a bad situation (a war with bombs and guns). One thing about us is that whether we are on a mission trip or not, we will travel the world, so we are just being more productive with the risk that we are taking. Finally, what do we want to have as our top priority? Safety or following what God has asked us to do? We are suppose to be willing to lay down our lives for Christ. Maybe that is overly simplistic, but I think it is the truth of the issue, and I chose for follow God.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Hebrews 13:6
Is this a good financial decision?
No, it is not. It is a really stupid decision when you look at it from a purely financial perspective. We are pretty sure that we are going to be completely broke, and possibly homeless when we get home. But truthfully I think that is a big part of the journey for us. We have learned to rely so much on financial security that we have stopped relying on God. We are so in love with money that we have stopped loving God with all our heart. I have heard it asked: where is the line between insurance and assurance? I haven't been able to get that question out of my head, and as I look at my life I have found that it is so much about the insurance that I have in policy form, money, or back up plans rather than the assurance in Christ that I can live in Him alone if needed. Don't get me wrong, I don't relish the idea of being broke, but I think it is something that we have to be willing to do in order to really find our life in Christ.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Luke 16:13
Won't this hurt you professionally?
It very well may, but it is hard telling. God has a funny way of making sure that everything works out. I am very fortunate that I have been blessed in my professional life so far, and I a have degree that makes me very employable. I am certain that wherever I end up professionally following this trip it is exactly where God wants me. I may not even understand why I am there, but fortunately God is far wiser than I am. If he wasn't we would all be in big trouble.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? Matthew 16:25-26
Are you sure you can live out of a backpack?
I really don't know, but we are excited at this challenge. When we look around the world at all the thing that people do not have and that we look at as needs it is really amazing. We are excited to get new perspective. As we encounter the challenge of packing our bag every month we will have to look at the stuff that we have and decide whether or not it is really important. We are looking at this a chance to “detox” from the things that our world has said are important, and hopefully we will find that everything we truly need the Lord will provide. And I also think it will be humbling to look at some of the people we meet and see that all their possessions in the world would not even fill our backpack.
Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:15
And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:28-34
You will probably get sick
Yes, we probably will. I am counting on it. I'm not looking forward to it, but I'm trying to have realistic expectations here. First of all, the last couple times I went out of the country I got sick, that just seems to be what happens when you go somewhere random. Second, we are going to be gone for 11 months. The likelihood of being 100% healthy for 11 months straight isn't good, even if I don't leave this town. Third, we are taking the precautions we know to take, so hopefully nothing too bad will come up. And finally, we are going to work for the Great Healer, and I am certain that He will watch over us and if we do get sick I am sure there will be some good that comes from it.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Our conclusion:
So, in the end, we are determined that nothing will keep us from following what we feel is God's will for our life and what He has called us to. Not safety, not money, not security, not possessions, not a job, not illness. We have found that we have to push all the excuses aside, because we know that Satan will grab onto anything that he can find to keep us from wholeheartedly following God and telling the world the truth. Our goal is to break through the lies that Satan has told others: that they are unloved, they are alone, they have to earn their way to heaven or to a better place in the next life, or that they are worthless. We can't do that if we continue to believe the lies that he is throwing at us: that we aren't cut out for this, that it is irresponsible, that it is waste of time and money, and that the finances and logistics couldn't possibly work out. In the end God will be victorious.
“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57
