Mom on a Mission Trip
What a journey this has been, deciding to go to Haiti, raising money, seeing God at work through people, and even the packing for this trip. It has been intense. Now with just a couple weeks to go, I am reflecting on the path God has taken us.
I remember the first time God put this dream on my heart, several years ago, to go on an international mission trip. I remember asking my prayer group to pray for me– that God would give me wisdom concerning this.
I remember being apprehensive about getting my feet wet. And how opportunities just seemed to appear, and circumstances just seemed to work out. But, really, it wasn’t just a coincidence. I know whose hands are working behind the scenes. And I know the work we have put into it.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, Ephesians 3:20
This from me, just a mom, who wants to share a different point of view with her girls, perhaps changing their perspective. Perhaps, mostly, changing mine.
When my Adventure Group moms laid hands on me several days ago; and prayed for me, my daughter, and this trip, I felt God’s presence. (Those sweet friends may never know just how much I love them for that.) And after the sermon I had just heard, I trust Him. More than I ever have. When someone asked me if I was worried about getting ebola or malaria, I honestly answered, “No.” That was something that previously concerned me going to a third world country.
Did you know Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world?
So here I am, counting the days. Still feeling some apprehension, but trusting and believing I am right where He wants me. Praying I will make a difference. That we will make a difference. That He will open my eyes and my daughter’s eyes to what is really important.
I recently heard this from Bono…
“Poverty is mentioned [in the Bible] more than 2,100 times. It is not an accident, it is a lot of airtime. You know, the only time Jesus Christ is judgmental is on the subject of the poor.” Bono
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
You don’t have to go out of the country to serve the poor. We found ways to help right under our noses, in our own community.
In the Keynote Address at the 54th National Prayer Breakfast in 2006, Bono recounts the message a wise man once told him:
“Stop asking God to bless what you are doing. Get involved with what God is doing, because it is already blessed.”
“You’ll never change the world by standing still…”
What is God doing in your community!
