MISSIONS REFLECTIONS
As I write this I have just returned from a mission trip to Ghana, West Africa. Have you ever had the joy of a missions trip? Or been able to travel to serve in an impoverished area? Every time I get the joy of serving the Lord on mission God teaches me and reminds me of so many life-transforming truths. Here are a few of the ways Jesus grew me in Ghana!
Jesus is amazing. One of the neatest blessings of a mission trip is to get away from the everyday distractions and to have the pure pleasure of walking closer with Jesus everyday. More time in the Word. More fellowship with believers. More time to serve Him. More opportunities to share Him. More enjoyment of Jesus. May we be more intentional to prioritize our proximity to Jesus!
Psalm 145:6 “They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.”
Satan is real. Sometimes when we travel to unfamiliar places we experience things that can be quite different or even disturbing. We experienced things in Ghana we have read about in the Bible, but many of us had never seen such demonic attacks first hand. We witnessed several people who were extremely afflicted and oppressed by demons in scary ways. Although it was new to many of us, God had already prepared us in His Word on how to respond and see His powerful presence and to experience His overwhelming peace as we shared the Good News to those who were overcome by darkness.
1 John 4:4 “he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world”
The Gospel is powerful. Too often we forget what Jesus did on Calvary. We need regular reminders of the power of the Gospel to change lives forever. What great joy God gave us in the midst of His harvest to see souls saved and to witness souls encouraged and strengthened in their faith.
Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
America is rich. Travel to a third world country is a humbling reminder of our own riches and blessings. Food. Clothing. Shelter. Health. Even the poorest of poor in America has more of the needs of life than the middle class of most nations. We need to be more grateful to God. He has provided for us so abundantly for our daily needs. Every American should witness extreme third-world country poverty if they can. May we be more grateful, content, and generous with what God has entrusted to us.
Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Giving is a joy. Giving of yourself towards the needs of others is such a blessing. Whether it is time, prayer, skills, meeting needs, or speaking about Jesus we have so much to share. Whether in LaRue County, eastern Kentucky, the western U.S., or on another continent may we be faithful to give ourselves and our gospel love away to everyone around us.
Acts 20:35 “remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Missions are essential. Many respond to God’s mission command by saying “I’m not called.” Jesus’ Great Commission is not an option to be considered, but a joyful task to be obeyed. Many have missed out on an incredible experience with God working in them and through them on mission.
Have you missed out? If so, it’s not too late. Find a way to serve and share the amazing love of Jesus here, there, and everywhere! The challenges, costs, and commitment of missions are real, but the joy of going is so worth it! As long as there is breath in our lungs may we be faithful to declare the glory of our Lord!!
Matthew 28:19–20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”