Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

Through the years, I have heard many excuses why people do not want to go on mission trips. “I am afraid of flying over the ocean on such a long journey,” stated one person. Another worried, “I cannot raise that amount of money for a trip.” While others just felt, “I am not called to do mission work.” I watched people squirm in their chairs as they responded with many excuses to my request to join us on a mission trip. The fear of the unknown filled their hearts with dread and robbed them of the delight a mission trip can offer.

In 2004, my husband and I lead a mission trip to Kenya. Several members of the team had never experienced such a trip. Fears ran high as we completed our final preparation for the trip. We joked with the group one evening, “most missionaries are no longer cooked in big pots” in hopes of lightening the mood. Once we arrived in Kenya, everyone quickly realized his or her fears were unfounded. Everyone relaxed and experience so many blessings during the trip. We arrived at a school to conduct a Vacation Bible School (VBS) and found a huge pot sitting out front. A teacher explained these types of pots were used in the local sugar factory to cook the raw cane. The pot sparked an idea for me. I thought a photo of all of us in the pot would provide the team members with a memory of how they conquered their fears and followed Christ’s call to go. It brings back such wonderful and happy memories.

12439252_10207228023911344_1409433107889934577_n Matthew 28:19 instructs us “to go” and make disciples of all nations. Christ is not suggesting we go in this verse. He is not pleading with us to go either. The Lord is commanding that we go. God has called all of us to go into the world to spread His gospel. No excuses or fears in the world release us from this calling. Where is God calling you to go and will you listen?