Mission trips can be a blessing but they also can be a terrifying time. I usually find myself lying in bed the first night and asking God why me. I cry, I toss and turn, and I tell God I will never go on another mission trip. After that first night, the light of day eases the fears. I feel much better rested, and I am ready for the adventure to begin. In fact, I never want the trips to end once they get started. I love being on mission for God, just not on that first night.
But why do we go on mission trips? In Matthew 28:19-20, God issues His disciples a command to go and preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth. With these words, Christ set the expectation for His new church. Throughout the New Testament, we read the stories of Jesus’ companions as they lived out their life on the mission field.
Matthew 28:19 (NIV) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Try to imagine our world without people sharing the Gospel. If Ananias had not responded to God’s call to go, would Paul have been converted? If Peter had said no to Jesus’ call to make him a fisher of men, would the church have been born? From twelve disciples, God built His church that has survived for thousands of years and spread around the world. And He calls each of us to continue spreading the gospel work today. We are all called to be His missionaries.
Romans 10:15 (NLT) And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”
Our job is to plant the seeds of the Word of God. I picture us as a Johnny Appleseed, sowing the Word of God everywhere we go. And someday, God will allow those seeds to grow into mighty Christians. New Christians who in turn, will go out and spread the gospel. And one day, we will all stand before the throne of God and see all those who found salvation through the seeds of a missionary.
The summer season is upon us and now is the perfect time to participate in missions. There are many aspects of a mission trip. Join a team, prayer for the group going, help raise money for those traveling or donate money to the trip. Everyone has a role to play, and everyone is needed. God commands us all to GO.
Blessings,
Yvonne – blogger, speaker and author
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.”
