June 23, 2010

Go! (aka Just Do It!)

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

By the time you read this all 39 of us missionaries should be cruising at 30,000 feet somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean. And by noon I expect we’ll be in the Santo Domingo airport eating corn pizza and drinking Red Rock soda. Aaah, it’ll be good to be home.

When I look at the roster I see such a diverse group ranging in age from six to seventy-something. We have students from kindergarten to college, business executives, nurses, teachers, stay-at-home moms and stay-at home dads, pastors and pastors-to-be. Some are seasoned travelers, others await the first stamp in their freshly-minted passports. Some speak bits of Spanish, but most are English-speaking only. Some travel with confidence in the skills they have to offer—to heal, teach, sing, lead or construct. Others aren’t quite sure what they’re doing here.

I’m pretty sure no one got a good sleep last night, given that nerves were on edge and alarms were set for 2:30 a.m.! By tonight we’ll all be wiped out, punch drunk with fatigue and incredibly hot. But we will have arrived. And we'll be together. Ready to go.

I know God has a plan for each of us here right now. Before we were born He knew we'd be here. He knows exactly how our unique offerings—our personalities, heart and energy—are needed. His strength will cover our weakness. His joy will be our strength. And His grace will be sufficient. 

It’s an exciting time…just like the apostle Paul said, "This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives ...” (Colossians 1:6, NLT)

As Rick Warren says:
The best way to develop Great Commission eyes is to just get up and go on a short-term mission project to another country! There's simply no substitute for hands-on, real life experience in another culture. Quit studying and discussing your mission and just do it! I dare you to dive into the deep end.


It will enlarge your heart, expand your vision, stretch your faith, deepen your compassion, and fill you with a kind of joy you've never experienced. It could be the turning point in your life.” 
 I couldn't agree with him more!

Please check back for periodic updates during the next ten days and keep us in your prayers.
Dios te bendig
a.

Taken last year at the building site. This is where we'll work again.
We'll begin to build a church, plus a school and medical clinic.

5 comments:

Kelly said...

Praying.

Be blessed, and be a blessing!

Dan said...

I saw the group off from Woodside this morning and can tell you this is one first-rate group of missionaries! Dios te Bendiga, everyone - it's going to be a miraculous ten days!

Brigitte said...

God bless you all! Hopefully next year the Crosson family will be there also.

Laura said...

Kelligirl,
Wow! You really go after what He calls you to do. I am so envious and proud of you! I'm praying for you and your team.

luv,
laura

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

My mission trip mantra is always l. trust God and 2. be flexible.

Praying for tremendous fruit that you leave behind, as well as you each bring home in your own hearts.

Blessing on your trip.
Glenda