It's amazing how many people benefit from a short-term mission trip. These benefits will likely flow in three different directions: toward those I serve, toward those I'm serving with (the Generations group), and to myself.
Based on a list of commonly identified benefits, I've used green text to highlight the benefits that I get most excited about...
Some benefits to those I serve:
- I bring fresh energy, willing hands, and encouragement to my hosts, both the missionary and the national.
- I provide the resources or know-how to fulfill a need.
- My hosts experience community with the larger body of Christ as we worship and work together.
- Some may come to Christ.
- What we learn in another culture shapes and brings new perspectives to the group.
- Leadership abilities grow and become stronger.
- Others are encouraged to grow by stepping out of their comfort zones through observing the group in action.
- People live out newly examined values in light of a larger worldview when we return to our home church.
- The group gains a new vision and enthusiasm for serving at home.
- Make new friends with my team and hosts.
- Be challenged to grow spiritually.
- Use my gifts to build the body of Christ.
- Grow a larger heart for the lost and needy.
- Learn to live and love in the diversity of another culture.
- Experience fulfillment as I strive to learn, love, and serve in the name of Jesus.
Looking at this list is exciting, but also intimidating in some respects. Can God do all this through me and in me? I'm looking forward to experiencing dependence on Him in a whole new way. I will certainly need to depend on His power, not my own.
In the book of Ephesians, we find some real encouragement about depending on God. In Ephesians 3:14-21, we see what God's power can do:
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20 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, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
God's power strengthens me; Boy, do I need some strength. I've been working hard to balance my time and devotion to my Heavenly Father, my sweet husband and daughter, my family and friends in Texas, and a career that I love very much. I've tried to shoulder these and other concerns myself, instead of giving it over to Him. This is such an appreciated and timely reminder that He wants to share His strength with me so that I don't feel so tired and weak at the end of each day.
God's power allows me to grasp the scope and fullness of His love; His love for the people of Uganda, His love for my team members, and His love for me. Reading this gives me a big ol' lump in my throat.
God's power helps me know the love that surpasses knowledge; Even when words or actions or earthly events don't make sense to my mind, I can rest in assurance that God is in control and His love will prevail.
The devotional also encouraged me to take time to write out a prayer about my need to depend on God's power and not my own in light of my responsibilities on the Uganda trip. I feel enriched and encouraged as a result of that exercise, but I'm keeping that prayer between He and Me for now. =) I look forward to seeing Him work in that specific area while I'm in Uganda, and I look forward to sharing the details with you following the trip!
Have a blessed week,
MaryAnn
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