Short-term mission trips can provide opportunities for any Christian to get a glimpse of what it is like in the mission field. Our God is a missionary God and Jesus Christ commanded us to be missional. Since we are to obey God, it is imperative for all believers to be involved in missions – it is not an option. As a missionary, you can either be the sender or the goer.
Joining a short-term mission gives us the opportunity to get out of our routine comfort zone and renew and refresh our spirit by actually practicing our faith. We go by faith to leave behind our family, our vocation, our comfort and our conveniences. I get to appreciate the long-term missionaries in the field. It is hard, at times lonely work, and often goes unappreciated. But I personally saw the fruit of their labor and participated in a baptismal service and saw transformed lives. I was going there to bless others but instead, I received double blessings.
During this mission to Taiwan in early October, I experienced a spiritual high and amazing closeness to God. I sensed His tremendous peace and power to be His witness. To be honest, we encountered many challenges along the way, such as change of plans. transportation, finances, personality clashes, physical health, etc. But this was where our faith was tested.
We experienced God’s presence giving victory over those challenges. I have a very deep appreciation for the commitment and sacrifice of full-time missionaries. They are the forefront of the battlefield and deserve our prayer and support. During the trip I felt great joy, satisfaction and fulfillment. So I challenged everyone to take the step of faith to go on a mission trip. I can guarantee that it will change and revolutionize your spiritual life forever.
You will return and never be the same person again…for the better. I have traveled to Indonesia, Mexico and El Salvador in the past doing whatever is needed to ultimately preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Praise and glory to the Father! I plan to go on more trips whether the Lord sends me back to Taiwan or elsewhere.
In the past a group of us started an Indonesian Bible study fellowship which grew to be an independent church. Lake Avenue Church truly practices what is being preached. I want to encourage you to get involved here. There are many areas that are in need of your help.
To find out more about missions at Lake visit http://www.lakeave.org/global-outreach for more about the Global Outreach department.