Missions........

[Hooligan]

It seems the direction of my church is headed towards missions, be it local or over seas. Yesterdays service was all about missions. We had only three songs and lots of videos and some skits from the drama team. There were no speakers. We were being challenged as a congregation as to whether we were going to be obedient to the Great Commision.

http://www.farhills.org/ministries/missions.html

Got me to thinking yesterday about taking a mission vacation with the fam damily rather than a goof off vacation. I could easily save enough time off to take a week and go on a short domestic mission trip. I need to talk with the wife about doing this together as a family. I really think my kids need to see just how blessed they are. My oldest is really greedy and self centered. I think a dose of reality may do his soul some good.

How many of you have been on mission trips? Lets hear some stories of what you've done and the impact it's had on those you served and yourself.

[Strat-tastic]

I have been to Namibia a few times, and Kenya too. I would say that the trips have been a blessing for those I have ministered to, and I have always inherited a blessing myself. God is glorified through them. However I would have to add that it is a calling. I don't think it is for everyone, just like not everyone preaches, or plays guitar, or sings, or makes the tea, not everyone should go on mission just because it's 'what Christians do'. On the other hand, if yesterday's service has fired up some enthusiasm within you I would definitely seek the Lord further in the matter :cross:

I spent my times mostly in children's homes but also visiting those with HIV/AIDS, and it sure gives you a different outlook on life. These people are materially poor, yet spiritually rich, whereas I'm the other way round. God does bless the poor in other ways.

I also found that living every day purely with Jesus' agenda at the forefront very enriching, refreshing, and it showed me what Christianity is really about -faith working itself out through practical deeds of love.

Yeah, Hooligan, if you've got a passion for it, do it. Yes Lord, Yes Lord, Yes Yes Lord!

And the worship in Africa, well that's another thread.... :yeah::cross::yeah::cross:

[ptrallan01]

If you feel a tug in your heart and a push from the Holy Spirit go for it!!!!!

Read Strat-tastic excellent advice over and over again. It isn't for everyone, but if its for you go to it with joy in your heart.

I'm not the foreign missionary type. My mission field is the people I work with and I try to evangelize them when they let me. There is such a need and a thirst for...... And trying to tell people that Christ is the only drink that will quench their thirst is a joy and a burden and a priviledge.

Go tell the old, old story one of love and glory of victory in Jesus and His redeeming name. Whether it be over the ocean or down the block go tell it.

[Hooligan]

yeah, I think foreign missions is out of my availability at this point. A domestric mision is more my speed. I would like my kids to see folks helping others as well.

And I'm with you on local evangelism. My work allows me from time to time to plant a sd or two.

[MusicChad]

Another thing that just about any missionary will tell you is that they cannot do what they are called to accomplish without support from those back home. I'd completely agree that ALL of us are called to reach our own unique "sphere" of contacts at work or in our neighborhoods, etc. I also believe that each of us should partner up with others through financial and prayer support.

[Strat-tastic]

I agree MusciChad, it's absolutely vital to be well covered with prayer before and during, then thanksgiving afterwards.

[John316]

I've volunteered twice with our church's Ensenada, Baja CA mission trip. On my first trip we visited four orphanges including an AIDs house for newborn infants. In fact I had gotten so ill seeing those babies I had to run outside to blow chunks. It was a very humbling and heart-wrenching experience.

The second time I went, we went to an "adopted" orphange in deep Baja. For that trip we were loaded with cement guys, drywall workers, plumbers, electricians, etc. from our church. In one afternoon we raised an additional wing to the orphanage which included showers and a restroom. The missionaries there were so happy to have us and commented how blessed they were by our help. Both experiences were very humbling for me.

God willing, my wife and I would like to go to our Paarl Valley, South Africa or Romania missions trip. In the meantime, the local fields here in SoCal is ripe for harvest.

[Zhangliqun]

We have some folks going over to Jamaica next month. I agree with others who say it is a calling like all other particular ministries, not everyone is cut out. I'm much more cut out to be an apologist to militant atheists, a calling I definitely feel.

That said, I could still get called into such a mission field, even if it's only a one-shot-deal thing, like Phillip and the eunuch.