Then
Jesus came to them and said, “All
authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and
teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am
with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Twice this week I’ve been asked
if I have my passport ready. And I’m sad to say I do not. I did not even know I
could apply for a passport on line until I wrote this blog.
The first time I was asked, it
was by the singing group, No Other Name. Their song “Lead Me To The Cross” was chosen by the Southern Baptist International Mission Board
to promote missions to Northern Africa and the Middle East.
During the concert they asked a question I haven’t been able to get out of my
mind.
“What would it mean to you if
someone traveled around the world to tell you how much Jesus loves you?” Because I've always known about Jesus, I can't even imagine a life devoid of Him. But so many people have never heard His name even.
No Other Name doesn’t just give lip
service to the Great Commission—they follow it up by organizing mission trips
to different parts of the world. They even have passport applications on the
table with their CDs.
The second time I was asked, it
was by two people from my church who had just returned from a mission trip to
Tanzania. Their description of the people and the living condition of the
people in that part of the world shook me out of my complacency. In the village
where they went as medical missionaries, one well supplies water for about five
thousand people.
But I’m too old…or too young…or
too…our excuses go on, don’t they? Mine do. One might be too young, but how old
is too old? I have a friend who took her first mission trip to the Philippines
when she was 76. And our very own Ponderer Delores Topliff has been on mission
trips to the Philippines three times, Mexico, Israel, and South Korea…and to a tributary of the Amazon where Colombia,
Peru & Ecuador meet.
I know
we all can’t go halfway across the world to be witnesses for Jesus, and maybe God
hasn’t called you to a foreign
mission field, but He might. Would you be ready?
Pat Trainum writing as P. T. Bradley
http://www.ptbradley.com/http://mbtponderers.blogspot.com/@PTBradley12012 Romantic Suspense Genesis FinalistI asked God to teach me patience and He gave me a book to write
I do have my passport, but I think it expires next year. Eek! Probably I should plan a fun trip so I'll have an excuse to update it.
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, mission trips are wonderful, and I think it IS awesome to be prepared to do the unexpected when we're following Christ!
Yes! Melissa, it is awesome when we're prepared for God's side trips.
ReplyDeleteOf course I appreciate this post--mission trips inspire and strengthen those going at least as much as those we go to. Yes, get your passport, Pat. I think you're going to need it.
ReplyDeleteOh. Ouch. Conviction. I'm hanging my head as I admit my passport expired two years ago. Sigh. I really need to get my new one.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your thoughts about being available to do the things God gives me to do, especially when it comes to sharing about him. Though he may not call me to go overseas (I've done this in the past), I can be available to share Jesus in my city as he leads me to people. The question for myself is, will I make myself willing and available to be used for him wherever I am.
Thanks for your thoughts today, Pat! You've made me think. Oh yes, and I'll go print out my passport application, probably today. :)
I hope so, Dee, I hope so!
ReplyDeleteOh, I too am convicted. Be sure and ask me in a day or too if I started the process, Jeanne!
ReplyDeleteOh, here is a link to the mission trip to Tanzania. http://annabecoming.blogspot.com/2012/07/hang-on-its-going-to-be-bumpy-ride.html?showComment=1342448803293#c4217875788149300687
ReplyDeleteI had a valid passport but now that I'm married, I need a new one. Several years ago, I took two of my sons to a poor village in Mexico. Thanks for the prompt from your post, I think it's time to go back.
ReplyDeleteMy passport is also expired and I wish I hadn't let it lapse. Who knows what amazing adventures God has in store for any of us? I'd love overseas travel, both for missions and research, to be in His plan for me.
ReplyDeleteOkay Roxanne and Johnnie, ya'll need to go with me to the PO and get those passports in order! lol
ReplyDeleteLove this post, Pat!! I didn't get to hear No Other Name, so that's so neat to hear that they do that. You stay on mission with God, but maybe He is getting you ready for something new! :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great day! Jenny G.
Pat, this is so funny that you posted this. Our family just got our passports for the first time this month. We are planning a trip to Europe next year among our fellow sister churches etc.
ReplyDeleteWe know God is calling us to go do this and at least one son has been preparing for this for a long time, by learning languages that will help make things easier for us (I only know a little Japanese and that wont do much good in Russia).
So to answer your question, Yes. We are ready. And I look forward to what God has for my kids especially on this trip.
Great post!
Great reminder, Pat! I lived as a missionary in Bolivia for about 10 years. We adopted our 3 precious children from there. Afterwards we work across the border in Mexico for another 20 years. I have many stories of the Lord's faithfulness to us during that time.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Melissa. I just got back from a mission trip to Slovakia.
ReplyDeleteI often tell Christians I know to try a short term mission trip. It's the BEST way to get your focus off yourself and your circumstances and on Christ again.
Blessings!
Ruth
Oh, Jenny, I hate you missed No Other Name. They have the best harmony. And their witness is awesome. Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteGinger, I'm so excited for you. You don't have to know a foreign language...people will hear your heart! Have fun!
ReplyDeleteTeri, I knew you'd been a missionary, but didn't realize you stayed in Bolivia for 10 years! That is great! I know many came to know Jesus through your sweet spirit and love.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Ruth for stopping by. I am always amazed at people who go to places like Slovakia. And yes, a short missionary trip would probably be advisable for me. I've done quite a few mission trips here in the States, and kindasorta thinking about one to Quito. Have friends who are missionaries there and my church usually sends a group every year.
ReplyDelete