To Go Or Not To Go - Part 1

I recently got back from my first mission trip in May and now I want to read everything I can about missionaries, mission trips and what people have to say about their experiences. So when I see a book, article or website that has anything to do with missions I stop and read. Lately I have seen a reoccurring theme and that is should we go on mission trips or just send our money to foreign countries?

First I want to give my personal experience. The mission trip I went on CHANGED MY LIFE, so if I had never gone I would still be unaware of the need for Jesus everywhere. I have lived in the same area in the south my entire life and had never experienced a third world country. I heard stories about poverty but until you see a family of 10 sleeping on dirt floors in a one room shack you will NEVER understand.

So say a mission trip cost $2000, and that is about the average cost of a mission trip outside of the United States, and you think of all the beans and rice that could buy. But, is what you are not thinking about is all the amazing people you will meet, the fellowship you will have with other people in your group and the way God will work in your life once you get back home.

We stayed at an orphanage for 8 days and every morning when we woke up and walked out our door we were welcomed with hugs from about 16 little boys. The joy I had in my heart for these children can never be explained but one little boy in particular named Joel.

Joel's story is so tragic and he is only 8. His mother ran away with another man and his father committed suicide and Joel and his younger brother Nelson found him. Their grandmother could not take care of them and she sent them to the  Forgotten Children's Ministry. This story broke my heart and so many of the other boys there had even more tragic stories. Although these children had sad stories they were so happy. I am so glad I went on a mission trip because if I hadn't gone then I would have never meet Joel, all the other boys at FCM and the amazing people of Honduras. Through this experience I learned so much about myself, God and all the wonderful things he can do. God commands us to “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). Not some of the world all of the world.

Matthew 25:35-40

35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'