Have you ever seen the pictures of American's surrounded by a group of orphaned children? Maybe pictures of people building houses? Administering vaccines? And all in the name of Jesus?
Do you ever think, "What is the fascination behind these trips people take across the country?"
It's hard to really dissect this question, considering every person's heart may be in a different place. To the naked eye, short term missions may seem confusing.
What is traveling across the country really doing?
This question really struck me when I was asked about my near trip to South Africa. When discussing my upcoming trip to South Africa, I was asked by someone what I was going to be doing there, and in short I said "ministry". With saying this I received the reply, "Oh so you're going to just read the bible to them instead of actually helping them." I was disturbed into a blank stare, but I didn't let this person know that this had phased me. I continued with a smile and an I love you and went on with my froyo.
As Christians, I think it's hard to be faced with this kind of criticism. As a Christian in Abilene in attendance at Abilene Christian University, it is almost not expected to encounter this kind of reaction. Within the ACU bubble, mission trips are highly regarded. Going on a mission trip is the Christians way of taking the gospel into places where the news has not been proclaimed. When done right, short-term missions can be a great way to work with people of different cultures.
With the high reputation of mission work (for the most part), I was not expecting this reply. I have been so used to the affirmation that I didn't prepare myself for an eye roll.
Isn't this what Jesus did for us? Isn't this what his apostles went against all the time? They proclaimed the good news of all the persecution and amidst all the reasons why they should not tell the news of Jesus.
It is so crazy to me how faithful Christ was to the Lord. He was faithful to the cross, faithful to the death, all to show the love God has for us. I will not and cannot be phased by undermining comments. The same Christ who faced the worst kind of persecution lives in me, which is pretty neat. In my weakness, I am made strong.
I will be doing "ministry" this summer. Helping people may not be what I do on the surface. I may not be made into a vessel for relief. I may just tell my story. I may just let people know how amazing my God is. I just have to tell them how present he is and how much he loves!
So, I guess that's it. This isn't meant to be a spiteful rant about the person who said those things to me. This may not have even been what they meant. I know that I will follow God to South Africa.
I know that I will not let the trials stand in my way, for my strength is found in the Lord.
The way Christian's are able to travel across the world and take pictures with orphans, build homes for those who have none, and administer vaccines for the sick is all for the sake of the Lord.
We are doing this not for our glory, but for the glory of the Lord.
The way to do "American Things In A Kingdom Way" is to simply realize missions are not for our own benefit but for the benefit of the Kingdom of God.
