Check!
God has been stirring my heart for quite some time now to pursue a mission trip. When my church announced a mission trip to Guatemala this summer I immediately turned to my husband and said, I know God wants me to go on this trip.
Step Two: Attend a Volunteer and Safety Training Class.
Check!
Step Three: Complete the Trip Application Form.
Check!
Ok...honestly I'm still working on some of the questions, but this will be completed soon.
Step Four: Make sure you have an up-to-date passport.
I'm a step closer to a check mark.
My passport application has been completed and submitted. Excitement was building in my heart as I stood in line at the post office. Why the excitement? I felt as though I was declaring, This life is not about me. It's about serving others. This will also be my first passport and I'm hoping God has plans for this passport of mine beyond the trip to Guatemala.
Jeff Goins shares in his book, Wrecked, "We live in a world of pain, but few of us have actually engaged it. We are only passing through the pain, without allowing it to leave its mark on us."
Since reading Jeff's book, I have heard God's whispers to allow the pain of this world to leave its mark on me. To allow it to change me.
One question that has me lost in thought on the trip application is why I want to go on this mission trip. The easy response would be to say I want to make a difference in the world. And, I really do. But what is the real reason? It's about learning to step out of my comfort zone and completely rely on God.
I've shared how we are to surrender our life to God. Friends, He will bless us when we realize how much we need Him (Matthew 5:3). There is much I'm still holding on to. The reason I know I need to make this trip is because God is saying, "Here I will teach you what it looks like to leave it all behind and trust in Me. When you do, you will witness how I will use you as a tool to share My love in a place where it is so desperately needed."
My desire is for God to use me to do something miraculous in Guatemala. Oh how I will be praying for this. And I'd love for you to pray along with me. Please pray for all the participants as we prepare for this trip. Pray for our safety. Pray that we are each able to touch the lives of the Guatemalan people.
May each of us be the hands and feet of Jesus.
"Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!" Psalm 96:3
Beth, You are a brave soul to step out of your comfort zone and make such a long trip. I would be so blessed to do such a trip but I am not sure if I would be comfortable doing it alone. I am excited to see pictures and up to date information on the trip after you return. God bless and safe travels.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Angie. I will be going with a group from my church which helps ease some of my fears.
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