A Summer That Changes Everything
I’ll always have fond memories of the missions’ trips our family took because those trips changed everything about the way we viewed what we had, and what we may not have had. It’s a culture shock to see how other people live who are not afforded the conveniences, the comfort and the many blessings we encounter daily, and take for granted.
So, to see my grandchildren, Payton Wallace and Alexia Wallace, packing and getting all geared up for their Guatemala trip with over 50 from their church, and to be so excited about the opportunity they’ll have to impact people there, was so inspiring to this Nana. Payton amused me with all his “must haves” for the trip: first aid kit, Allen wrench, small “Barbie” fishing pole and tackle (he’s caught some whoppers with that little pole), Papa’s walking stick, lots of snacks and his waterproof “Outdoor Bible”! Alexia carried Papa’s snake skin coin purse. I loved that Papa is getting to go with them (in their hearts, as missions was his passion).
My hat’s off to the youth leaders that are taking these kids – no doubt, it’s a work-out to orchestrate the journey, making sure these kids’ own personal needs are met, and to keep up with each and every one. You know that they know the rewards will far exceed whatever work-out they’ll have. They are having a huge part of giving these kids – not a trip to Disney World for their own pleasure – but to a country where they can be a bright light to darkness, and seeing how these kids’ lives are changed as they are used by God to bring change to others.
Honestly, if you or your children haven’t had the opportunity to go on a missions trip, I urge you to consider taking one. It causes a new perspective of the blessings we have and helps us have compassion and sincere desire to bring change to someone else’s world. It’s not about “What’s in it for me?”, but about “making a difference in other people’s lives”.
I’ll never forget taking a busload of college students to Mexico where we were going to be “Jesus personified” to them. And, as it turned out, we left there being far more inspired and blessed to have encountered people who not only were radically transformed by God’s love and light coming from us, but to see how little they had, yet were so joy-filled with the greatest gift they could ever receive — coming to know Christ as their Savior. Their love for God was so much more than what they could get from Him — it was about loving God with all their hearts — because, basically, He was all they had. It certainly altered our consciences from “needing more” to “thankful for what I have”.
Though we may not be going on a missions trip this summer, it doesn’t mean that we, daily, don’t have a mission to fulfill. In fact, when we leave our homes and when we walk through our doors, we are entering our mission field. Missions: an important assignment carried out for going out into the world and spreading faith and good news. Jesus said in Mark 16:15 “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” And I love St. Francis’ words “Preach the Gospel at all times, and sometimes use words”.
What is our mission field? I believe it is to everyone that we encounter on a daily basis. The clerk at the store, little children, the homebound, the family next door, the yard man, our own families & friends, our neighbors — just anyone we have the opportunity to BE A BLESSING to and share the LIGHT of Christ with.
Perhaps, we need to develop a Mission Statement for our lives that keeps us focused on our calling to missions. In Genesis 12, where God makes His covenant with Abram. God tells Abram that He will make him into a great nation and that He will bless him. And then, what God says to him in the last part of verse 2 just may be our Mission Statement, too. “You will be a blessing.”
That’s it — whatever we do, wherever we go, whoever we encounter — our mission is “TO BE A BLESSING”. Isn’t that a great way to live? On purpose, outside of us 4, and no more — TO BE A BLESSING in our communities or our school or office building or gym — BE A BLESSING, and in doing that…..we will be IN OUR MISSION FIELD!!! If we do that….then this will be a summer that changes everything!