I like comfort. I don’t understand why anyone would leave the comfort of their homes – AC, electricity, indoor plumbing – to go camp in the woods. Perhaps this is why both my brother and my husband were confused when I chose to spend a week of my coveted summer vacation on a missions trip in Mexico. (Last summer, I was in another nation where I couldn’t drink the water.)
It’s simple. Jesus told us to go.
I gave up a week of comfort for the 15 men and women who attended our impromptu adult bible study because they were so hungry for the Word of God. They were immersed for three morning in the realities and the power of God. (One woman saved, one set free, all changed.)
I endured cold showers for the two women I held in my arms as they cried, one of which gave her heart to God; For the women assembled at a church and God wanted to encourage in their calling; For the two drunk sisters on the streets with whom we shared the gospel; For the female shop owner with whom we prayed to take the territory for Jesus and then empowered her to continue praying; for the female interpreter who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
I ate cereal every morning (there were other choices) for the 110 children who had fun while learning about the power of the Holy Spirit and how to pray with authority. Seeds of the gospel were planted in their hearts to break the cycle of poverty.
I dealt with the awkwardness of throwing my used TP into a trash can rather than a toilet so that many could hear a clear expression of the gospel, see a clear demonstration of the Father’s heart, His love and His power. So that many were healed, and set free from the oppressive work of the enemy. So that the town of Tizimin felt the love of God.
Overall, this Missions trip while uncomfortable, was really not that hard. I am thankful for the many who endure far dire conditions than we did on our week long excursion. May we pray for those who have given their lives (not just a week in the summer) for the cause. Please keep Lindy and Danny Bravo, Sherly Trujillo, my new friends Craver Bill N Kathy in your continued prayers. They are in the trenches daily. They have given their lives to fulfilling the Great Commission. I am grateful to be a small part of it.
So my dear brother and husband, giving up a week of comfort paled in comparison with the beauty, the majesty, the power, and the faithfulness of God I saw displayed. It was for the joy set before me, it was because of the promise, “I can do all things”, it was simply because He said, “Go”, that I went.
“Yeshua came and talked with them. He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make people from all nations into talmidim, immersing them into the reality of the Father, the Son and the Ruach HaKodesh, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember! I will be with you always, yes, even until the end of the age.””
Mattityahu (Mat) 28:18-20 CJB