You’re Sent Now Go.

You’re Sent Now Go

Good afternoon.  I just returned from a weeklong mission trip to Beverly Kentucky.  I helped lead a group of 28 youth and adults to a mission in rural Appalachia.  We served a family by rebuilding parts of their home.  We replaced 2 external stairways, a completely new roof and replaced 2 broken windows.  The team served as a Christian witness to the family showing them Christ’s love by our actions.  It was a wonderful trip, and not only did we serve the residents the kids learned so much about themselves and developed in their faith journeys as well.  I have been doing these mission trips for 19 years.  The high point for me every year, is to see the growth of our kids.  They grow emotionally, physically, and spiritually as they are challenged by the projects and the circumstances that present themselves.  The kids overcome, heat, rain, physically difficult tasks, emotional stress, and are always surrounded by poverty or storm damage, and the responses by the homeowners.  Some homeowners are present and involved, some are disconnected and are consumed by their negative environment.  Our kids give these residents hope in their life.  In most cases the passion of the kids, the love they show the residents transforms the outlook and attitudes of these residents.  With enough of these interactions some residents may come to know Christ.

Not everyone has an opportunity for an immersive weeklong mission trip.  How can you serve your community?  We’re blessed to be a blessing. God intends to use you to bless, heal, restore, and liberate a dark and hurting world. We’re here for others: in our families and our community and in the world. Go to the need. Live missionally.

“I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12: 2, 3)

“You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5: 14 – 16)

“Again, he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” (John 20: 21)

Ideas for Action: Search for mission opportunities in your community.  Form a group of people that have a passion to serve and find ways to use that passion.  Opportunities will not find you, you need to find it and take action.  Many churches have restarted their VBS programs, ours was smaller this year, but very effective reaching the young kids that attended.  Can your church sponsor summer activities?  Our young families are meeting regularly with activities around the church and a shared meal together.  Invite the local community families to evening activities at your church.  You can serve them by bringing them together.