Being in a different country, surrounded by people who speak a different language and come from a completely different cultural and ethnic context, has a way of reminding you that this life really isn’t about you; that God’s Kingdom is much bigger than you had implicitly believed.
Although I had been to Haiti once before this trip, I had no idea what to expect this time around. About two weeks before my departure, I had a “freak-out” moment where I realized, “Wait. I’m leaving for Haiti in two weeks…and I’m not ready. At all.” I hadn’t sent out a fundraising letter; I hadn’t thought or prayed for a specific vision for the trip; I felt completely unprepared. I came very close to cancelling my flight, taking the $150 fee, and trying this trip again later with my transferred plane ticket. I even told my student ministry pastor and our church life director that I needed to cancel the trip…but then decided to give that final decision a few days.
It’s funny how a day off can do amazing things.
I went home for Thanksgiving 48 hours after my moment of panic, and after a day of rest, over-eating, and general good times, I was in my car on the way back to Williamsburg. As I was sitting at the stoplight at the entrance of my parents’ neighborhood, I weighed the pros and cons, and it was pathetic. At the core, I didn’t want to go because I didn’t have a plan for the trip. I couldn’t see the specific purpose I would accomplish, the way in which this would concretely move me forward in my walk with Christ. And then it struck me: the last thing the Haitian church needs is a presumptuous foreigner thinking he can solve all of their problems. God is moving in and through the Haitian church; He doesn’t need me here to do that.
So why am I here? I’m here to serve Jesus’ church. I’m here to learn. To grow. And to see how God grows His Kingdom in a unique context.
Really, it’s no different than the perspective I ought to have about my role in Williamsburg. The church doesn’t exist for my consumption; the church, of which I am part, is God’s means for bringing His Kingdom to this Earth.
And this brings me to one of the foremost purposes of short term missions, in my opinion: to remind the church, as individuals and as a corporate body, that we do not exist as an end in and of ourselves. God is building a Kingdom. And we, as His church, get to be His partners in that work. What a privilege.
-Chris
Amen, it really is that simple. Thanks for sharing Chris and YOU are in my prayers. Blessings. Bob
ReplyDeleteThanks Bob! I really appreciate that.
DeleteAwesome, thanks for sharing, Chris! God orders our steps, regardless of our "plans" or lack thereof. I appreciate that you pressed on, and that you were able to rely on the encouragement and love of Jesus' church to do Jesus' work for these wonderful children of God in Haiti. Prayers and blessings! Heather
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather!
DeleteAMAZING Chris!!!! I can feel your heart as I read your words! Very powerful!!! Thank you for sharing & for serving the Lord & His children in such a special way!!! We miss you! Love & Laughter, Momma Lee
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement Kim! Miss you too; see you soon!
DeleteHi Chris, I love that I can remember so much of what you share. Say hi to that wonderful family from us. I know Josh wishes he could have gone there with you. We are so blessed to be a part the Kingdom Church that is big and multifaceted. It is great when God continues to expand our capacity for partnership........globally and locally. He is imparting into you a exactly what he needs to place in you. I pray as you follow him today you are filled with a deep love for his children and a hunger to serve. Thank you for being an Ambassador for us. We are praying for you.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Aman
Thanks so much Mrs. Aman! I really appreciate that. Your prayers are having an impact; God is doing a powerful and timely work in me. Thanks for hearing from God and praying for me!
Delete-Chris