Thursday, October 3, 2024

 Missions

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19).

If you've read many of my blogs, you may have noticed that I've done both short-term and longer-term mission work. Some of it has involved construction and church programs, but the long-term assignments have been teaching missionary children whose parents are working to get the Word to people groups who don't have the Bible in their language. 

. . . remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).

When someone volunteers to spend time in the mission field for the first time, they go with the idea of helping those less fortunate or sharing Jesus with those who don't know Him. However, when they return home, they realize they've been blessed even more than they've been a blessing. It's hard to explain unless you experience it, but I've never known it not to hold true. You go to give, and you come home blessed beyond measure.

Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king (1 Peter 2:17).

It's always more fulfilling to have a giving heart, but less fortunate people have also shared precious gifts with me. I've never met people more in love with Christ than I have in places like Oaxaca, Mexico, or Davao, Philippines. The love they shared with me will stay with me forever. The lessons of faith they taught me have been invaluable. Never be condescending or look down on anyone. God expects us to treat everyone with love and respect.

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