Man on a Mission

I have had an interesting season with the Lord over the past semester and into this semester.  

It’s been over two years since I went on my last mission trip and I have been wondering when or if God would send me on another.  My first mission trip experience wasn’t exactly life changing, so I have been hesitant when opportunities to go on another trip have come up. I was praying about it this fall when I heard about all the trips.  I felt like God was calling me to go somewhere, but I had a very difficult time discerning where.  I then realized that God was telling me to leave it up to Him. So the best solution for me seemed to be to go on the mystery mission trip.  

This has turned out to be a challenge for myself and for the people I have been asking to donate.  It’s difficult to explain to someone not of faith why we don’t know where we’re going.  It’s hard sometimes wondering what types of people I will be encountering and what kind of culture I will be immersed in.  I have been praying through that, and getting the money to fund my trip.  I have been so blessed to be over half paid already, and I am trusting that God will continue to provide.  

I have also been learning a ton in ELI. I have never read a Christian book (other than the Bible of course :) ) and it has been interesting hearing so many different perspectives. Reading the books of authors who have done lots of research is a different perspective from a sermon or the Bible.  Every word has been carefully chosen, read over, and reviewed.  I have learned a lot about spiritual disciplines, prayer, and other peoples' personal stories and instruction based on their experiences.  Reading Christian books allows me to take bits and pieces of people's opinions and apply it to my walk of faith.I have gained community and have had great conversation that has helped me grow spiritually.