Hey everyone!
It's time for our weekly blog update. We'll try and update this thing at least once a week, usually on Mondays when we have our team meetings. We're really getting things going with this trip; we've all told our families, we're starting to really feel God's call and each of us are getting real confirmation from God that this is what He wants for us. We are continually praying for His guidance and further confirmation that this trip is God's will. I know we would all really appreciate continued prayer for us as we continue stepping in faith to be His hands and feet.
But the big question many people have been asking us is "Why are you going?" This isn't an easy question to answer, and we've all been wrestling with this call. We've all had to ask ourselves if this is really what God wants for us. There are plenty of reasons to want to go on a mission trip: it's something exciting to do, it's a new experience, it's an opportunity to get away from all the crap here for a few months. But when it really comes down to it and after we've all prayed and looked into ourselves I think the answer to that question is simple. Aron said it best, we want to go because we "want to be like Jesus."
Jesus says, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matthew 19:21). That's a pretty heavy command, I wish I could sell all my crap and live like that. Honestly though, I'm not at that point yet, but this trip is a first step. Jesus tells us to take care of the poor and the orphans and that's what I'm doing this summer. God is giving me the opportunity to do what he commands and give up two months of my summer vacation to serve others. I can't wait. In Matthew 23 Jesus says, "The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Verses 11-12). We're not going so we can tell everyone what awesome people we are, we're not interested in our own glorification but rather God's glorification through what we do. We're going to serve the people of the Dominican Republic. We're going to serve God.
Keep us in your prayers! Thanks everyone!
-Matthew
First of all, I absolutely love you guys. Even Amanda, who I have never met. The mustache did it.
ReplyDeleteSecond, you are all living out my favorite verse of the Bible, Micah 6:8. "And what does the Lord ask of you? Act justly. Love mercy. And walk humbly with your God." Well done!
Third, no, seriously, you guys are amazing and I can't wait to hear about your adventures. And if you find a random 29-year-old stowaway in your suitcase, it's probably me.
You all are amazing and so wise in the Lord! I'm so glad that God brought you all into my life. I love you all and I know that there are going to be attacks from the enemy that try and hinder your path but I've never met a more beautiful and joyous group of Christian friends! You guys will overcome through God as you have time and time again. I will keep praying for you guys! I have so much love for you guys and what you are accomplishing. I think I'm hugging you all through the computer right now :).
ReplyDeleteAnd Matthew, you are an awesome writer. I love hearing from all of you guys and I know I'm not the only person. Keep it up! You have a lot of support.
Love you all!