·
I had reserves about going on an overseas
mission trip, I heard and mostly agreed that they were beneficial for the
person going but not the community they were going too. I often heard that Americans would go over, build
things and spend a ton of money on airfare to get there. A mission organization figured out that if
they just shipped the money they would have spent on going and gave it to the
people 10-15,000 would be sent in money alone.
This would allow the people to hire local people to do the jobs and help
the economy out. As a result of hiring people
locally this allowed the churches over there to minister to the people and help
them by giving them jobs. This was a
thought I had before going on this trip.
Should we as Americans go on mission trips or raise and give money? I
tried to keep an opening mind as I went on the trip.
·
Food – I was really worried about eating the
food over there for the simple fact, if it’s not a burger it’s questionable to
me. The food was more than adequate and
in fact I had some amazing food over there including the best pineapple upside-down
cake. We were treated very well in the
food department and I tried some different food. I tried goat for the first time, not bad but
would not have again.
·
People – What I enjoyed the most was meeting the
people down there. Matthieu (Our mission
leader) took us through the cities in order to meet with some people from the
Church. I cherished this time, we got to
meet and see families from the Church and were able to offer money to the
people that really needed it. It was so
nice to meet with other Christians and fellowship even when you didn’t
understand all of the words they said.
The people were amazing and faithful.
We met a family where the husband died and they literally had no way of
bring in money. Unlike here there isn’t
a job market, people do what they have to do to make money and survive. We were able to start supporting this family
and help in that way.
·
Worship – This was one of a kind. We got to hear and see people that truly
worshipped God everyday. We witnessed a
middle through college age retreat in which the people literally camped on concrete
grounds and had the spirit of God with them.
They praised God to the best of their abilities and it was amazing
worshipping in Church for upwards of 4 hours and feeling like you were there
maybe an hour. Simeon (one of the
worship leaders) was able to create a worship song for the retreat in a week
and it was very well done. I was amazed
by the worship. There was even a group
of 15-20 women that got together every morning at 5 to sing and pray for the
Church. I was in awe of this. They were so dedicated in their faith, loved
it.
·
Teaching – I was able to share in the word of
God with the people and honestly didn’t feel at home, these people went through
struggles I never had in my faith and it was very humbling to say the
least. Matthieu even told me I was a
much better teacher then a preacher, I didn’t know if this was a complement or
not but it was funny.
·
Conclusion – I really enjoyed my mission
experience and overall came to my own conclusion that it’s great for us to go
over there. Matthieu mentioned multiple
times he loves when groups are able to come over because you get a firsthand
experience that sending money does not do.
I will never forget my time over there and truly enjoyed worshipping
with my brothers and sisters in Christ over there. It is a trip I think every Christian would
benefit for and will gain a great perspective of the kingdom of God. We were able to see one of the Churches had a
wall falling apart and if the government saw it, they would close the building
and as a result close the school in this community. So rather then going on a mission trip next
year we are going to raise money as a Church to help pay for a new school over
there. It’s amazing what we can do to
help another Church out.
Have a great day.
