NOT JUST AN ORDINARY TRIP

Do you enjoy taking trips? Isn’t it exciting to visit new places and simply take a break from the day to day?

​We all do enjoy taking a trip every once in a while and it is important to take these times of rest. It’s also important to take a life-changing trip- a Mission trip.

What is the difference anyways?
 
​Here are a few examples of a vacation trip and a mission trip for comparison:

VACATION TRIP	MISSION TRIP
Meet new people	Meet new people
Can be expensive	Can raise funds to help cover costs
Often focused on self (rest, rejuvenation)	Often focused on meeting other people's needs
Learn about other cultures/countries	​Learn about other cultures/countries
Enjoyment	Life-changing
Relax	Grow spiritually

​We can see that there are some similarities and also some key differences that we can really be blessed by on a Mission trip.
 
In the Bible, we see many different verses that reveal God’s heart to us regarding Missions.
​Let’s look at 4 of them today:
​

1. Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

People are God’s most treasured creation and it is God’s heart to see all nations come into a relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. We can be assured that as we go, God will go with us and never leave us. This is very comforting to know as we step into a place where we have never been before.

       2. Acts 13:47 “For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” 

​Light helps us to see clearly, light brings new perspective, and we are light to those who have not yet heard or responded. What an amazing honor that the God who created the universe uses vessels like us for His work.

       3. Romans 10:13-14 “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”
 
We have heard the saying before- if someone had a cure to an illness and they never shared it with anyone, how would anyone get better? The news would need to be shared. We have a relationship with the One who created everything, the One who gives perfect peace, the One who gives hope in hopeless situations. We must share the good news of Jesus Christ and the salvation He brings.

        4. Psalm 96:3 “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
 
It’s important to share God’s goodness with others. God is holy, He is awesome, and there is none like Him. Let’s make a commitment to share this Love with others. It will change situations; it will even change us in the process.
 
Why Missions then?
 
Vacation trips are very necessary because we do need a break from our daily routines once in a while. I encourage you to go on vacation when you can and I also challenge you to go on a Mission trip if you already haven’t. There are people out there who need Jesus and God has given us specific gifts and talents to reach those people.
 
Take a look here at some Mission Opportunities that we have with OMS Canada.
 
There is also this great resource which outlines 10 Steps to becoming an OMS Missionary. You can check it out here.
 
You are the light of the world. Let your light so shine.