On A Mission

 I have had the privilege to be a part of mission work teams to a number of different places across our nation and in other countries.   One of the arguments I sometimes hear against mission work teams is that it would be much more cost effective to send the money that it cost to travel there than to send them a group of people.   Though that argument has some merit, what persons do not realize who have never gone on a mission work team trip is the blessing that takes place  in the interaction with the people.  I go on mission work team trips not just to be a blessing, but for the blessing I receive for the ones I go to help.  You see, there is always a blessing you receive when you reach out to help a brother or sister in need.

In Acts 20:35,  we find an interesting passage of scripture. In that passage, we find the only words attributed to Jesus outside the gospels.  Hear what Acts 20:35 says,  35In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "   I have been blessed many times through the kindness and generosity of others, and I have also been blessed when I have had the chance to give to others as I did the mission work of Christ near and far. 

PRAYER

O God,  we thank you this day for those who go in mission in your name around the block and around the world.  We are grateful for the blessing we have to share the love of Christ Jesus with others in word and deed.  We pray this day for travel mercies for those who go to do your work, and for protection for those who go to do your work in places of danger.  Give us eyes to see and ears to hear those ways you are calling us to be mission for you, and give us a willingness to say, “Here am I.  Send me”;  through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.