My first mission trip. Was hesitant initially because I am nearing the end of my phd and every month counts in getting those crucial results I need to write up my thesis. But I knew there would be less flexibility when I start work and it's never too high a sacrifice to make for God. Was also going with someone whom have inspired me in my walk with God-Kenny.
The 2 week trip enlightened my heart to experience faith being put into practise. When Kenny took out the guitar and literally started singing in open-air to a group of strangers, I was like 'Wah, this is what it's all about'. I can read a thousand times about God's heart and how I am to make disciples of all nations, but nothing beats really doing it. I do reach out to friends often and talk to strangers about God, but that first open-air preaching was really something-it brought me to higher grounds.
My lack of perseverance in continuing to play the guitar is because my strumming is not as natural as many others and I find it really hard to know how to sing along with the right beats. It's a fact that music is the least of my talents, but that isn't the point is it? When the needs comes and you're the only one around who is able to at least half-decently play the guitar, you do not have to be the best.
There were 6 of us intially (Kenny, Bee Lee, Debbie, Daniel, Trina and myself). Sinli joined us in the middle (late starter and early finisher :p). We worked with 3 local churches in Vizela, Porto and Lisbon. The first two were Evangelical and Bretheren and we helped them in their out-reach mainly through distributing tracks. We learned how to make balloon animals and gave them out to many children. It's not hard. Daniel overcome his initial fear of ballons exploding and got so excited about it at the end where he would keep the pumps and ballons in his bag ready for anything anytime anywhere (sometimes anyhow). Also learned this useful magic trick using a rope and knot which illustrates how Jesus takes away our sins. Realised how important it is to be able to catch people's attention and there are many practical ways in doing so. The schedule was nowhere as hectic as I was initially preparing myself. Spent alot of time fellowshiping with the church and missionaries there. Was able to take afternoon naps (siesta) too! First time I slept in a church-wasn't the usual churches I see with high-tech equipment and nice facilities. It was a room with a pulpit and chairs. Everything has a beginning right?
Portugal is one of the poorer western european country. Food is cheap there. I was really surprised to hear people saying I got thinner when I came back to UK after all that I ate there. The best meal I had was my first lunch there at this local restaurant. They served rice, potatoes, meat, salad, bread, wine for only 3 pounds! You can get a bottle of wine for less than a pound there. We spend many nights fellowshiping with wine, cheese and biscuits. They were valuable times for me to let go, share and be inspired.
I prayed for God to use me to bring someone to Christ whilst on the plane before touching down to Portugal. It didn't happen. The most tangible result of our work there was encouragement to the local churches. As for evangelism, I believe we planted seeds and will pray for God to water them. I personally was greatly encouraged by being able to speak to this lady about the world's suffering and God. I wasn't sure of her previous commitment to God but she mentioned that she is far from God and I got her to read James 4:8 'Come near to God and he will come near to you'. Really thankful that God brought her, someone whom I can communicate with. I struggle with being able to communicate with most people I meet because many of them do not know english, especially in the small towns.
It's very natural to reflect upon the trip and think upon what I have gained out from the trip. Do want to make the deliberate effort to continue to pray for the people in Portugal and I look forward to good news from that land. There is less than 1% of Christians in Portugal and many people are blinded by Catholism.
I thank God for this chance to be a blessing to others and I pray that I would continue to seek to be a blessing to others in the midst of my own weaknesses and struggles.
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