Not to long ago, our San Diego church returned from a short term trip to the Dominican Republic. This morning I watched video recap which you can find at The Gathering website. I've seen a bunch of trip videos and have participated in several trips and projects as well. However... I noticed something this morning: People need HOPE.
Many mission trips easily become more about the travelers ministering, and less about the people supposedly being ministered to. God can and does change lives. I've been reminded this morning of how we enter a person's life to bring the hope that God can change their life. Change may or may not be what we want or expect but God does the changing, not humans. People bring hope. You, if you are a Jesus follower, are a hope giver.
Many mission trips easily become more about the travelers ministering, and less about the people supposedly being ministered to. God can and does change lives. I've been reminded this morning of how we enter a person's life to bring the hope that God can change their life. Change may or may not be what we want or expect but God does the changing, not humans. People bring hope. You, if you are a Jesus follower, are a hope giver.