What happened on your mission trip?

One of the most asked questions when returning from a mission trip is always, “What happened?” or “How was it?” Most of the time I always reply with the things I witnessed while I was there because those are the things that most people want to hear about. They want to hear about, how many people got saved, what was the area like, did you work with kids, were they receptive to the word, whats the food like, and the list could go on and on. 

And yes these questions are important, but  have you ever told them what it did for you? I remember when I went on my first mission trip to Haiti everyone was telling me things to expect and when I got back they asked me “was it what you expected?” and my answer was “I didn’t go with an expectation because if I did and it didn’t live up to that expectation then I would have been bummed out and not allowed God to open my eyes to the things He wanted me to see. I would have took the little things for granted, like the little boy that I gave one gummy to and he never asked for more, but as Americans we live in this “Give me more because I’m entitled mentality.” Or how we have the privilege to have clean water, air conditioning, food three times a day (or more), and a stable place to lay our heads down at night. Or the impact you may have made on a kid or an adult but don’t see it until you are back home and you get that surprise video call as you are at work.” 

So much happens on a trip and you always wish there was more that you could have done, but the Lord told me one time, “there are three kinds of trips. There are the ones where you go and plant the seed, there are ones that you go and water the seed and there are ones where you go and harvest.” Don’t get discouraged when you don’t see things as you thought you would, you still were a vital part of Gods plan. Every time that I come back from a trip it’s like there is something that I want to change in me or get rid of something that I have that isn’t necessary. 

What happened on your trip? My perspective was changed. How I look at and respond to daily issues are totally different. Like what is the end result of what I am doing, is it a selfish act or am I being selfless. So if  you’re on the edge about going on a mission trip I encourage you to take that next step of faith. Go and Serve freely, Love patiently, and watch as God changes things within you as you are making a difference to those around you. 

-Ezra Cate