When I think about this question, I never really know where to begin! There are so many reasons why I looked in to serving on a mission trip at the very beginning, which has been at the forefront of my mind ever since I got baptised. I knew it was something I wanted to do and was passionate about. From missing out on a school charity trip to Uganda all those years ago – to walking the last stages of the Camino de Santiago last Easter as a solo pilgrimage to raise money for Sands baby loss charity…it has been on my heart to give back to others ever since, now with God at the centre of it all. I think it has boiled down to finding just the right moment in my life to step out in faith and trust in Him! God has really guided me every step of the way, and here I am now…only 29 days away from leaving to do my part in the Great Commission – “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). You never know what’s around the corner in life, and whilst I’m fit, healthy and can carry a large bag on my back…the moment is now! It’s time for me to take the abundant love, compassion and grace Jesus has shown me in my own life…and multiply it far and wide to those who are struggling and in need of hearing the good news. Some will have never heard the name of Jesus before and won’t know the salvation they can receive in Him…and if I can plant a seed and do something to change that, I will be returning home very happy. Combining this with humanitarian relief efforts in potential disaster zones, to serving host communities by making a tangible difference to their everyday needs – loving on people in a world where we are taught to think of ourselves first and foremost is the very least I feel I can do, and I won’t be taking this opportunity for granted.
My aim by the end of my 2 month mission is to grow stronger in my faith and relationship with God, as it will be dedicated time for me to love God with all my heart, and love my neighbour as myself – which we as Christians aim to do throughout our lives. I am so excited to see how He will work through us. As a personal outcome, this experience will no doubt shape me as an individual, as I prepare to be the hands and feet of Jesus many miles away. I hope to develop my confidence in many different roles within the team and ultimately become more empathetic and culturally aware whilst taking on this Kingdom work. Giving up luxuries we take for granted in the west is a big way in my mind that we can become grounded in living a simple yet joy-filled life, the kind which is overshadowed by consumerism and indulgent pleasures we particularly fall foul of in the UK and US! I want to strip this back and unlock the real key to joy in hardship, and experience this with my own eyes. I’m also super excited to get to know my teammates, and build Christ-centred friendships along the way. I am praying that by the end of my time out in Southeast Asia, I will gain a greater sense of purpose and direction in my own life and have a clearer insight into what He has next for me….
If you would like to know more about my mission trip, do not hesitate to get in contact by emailing [email protected]. If you would like to donate and partner with me, click the ‘support’ link at the very bottom of the page. All donations are so appreciated!
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