You Know Who You Are

Someone mentions going on a mission trip, and the first thing you think of is, “Oh, please don't ask me to go!” Even though you know others who've thoroughly enjoyed the experience, something about it just overwhelms you. Maybe it's as basic as being afraid to fly, or maybe it's stories you've heard about seatless toilets, unusual foods or sleeping in hammocks. Regardless, you just know it's not for you.

Or maybe you've been on a short-term mission trip, only to find yourself thinking, “I can survive this for a week, but I could never live like this!” You get yourself through the week reminding yourself how good it will feel to return to your own bed, flush your toilet paper and be back in your own world. You genuinely enjoy and are enriched by the mission trip experience, but you just know you're not cut out for staying more than a week or two.

Others of you have a different experience. The mission experience invigorates you and helps you feel like you're really doing God's work, and you find yourself thinking, “You know...I could do this! I would love to be able to stay longer and do more.” You look around and see that all that you really need is available. You get home and look around and ask yourself, “why do I need all this STUFF!?!” You hear about an opportunity to serve (like replacing the Mills Family, hint, hint, hint) and you think, “You know...I'd love to! I can really see myself being there and working there for a longer period. I'm just not sure this is the right time. If only....."

As we are seeking a family, couple or individual to replace us here and to continue God's work in Chiapas, those of you who are the most likely candidates know who you are. You know if you're game to even consider it. We'll tell you that, from our own experience, there's never a perfect time (see Luke 9:56-62). There are always going to be obstacles that you can choose to be encumbered by or you can choose to work around. We were fortunate enough to have some great spiritual mentors in our own discernment process. They were people who gave us some great advice that we'd like to share with you for your own discernment. If you feel that you could be good candidates to live on the mission field for 2-5 years, please let us know. You know who you are, so please let us join with you in discerning if God is, indeed, calling you to serve in Chiapas.