Why are we here?

Why are we here?

This is one of the questions often asked when discussing global missions. It is followed by some related questions: Why do we need to leave the country to do missions when there is so much need here? Wouldn't it be better just to send the money we would spend on a trip to the missionaries who live there and let them do the work? Truth be told, they are all valid questions and questions that we encountered on our first full day of ministry here in Pena Blanca.

When facing so much need in the world, whether it is humanity's sin and seperation from God or the overwhelming poverty that you encounter throughout most of the Third World, it is easy to ask the question: what can we do? What possible role could one person have to meet so much need? Do we make a difference when we go to Honduras, India or downtown Oklahoma City?

Without question the need is great. But once you choose to be obedient and to follow Christ's example of servanthood you will soon see and feel the difference that you can make. This was the common experience of our group during our first day of ministry here in Pena Blanca: faced with so great a need, what difference could we make?

It would be understandable if some were to throw their hands up and claim that the task is too great. However, we chose to plunge right in and do what Christ called us to do: serve others in Jesus' name. Person after person came to the same realization: while they may not be able to share Christ with everyone who is lost or treat the medical problem of every single person, they can focus their attention on the person right in front of them, love them in Jesus name and make a difference in THAT person's life.

One of our team members explained it this way: When I was in the world I thought that I was supposed to BE served. After becoming a follower of Christ I realized that I was to serve others today. In my own small way that is what I did today. I feel like I was accomplishing Jesus purpose.

So just what physical tasks were accomplished on Monday? Our three medical providers saw 100 patients in our clinic and our comstruction team poured 17 cubic yards of cement for the floor of the second stroy that is to be buikt at the Pena de Horeb church. We also were able to minister to over 100 kids through our children's activities which included Bible story themed arts and crafts and numerous coloring opportunities.

All in all it was a very full day. In the movie Chariots of Fire Scottish missionary Eric Lidle is asked why he chooses to run rather than devoting himself full-time to the church's mission in China. His response: "I believe that God made me for a purpose but He also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure." We felt God's pleasure today.

Did we make a radical difference in the overall health and well-being of the nation of Honduras today? No. Did we make a radical difference in the lives of the people we treated, worked alongside, and ministered to today? Without question.

Christ does not expect any one of us to do all the work. But He does expect - even commands - each of us who claim to be His followers to make a difference where we are. What's more, He expects us to trust Him so completely that we will leave or safe comfortable surroundings to share His love to places in communities, cultures and countries that are unfamiliar to us. That could be next door, on the "other" side of town, or outside of the United States. Each and every one of us can make a difference when we are obedient to the call of Christ.

So why do we go? To be obedient and to accomplish the task He has given us...one person at a time. Where is Christ calling you to go?

Soli Deo gloria,

Michael