This Summer's Mission Adventure

The countdown is on for me to board a plane and travel to foreign soil where my interaction with a new culture, language, and demographic can at times seem somewhat familiar to the landscape in pockets of my community here in the U.S.

One of my best friends grew up as a missionary's kid in Honduras and another close friend has taught me so much about the Hispanic culture as we've spent time growing old together. And while I'm excited to spend a week in Honduras serving both children and adults in various capacities, perhaps my greatest hope is continuing to embrace the diversity of the culture I will come back to when my feet are planted back on familiar soil.

Sometimes we experience fear in sharing the gospel. And other times we have doubts. I don't know; maybe it's because we're afraid of a negative response to our invitation as if they're rejecting us. Or maybe we think we're going to mess up the story and give a blurry picture of the gospel.

The story of Jesus is exactly that; the story of Jesus. While we have the opportunity to become the mouthpiece proclaiming the message, we're not the one who changes others. That's Jesus' job. Whew! That's a relief! That takes all the pressure off you and me.

So, what exactly will I be doing in Honduras? Good question! Essentially whatever they ask me to do. I've learned through my career in education and multiple trips like this one that the key to making this a successful trip is found in one word; flexibility.

While our agenda includes tasks such as helping with eye exams, construction projects, evangelism efforts, and vacation bible school settings, our plans may need to be adjusted according to the needs of the churches and community.

While I'm confident that God has opened this door for me to serve, everyone knows it's not a free ride. And while many of you may be tempted to skim past this section of the letter, I hope you will continue reading.

I want you to pray for my team and me; for our health, for good attitudes, for our obedience. But I also want you to consider supporting me financially. Will I still raise the money apart from your gift? Yes, yes, I will. Arrogant? No. I'm just confident that God is going to provide.

So why should you give? Because I believe the Bible speaks to going and sending. And since I'm going, His church should be sending. Sending involves praying and giving. "What's in it for me," you ask? Less money in your pocket, for one. But there is a principle of sowing and reaping that while I can't fully explain it, I've seen others experience it time and time again.

Please let me know if you have any questions or want to know more about my trip. I'd also like to know that you'll be praying for our team. Thank you in advance for your willingness to invest in spreading the gospel for the sake of building His kingdom!