A recent comment from my boss (hi Summer) brought to my attention that I have been somewhat less than faithful in updating my blog as we prepare for our trip ("somewhat less than faithful" translates to, "I haven't done it at all").
I anticipate being much more deliberate to chronicle our trip as it actually happens, but here's an update on our preparation:
Everyone on our trip is fully support-raised. That, my friends, is glorious. God came through (using many of you!) in powerful and exciting ways this year that make me more confident than ever that we have an amazing trip ahead of us!
Our training times have been awesome. We've had a few training times, including:
Cultural Training, or, "how not to be perceived as an obnoxious tourist." I strongly believe that different cultures (just like different people) reflect unique things about God's heart (this makes Revelation 7 particularly beautiful) and I love the things in Mexican culture that taste like Jesus.
Conflict and Spiritual Warfare Training. Sometimes those are the same thing. Talk about intense. You don't go out to point people to Jesus without some resistance from the enemy. For Western Christians, sometimes realizing that there is a War is half the battle. We spent time confessing our sins to one another (in smaller, gender-specific groups) and praying for each other (James 5, yo). Conflict happens, how we deal with it makes it good or bad.
Evangelism Training. We'll get a bit more of this in Mexico (IGC has their own method), but we went through some easy-to-learn gospel sharing techniques that are rocking the church-planting world. The heart and soul of our trip is telling people about Jesus; that God loves them and provided a way to be reconciled to him.
Prayer Times. These haven't been official "training" times, but nothing better prepares one's heart for missions than prayer. We plan and prepare and organize and strategize, but prayer is where the power is. If you aren't praying, then you are wasting your time. In fact, take a minute and pray (it's ok, my captivating words aren't going anywhere). Pray for yourself, that God would draw you closer to him (that's my prayer for you). Pray for our team, that God would lead us and we would listen and follow (please). Pray for Mexico, that God would stir a revival in this country (he does that kind of thing, you know, and the foundation for it is already there).
Suffice to say, beloved, I am so ready to see God move through this trip. Our reach is global, our tower secure. Our cause is noble, our power is pure (yes, I did just do that). All of my confidence and passion for this trip is founded in God though:
We have Faith for He is Faithful
We have Peace for He is Strong
We have Hope for He is Constant
We Trust for He is Trustworthy
We Love because He is Love
May our God, the source and goal of life, receive glory and love for He alone is Worthy.
Amen :)
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