This summer was the busiest I've ever been when it comes to short-term missions. Two trips to Ghana, with a trip to Central Asia and Baltimore in between. Neither the elders nor I originally planned the summer like this, but the opportunities worked out that way. Still, those trips took their toll on me—missed family time, missed work time, missed sleep, and other health issues (one that still lingers as I write this post). So, one may ask, "Why go that much?" Or, maybe even better, "Is it really worth it?"
Boots on the Ground
Back in 2012, through my previous church and a partnership with workers in Niger, we had some security concerns that delayed our trip. One of the biggest factors in taking the trip was that our ministry on the field could not have been done out of the country. Prayer, encouragement, and financial resources can all be leveraged for global partners from anywhere in the world. And praise God for that! But sometimes partnership can only be done by being on the field. In order to assist them in their ministry, we need boots on the ground getting things done. And such was the case with our trips this summer.
In Ghana, we invested in local church leaders through teaching and fellowship. Relationships have been established, trust has been earned, and influenced gained in just two trips that would not be possible if we were not there with them. In Central Asia, our time on the field meant freedom for multiple global partner families to plan, pray, and prepare for long-term mission work. Childcare seems like a non-essential, but it's hard to get things done with a room full of kids who need care and attention. We also got to encourage our partner family face-to-face across the week! In Baltimore, the kids we worked with who had seen us last year were excited for our return. It was a sign that they were more than a project for our church—we love them and want them to experience the love of God in Christ! In that context, teaching is more than conveying information; it is providing truth through clear word and a tangible, lived-out examples. We can explain the life-transforming power of the gospel and put it on display during the long, hot days and patience toward rascally kids.
First World Problems
To be sure, there some "problems" along the way. Lost luggage, an upset stomach, merciless heat, a nationwide power outage, no hot water for a few days, and scorpion by my bed saying "Good morning" with a menacing stinger all greeted me in Ghana. Central Asia was easier for sure. But there was still the hot planes, long flights and bus-rides, and odd foods to deal with (yeah, we ate horse at least once...). Baltimore was probably the easiest, but there's a wariness you carry with you while walking around the city.
Yet, in all of this, we're really just experiencing the everyday things of life for people in those places! Though they may be real struggles for us to overcome, they are at best "first-world problems" that affect our ease of life, not our long-term circumstances. Biblically, we can think of these small trials as means of learning contentment and joy as God grows our faith (Jas 1:2–5). Like Paul, we are striving to learn to be content in all circumstances, knowing that in the strength we have in Christ, we can endure all things (Phil 4:10–13). Unlike Paul who likely travelled between 10,000 and 15,000 miles by foot and ship, taking days or weeks to get somewhere, we can literally be anywhere in the world within 24 hours. How blessed we are while we engage in missions today, and we should not forget it!
Worth It Every Time
All things considered, this summer was absolutely worth it. I have never come home from a trip and thought, "That was a waste of my time." Certainly, the elders pick trips that are worthwhile. But more than that, the Lord chooses to bless and bear fruit—often in unexpected ways—when his people obey his call to engage in his mission the world (Matt 28:18–20). But why should that surprise us? Even the gates of hell cannot stop the advancing of Christ's kingdom through the local church (Matt 16:18)!
Even in Ghana, we saw this. To be sure, there is still much work to be done. But I was almost brought to tears toward the end of the week when I asked the leaders to make a prayer list for the greatest needs of churches in Ghana. We've only taught two modules, walking through each book of the Old and New Testaments, while offering biblical critiques of commons false teaching among the churches (e.g., prosperity gospel, word-faith theology, syncretism with tribal spiritual beliefs, and more). Yet, here was their list of needs to pray for:
- Truly born again churches
- Disciple believers—to grow and serve
- Leaders with wisdom, patience, humility, dedication, and holiness
- Resources for mission (more workers)
- Unity in the gospel
- Exposure of false prophetic and teachers
- Boldness in truth of God’s word
- Commitment to love God and obey his commands
Yep. Totally worth it.
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