trbccoffeebreak

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27 (NIV)

To be completely honest, I often wondered if short-term mission trips were worthwhile. It’s not enough time to build meaningful relationships and affect long-term change…but, I was wrong. After returning from my mission trip, I recognize the most significant change is in my own heart, and I pray it is long term.

While I am still processing all that I saw, experienced and felt, here are a few things that settled in my heart:
I have way more than I need; I want to change that. I want to become less of a consumer and hoarder, and more of a giver. God is faithfully showing me ways to accomplish this.

In spite of the suffering I saw, God is sovereign and good. During quiet moments alone, I asked God if the promises in His Word applied to these precious families, and if he has numbered every hair (Luke 12:7) on the heads of these beautiful children… even those infested with lice? Too hard for me to comprehend, but God reminded me that life is but a vapor (Ps. 62:9), and eternity is forever. These people who suffer poverty, can share in the riches of Christ’s peace here on earth and store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). He does love them; but it is up to us to show them His love.

I am more thankful for those who uproot their comfortable lives and move oversees to care for those struggling due to the culture in which they were born. I am more aware of their sacrifice and joy…and I want to come alongside them in prayer and provision.

I am also asking God to open my eyes to the poverty in my own city and neighborhood. Perhaps it’s not material poverty, but spiritual poverty. I pray that my heart will become tender towards those whose lives look appealing, but who do not have the peace of Christ or the assurance of eternity. I want my heart to be just as broken for them as it was for the poverty-stricken families in Guatemala.

“Lord, break my heart for what breaks yours.”

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Coffee Break