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I love to walk and hike and The Appalachian Trail has been a long-time favorite locale for adventure, so this year found me leaving Springer Mountain in Georgia headed north up the trail. My plan was to end up in Maine, through all 14 states of the trail, and its 2,192 miles, enjoying lots of the side trails on the way.  I’d been on the trail four other years, so I had a good sense of the physical challenges and scenic highlights of this trek, but there were in addition three specific personal objectives I targeted. This is an account of how God fulfilled one of those ambitions.    

Deuteronomy 10:12 asks:

“What does the LORD your God require from you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”  

I would have seven or eight months hiking, and I wanted to learn how to better walk in the ways of God.  I was looking forward to lots of time reading the Word, meditating on God’s ways, and opening my heart to Him in prayer.  I did have wonderful times of scripture study, and I treasured the hours I had to meditate on the greatness of God’s creation and love, but my prayer life became a disconcertingly uncomfortable and unproductive experience. 

"More than the 10,600 photos I took, or the multiple shoes I wore out, the joy of quieting my own talk so that I could hear Him was the greatest outcome of this adventure."

In the first couple months of my hike I had a well-organized prayer list and could spend a couple hours a day praying as I walked.  God was just not ready for me to walk with Him this way.  He kept trying to insert His way into my walk and prayer, and I kept ignoring it.

Finally, God got to the point: He wanted me to listen so that He could talk to me.  I had been hogging the conversation, and He had lots of things to tell me.  If we were to walk together, He wanted me to speak less and listen much more.  But I was persistent in my attempts to pray to God my way, and it took me additional weeks to finally get His message, and He had to be very direct: SHUT UP AND LET ME TALK!

The remaining months of my hike were transformed by a real, continual joyful and loving conversation with God.  There was so much He wanted to tell me that occasionally I’d need to stop to take notes so that I didn’t forget messages.  My prayer time was a continuous time during the whole day and was a real two-way conversation as we walked together.  The burdens of my heart could be poured out to Him as we talked, and I came to know so many previously unobserved aspects of Christ that deepened and broadened our friendship, and my love for my savior. 

More than the 10,600 photos I took, or the multiple shoes I wore out, the joy of quieting my own talk so that I could hear Him was the greatest outcome of this adventure.  I hope to keep growing and deepening the conversation over my years. 

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (PS 46:10)

This is the second in a two part series focusing on the impact of missions programs: both to create transformation in those who are sent and those to whom they are sent.

Missions programs matter because we are specifically commanded by God through scripture to go into the world and share the knowledge of God and to preach the gospel in the whole world.

We carry out what God has commanded us to do through missions programs by going ourselves, sending others including our loved ones, supporting those who are sent, and praying for those who go and their work among the people.

Missions programs matter because they are a catalyst for spiritual transformation. Transformation being defined as a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance. Spiritual transformation is a fundamental change in a person's spiritual life which results in transformation of our thoughts, desires, and actions.

How do missions programs and transformation come together? 

The process of transformation starts months before the airplane ever leaves the ground. As the missionary prepares for the trip, God is working in their heart to prepare them for the experiences they will have in a foreign country, as He is also preparing hearts there. And, in country, God is in control of who they meet, what they hear, and He gives them the very words to speak.

"Going on a short or long term mission trip changes, sometimes profoundly, the missionary and those whom the missionary visited, taught, and shared the Gospel."

Going on a short or long term mission trip changes, sometimes profoundly, the missionary and those whom the missionary visited, taught, and shared the Gospel. Without exception, every person we have spoken with after their return from a mission trip speaks of the impact the trip had on them, especially on their world view.

They talk about how their perspective on what is important in life changed from being self-centered and trivial to wanting to help others by sharing the love of Jesus Christ.

They talk about seeing and beginning to understand how people living in one room houses with dirt floors are happy with few material possessions but knowing that Jesus Christ gave his life for their salvation.

They talk about how much it means to those in far-away places and living in difficult circumstances, to meet Christian brothers and sisters who travel thousands of miles to show their love for them.

They talk about how God changed them during the trip by giving them the words they did not know ahead of time to speak while visiting a sponsored child.

Those returning from mission trips share about experiencing the love of Jesus as they worshipped side by side with local Christians in a small one room church, they explain seeing the profound joy in those they meet who recently accepted Christ as their savior even though they are still in dire poverty.

Most importantly, returning missionaries discuss seeing the transformation of the people they meet and visit first-hand. These missionaries may not be aware of their own personal spiritual transformation until they return home and start to recognize that they are different, that they have been changed. They may reflect on how their perspectives on the world have changed, how what they used to think was important is now trivial, and what is now important was not even thought of prior to their mission trip. Upon more reflection, they realize that there is a fundamental change in their personal relationship with God.

Returning missionaries often talk about the change in their heart that pushes them into new pursuits or new careers that are focused on caring for others or even becoming a full time missionary themselves. Lastly, they talk about the power of prayer, learning to pray with specificity, and learning to trust God to answer their prayers. What they all describe is their own spiritual transformation.

"Missions programs matter because people come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord and because they also are a catalyst to our own spiritual transformation."

Missions programs matter because people come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord and because they also are a catalyst to our own spiritual transformation.

Paul wrote in Romans 12:2

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

For many Christians, a mission trip is an opportunity to renew your mind, to alter your world view and your relationship with Jesus Christ. Is it time for you to go on a short term mission trip? MCC has multiple short-term missions trips planned for next year. For more information on those trips or any MCC Missions Programs, click here or contact Tom O'brien.

This is the first of a two-part series focusing on missions; what scripture tells us about them and the effect of missions programs to create transformation in those who participate in missions themselves and those who are interacting with missionaries.

As a baseline for our discussion, what is a missions program and what is the difference between missions programs and community outreach/evangelism?

First, not everything we do as Christians to share the gospel is considered missions.

That may or may not be a surprise to you. That does not mean that evangelism and community outreach ministries, for example, are less important. It simply means they may not fall under the umbrella of missions.

Nobody can deny the importance and the impact of our evangelism and community outreach ministries. For example, the far-reaching effects of Vacation Bible School, Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) and our involvement with A. Montoya Elementary School through the Shine program are profound and transforming. Through these programs we are sharing the gospel and demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ with our neighbors and our community.

"While missions, community outreach, and evangelism

are extremely important parts of a vibrant church,

they are not the same thing."

In general, evangelism and community outreach are typically done in your native language, with people that you likely know or have some knowledge of, and who have been exposed to God’s Word but have chosen for one reason of another not to listen or embrace it. While there may be some apprehension or uneasiness in how you approach sharing the gospel, there is little physical danger in what you are doing when you talk to your co-worker, relative, or neighbor about Christ.

In comparison, missions programs are cross-cultural, may require learning a foreign language or use of an interpreter, may require long distance travel to remote and hazardous areas, and may involve some level of temporary or long-term personal danger. Depending on the country, there may even be laws against sharing the gospel, establishing churches, and actively demonstrating your faith in our Lord. And, depending on the location and the people group there may be little or no access to Bibles, other believers, pastors, or even knowledge of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

While missions, community outreach, and evangelism are extremely important parts of a vibrant church, they are not the same thing.

What does the Bible tell us about missions?

As Christians, we are commanded to spread the gospel to every tribe, nation, and tongue. One of the most well-known verses regarding missions is found in Matthew 28 verses 19-20 where Jesus directs his disciples:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”.

But the message of missions, getting the word of God out to the world, carries throughout scripture. When God called Abram (Abraham), He said:

“All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Gen12:3)

The prophet Isaiah’s song of praise says “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. (Is 12:4) 

And David wrote “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples”. (Ps 96:3)

In the new testament the apostles record conversations with Jesus where He is very explicit about what He expects them to do. The words of our Savior leave no doubt that He told His disciples to go throughout the world and share the gospel. Consider the following:

He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Luke 10:2

Again, Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” John 20:21

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

Scripture is clear. We as a church and as His people are commanded by Him to spread the news of His saving grace for man to the far corners of the world. In practice, we do this through our mission’s programs at MCC. God has commanded we do it and we as a congregation faithfully obey His command by going, sending, and financially and prayerfully supporting our missions programs.

If you have questions about the difference between missions and outreach, we hope you will reach out to one of our mission team members or learn more by reading Denny Spitter and Matthew Ellison's book "When Everything is Missions".

Suffering seems to be a theme in my life lately. Not just going through it, but also learning and hearing perspectives on it. A couple weekends ago I was able to attend the Biblical Response to Mental Health conference and, not surprisingly, suffering was a significant theme throughout each of the topics. Then, as I’ve been reading through “Peacemaking Women” for my own personal study/growth, the various types of suffering filled the pages in the first section. Even if you didn’t get to attend the conference or aren’t reading the book, just looking around you as you go about your day shows a simple truth: we’re suffering. It’s a strong word that covers a broad variety (included would be grief, loneliness, anxiety, depression, etc.), but it’s a definite theme in our lives.

                So, amidst all this suffering, how in the world do we handle it? During the times it becomes unbearable and the times when it’s labeled as ‘a normal stress in life’? The natural response we’ve learned to give is “together, of course!” Except, how many times do we say but not do? To take a step further, how many times do we jump at the chance to serve someone, to be there by their side during a hardship and then refuse help or don’t ask for any when our own needs arise?

                We’ve tricked ourselves into thinking that simply saying “I’m doing alright!” or “I’m okay” to friends at church is a perfectly acceptable response to the usual “how are you doing?”. Yet I’ve been learning that I’m training myself to rely on me only to cover my needs. To point the finger back to myself, just last week I was suffering from immense physical pain, hobbling around as discreetly as possible because I was embarrassed to have been injured and hurting. Someone would notice, of course, and ask if I was alright. I simply waved them off with a smile and “Oh it’s just life!” A text from a friend afterwards reminded me that it is perfectly ok to share my needs. In fact, looking back, it’s really ridiculous the way I was feeling about it. You may have even laughed or given a ‘what?!’ face to your computer screen as you read this. The fact remains, however, that it is what I felt in the moment. How many of us do that, though? How many times do we try to hide our suffering- be it physical, spiritual, emotional- from the rest of the world? We’ve heard it spoken from the topic of not letting pride get in the way- and that’s perfectly true- but I ask, how many of us do it out of a sense of not wanting to become a burden to others. Maybe especially if we already know that that friend that is asking us is suffering from their own personal things? I know I’d raise my hand on that one. I hate the idea of being a burden to someone else. Yet I never, ever think others are being a burden to me when they ask me for something. Instead, I am honored that they would include me in this detail of their life. So why don’t I do the same back to them?

"Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ." Galations 6:2

                Going back to the right response of suffering together, I’ve realized that I really don’t suffer with anyone. Not truly. I may sit with them during lunch and listen to the stress of their life, or hold their hand during a grandparent’s funeral, or hug them in silence as they cry on my shoulder, but that doesn’t quite count as suffering with.

                In the Peacemaking Woman book, Tara (one of the authors) shared about a time that she had suffered next to a neighbor. The two were in polar opposite seasons of their lives; Tara was a mom all alone with a toddler and a newborn trying to care for them and keep her sanity, her neighbor was a mom of three with her own mother just ten minutes down the road who was always available to help. Tara’s husband was struggling with his job and making ends meet, her neighbors were flourishing financially with the husband’s new promotion and about to buy a beautiful house. Tara shared that her heart grew bitter during this season, knowing her own suffering and her neighbor’s joy. Yet within that same year, their roles suddenly swapped. Tara’s husband got a new job that put them in a better financial situation, her mother came to live with them to be helpful, and she had finally found her rhythm in her season of motherhood. Her neighbor, however, was now truly suffering as her husband lost his job, her mother passed away suddenly, and her baby was constantly fussy with colic. As Tara stood by the casket of her neighbor’s mother, she suddenly realized that her bitterness in the past had destroyed the chance her current-self had from being able to suffer with her neighbor.

"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater lover has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." John 15:12-13

                Although she was dealing with bitterness, not a fear of being a burden to others, the situation still applies the same.  When we deny others from being a part of our burdens and sharing our suffering, we deny ourselves the chance at a future of being there for them in their turn. I speak mostly to myself as this is something God has been working on in me lately. Be it pride, not wanting to be a burden, or bitterness/envy that keeps me from allowing others in to see my hurts and pains and to be there with me, the point is that it’s keeping me from true and harmonious fellowship with others. Because no matter how open I am to bearing other’s burdens and being there for them when they need me, if they never get to do the same for me they will eventually start to feel guilty for always being the one that needs something and soon they may not even come to me anymore.

                So when we say we need to bear each other’s burdens and suffer together, sometimes that means you’re the one on the other end of the suffering stick. Maybe it’s time for you to ask for help- even if it’s simply reaching out on a Sunday afternoon and, instead of saying “I’m fine”, be honest and say “Things are hard right now, but I know you need to get to service… can we grab coffee this week and talk?”

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Proverbs 17:17

                Today I got to witness the most beautiful form of community within the sisterhood at church. We got to pray over a beloved friend as a prayer quilt was given to her. The quilt had been made by a group of women in the church from Sisters in Stitches and had been prayed over multiple times. This woman allowed all of us, even ones she may not know very well personally but will know eternally, into her personal life to share in her suffering. To love on her, to pray over her, to be there for her. And I plan to practice my own words the next time one of those women ask me, “How are you doing today, Sarah?” by being honest- even if it must be brief- and allow them to share my burden with me.

Can we sit down and be real for a minute?  Great.  I’ll go first.

Confession: I have road rage.

And not just run-of-the-mill anger at bad drivers.  Oh no.  It’s far more unsettling than that.

I’m angry at slow drivers for being in my way.  Or you know - just for being on the road AT ALL.

I’m angry at fast drivers for risking the lives of everyone around them.

I’m angry at the people driving the same speed as me because I can’t figure out how to pass them.

Do you see this?  I’m mad at all the drivers on the road.  ALL of them.

My friends tell me they always see me on the road and wave to me, but I never notice them.

One friend told me that she and her husband were driving right next to me, waving and honking, and I didn’t ever see them.  She said I looked very, very mad.

Do you know what, Kellie? I was.

But I didn’t know it at the time.  This is a relatively new revelation for me.  My kids laughed at me last week when I said out loud (to someone I don’t even know, mind you) “You are literally ruining everything”.  Why?  Because they had the audacity to drive super slow in front of me while I was in a massive hurry to park downtown.

“Mama, are they really ruining everything?” Andy asked through his laughter.

I’m sure I snapped back with a “YES”.

Yeah, I thought about the example I was setting.  And I thought about how the words I say at the breakfast table with our Bible open don’t really line up with the words I say about the people driving in my general vicinity. 

I felt bad for a minute and decided (again) that I should probably keep my comments to myself.

"Praise God for difficulties and distresses and weaknesses that bring us to our knees in defeat!  Praise God that His grace is sufficient to conquer everything in my life that shouldn’t be there and to make my life something that displays His own power!" 

I hope you are having a good laugh at my expense.  I deserve it.  But guess what?  It gets even worse…

This morning, my boys and I read a devotion that was based on Philippians 4:13.  As you may know, this is the oft quoted “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” verse.  It’s a good one.

“Hey guys,” I said, “Does this mean that if you believe hard enough, Jesus will strengthen you to be able to pick up boulders like the Incredible Hulk?”

Ha ha.

We talked about what it really means….that whether we are poor or not, whether we are hungry or not, whether we are in a good place or not…in every circumstance, we have a choice.

We can do the things alone, through our puny and ineffective effort.

Or we can do them through Jesus…through the strength that conquered death.

We can wash dishes through Jesus who strengthens us. We take a test through Jesus who strengthens us. We can comfort someone through Jesus who strengthens us. We can build spreadsheets through Jesus who strengthens us.

We can do ALL THINGS through Jesus who strengthens us.

So, “Boys?” I said confidently, “Today, Mama’s going to drive through Jesus who strengthens me!”  They weren’t that impressed.  But I was impressed with my own resolve, to tell you the truth.

It was the worst day of driving EVER!  I lost count of the times I clenched my teeth, audibly growled, or just simply tensed up every muscle in my body in absolute rage against people I’ve never met today!  And I guess this is what worries me…I really can’t stop this on my own. My rage-driving has become an actual habit that I can’t stop.

Alright…so I’m in a different posture tonight than I was this morning. Today was embarrassing, eye-opening, and humbling. The truth is that my ridiculous anger while driving stems from deep selfishness.

I really must believe that I deserve to drive on roads that are free of obstacles, at whatever speed I want to travel, without red lights or stop signs or people.

And you’ve probably guessed that I tend to take this attitude into much of my life. 

“I deserve a life free of surprises (the bad ones), obstacles, or inconveniences or people who make life hard.”  That is what I really believe. 

And it’s a lie.

Paul, the writer of the letter to the Philippians, learned contentment in want and in prosperity because to him, to live was Christ.  His very life was not “Paul”…Paul’s schedule, Paul’s preferences, Paul’s talents, Paul’s self-fulfillment.  His every pursuit, his every thought, his very life, was Jesus.

If my life was Jesus, my thoughts while driving (and actually, through most of my day) would be very different. 

The good news is that none of this is a surprise to Him.  And my abject failure to get myself under control as I drive to the ball field is a great invitation from God to come near and get more of Him…to be transformed by the renewing of my mind; to see more of that old self die off and the inner man grow stronger. 

“Therefore we do not lose heart; but indeed if our outward man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.”

- 2 Corinthians 4:16

Oh praise God for His patience with me!  Praise God for difficulties and distresses and weaknesses that bring us to our knees in defeat!  Praise God that His grace is sufficient to conquer everything in my life that shouldn’t be there and to make my life something that displays His own power!  (See 2 Corinthians 12:9 - 10). “When I am weak, then I am strong!"

HWJD? (How Would Jesus Drive)

Yeah - I don’t know.  I’ve got a long road ahead to find out (pun totally intended).  But my final praise here is that it is God who will finish the work He started in me (Philippians 1:6).  He will do it.  My job is simply to seek Him in earnest, as Paul did.

Ok.  Your turn.

What is that one habit, that one thing, that one obstacle that pushes your buttons? Will you lay it at Christ’s feet?