Let's talk missions!

As many of you may know, I went with an amazing group on a medical mission trip to Peru in May! I learned so much about myself, my team, the wonderful Peruvians, and of course Jesus! 

Mission work can be very challenging and humbling but also so rewarding. Let’s focus on three points today: 

1. Go. “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’” Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬. Go out into the world and share the gospel. If they haven’t heard the gospel, then they have no way of accepting Jesus into their heart and their lives. “For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬.

   
   

2. Do good. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV‬. In Peru, we ran a medical clinic with different healthcare professionals (nurses, nurse practitioners, doctors, pharmacists, and dentists) and many others who worked in different ways, playing an important role in helping provide amazing care for these people. We were exhausted by the end of the day but it was so good to know we did good in Peru that day. We continued to pour into the Peruvians day after day and God gave us the ability to do so. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV. Do mission work with a good mindset. When you focus on what you can do for those around you, you do gain so much personally from the relationships you build and watching God work. 

   
   

3. Love others. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” 1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬. Just taking the time to talk with the Peruvian people, whether they were in the patient role, a child in the orphanage, or a seller at the market, we were able to build relationships. Many of them just wanted to have a conversation and see that we cared about them. Love can be shown simply as taking the time to listen. “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬.

   
   

I was called to go, do good, and love others. I hope this encourages you to do the same :) 

• “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬. 

Go. Do good. Love others. Be the light. 

Love always, 

Kate Tharp