Life Transforming Love

My husband and I returned a couple of days ago from a junior high mission trip in La Porte, Texas.  Neither of us has ever participated in a youth mission trip, even though our daughter went on several when she was in high school.  Back then she did NOT want her parents along to "ruin" her fun.

When our church announced that adults were needed to go on the trip, it was as if God said to me "Get your bags packed, you're going."  I told my hubbie that I had to go with or without him, but I preferred it to be with him.  He obliged, naturally.  :)

My eagerness and determination to go should not be construed to mean that I had a lack of fear or anxiety about accompanying our youth on their first, and my first, mission trip.  I was plenty scared.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10

Boy, is that verse true!  God answered our prayers, strengthened us and helped us.  We aren't spring chickens any more, but with God's presence we were physically, emotionally and spiritually strong enough for anything that might happen.

We're so thankful that we listened to God's calling and accompanied our youth on their  trip!  We are both forever changed by our experience.  Let me just list a few of the things we learned in those 3 days.

• Youth want non-family adults to take an interest in their lives.  Not only do they "want" that, but they need it. 
• When you take time to get to know kids, when they understand that you truly care about them, they will let you into their world.  That may include asking your opinion about an important issue (when is the last time your own teenager asked your opinion?), or asking you what the Bible says about a specific topic, or just sharing how they feel about something or someone.
• Kids will follow your example, even if at first they are fearful.  If they see you encourage, they will encourage.  If they see you love unconditionally, they will love unconditionally.  If they see you worship God with abandon, they will be comfortable in connecting with God.
• It doesn't matter your age or circumstance or ability, everyone can make an impact in the world and bring the love of Jesus to others.

Our worship experiences at camp were absolutely incredible!  At times, there was not a dry eye among the 116 attendees.  Worship was always about God and showing Him how much we love and need Him.  It is never about us, even though we try to make it so.

But true to God's nature, He always has more to give than we understand or anticipate.  So, even though our intent and purpose was to worship Him, He filled us with to overflowing with His joy and love.  Teenagers flocked to the altar, raised their hands to heaven and praised God with tears pouring down their faces. 

What a joyous and fulfilling sight!  If I died tomorrow, I would be at peace and happy with the gifts of abundance that God has given me.  The last night of worship with everyone on their feet at the front of the sanctuary, praising God, I thought this is exactly what Jesus was talking about when he said,

"I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."  - John 10:10

Be love and be blessed,