When you think about going on a summer trip, what comes to your mind? Some people think about beautiful sandy beaches. Others are drawn to the mountains. Maybe you are a family that loves going to Six Flags or Disney. Often, when we think about summer trips, we are thinking about rest, relaxation, and fun.
However, as you are reading this, a group of 26 youth and adults are on a different kind of trip. They are serving up in Minneapolis, MN, on a mission trip. Among other mission projects, our team is partnering with a Hispanic church, Alfa y Omega, and serving with them.
Our team will be doing physical labor in both the church and members’ homes. They also will be leading backyard Bible clubs for the church. Finally, they will be partnering with other missions agencies in Minneapolis to serve those in need and share the Gospel with the lost.
I am always so thankful for people who sacrifice their time to do this kind of “trip.” God’s heart is for us to be on mission. To go and to serve others. One of my favorite verses in Scripture is 2 Corinthians 5:20. It says:
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.””
Think about what it means to be an ambassador. An ambassador represents the interests of their country/kingdom as they live and serve in another country or kingdom. They are a representative of that country’s government or monarchy. As ambassadors, we represent God to a lost and broken world. He is making His appeal through us!
One of the best ways for the church to represent God well in this world is through missions. When a group of students and adults take a week of their summer to go and serve those in need in Minnesota, I believe that the lost world around them notices.
However, it is important to note that we aren’t just ambassadors for God when we go on a mission trip. Rather, we are ambassadors for God each and every day. The way that we live our lives matter! What can we do to make sure we are clearly showing the love of Christ to the world around us?
I want to encourage you to be in prayer for our Minneapolis Mission Team. Pray that they will be ambassadors who represent King Jesus well as they serve in Minnesota. In addition, I want to encourage you to be praying for your own ambassadorship. Take a few moments this week and examine your life. Are you representing the interests of the Kingdom of God well in your neighborhood and community?
It is commendable to go on a mission trip. It is just as commendable to live boldly for Christ right here in St. Louis. Whether it is on a mission trip or in our everyday lives, let’s commit to being positive witnesses for Christ!
In Him,
Pastor Zach