In 2023, I have resumed international mission travels. Today I am in Ecuador! The next ten days will find me visiting several churches, speaking at a national men’s retreat in Colombia, and (hopefully) teaching at a Christian school in southern Colombia where the rector extended an invitation to speak to the students about spiritual formation. Travel has become more stressful. I am already being reminded that travel brings to my life great blessing.
Stressful–because weather easily interrupts connections, airplanes are full and people (fellow passengers) are unpredictable, I am getting older.
Blessed–because of time spent with friends and those of like precious faith, messages and conversations with Christians who have a heart for missions, the opportunity and challenge of working on new presentations, encouraging words received.
Several years ago, after I had returned from a mission trip, an elder from Nicaragua wrote me, “Brother Bob…muchas gracias…may God keep blessing you in the precious ministry he has put in your hands.” I often think of those words, that phrase: “the ministry God has put in your hands.” Those words of encouragement remind me that God has blessed me in wonderful ways. I continually get to work with, spend time with, and communicate with the most wonderful people on the face of the earth–God’s spiritual Kingdom family. We share common goals, dreams, and hopes. We long for the spiritual growth of the church and the development of healthy, capable churches around the world. We long for the salvation of souls brought to the feet of Jesus.
May I encourage you today to contemplate “the ministry God has put in your hands.” I am confident that God has something for you to do. Pray about it, find that ministry, and do it with all your being to God’s glory!