A Mission Trip Testimony

Traveling & Serving In The Mission Field

Have you every thought about going on a FaithLife Ministries mission trip, prayed about going, wondered if you could do it, supported a trip financially, talked about the possibility, or said to yourself “I want to, but I do not have the time or money”?   Well, stop thinking and doubting and just DO IT !!

The Bible says, “If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:16-17).  Barry physically needs YOU to help him on the various trips.  He needs teachers, companionship, helpers, mission minded workers, people wanting to help others, individuals that want to help equip others to go out and spread the Gospel and/or individuals willing to take their next step in Spiritual maturity. Do not become ‘dead’.  Increase your faith with ‘action’.

I just returned from a trip to Albania with Barry.  For years I have had the same doubts many of you have had; I am not a teacher, I do not know the materials, I am not good with foreign languages, I am afraid to travel to 3rd world countries,  I cannot afford it,  I don’t have the time, etc.   Let me tell you from experience that a mission trip with Barry will quench all those thoughts and make you realize how insignificant those ideas are.   First, Barry is an excellent trip planner.  He has every trip well planned and every detail organized.  The Management for Church Leaders™ materials are all written out and very easy to learn.  Most of the information in the manual is in an outline form and note based which makes it easy to paraphrase.  Each teaching session has an interpreter plus many people you will interact with understand some English. Barry can supply you examples and ideas on how to raise money for a trip.  You will be surprised how many people will back you.  Let God raise the funds. Traveling is very easy these days and accommodations may not be the Hilton, but you will be more comfortable than you perhaps expect.

One important thing is that you will often be blessed as much from the trip as the group you will be teaching. First, your understanding of other countries and cultures will be greatly expanded.  You will meet and make friends with enthusiastic Christians.   We in America are fairly complacent with our religion, but these newer Christians, pastors and leaders are so filled with The Lord and have a compassion to reach others with the Word, it cannot help but increase your Spiritual growth.

Our recent trip was to Tirana, Albania in May.  We taught the Management for Church Leaders™ material to some 12 Campus Crusades for Christ – Albania staff and about another 20 local pastors and church leaders from the Tirana area.  We found that these management skills are greatly needed and appreciated. They get so much advice in special seminars about evangelism, church planting and outreach throughout their studies, but lack the essentials of how to manage people and resources.

Albania was much more advanced than I expected.  Since Albania was a former Communist block country, I pictured more of a ‘backward’ nation with older rundown buildings and limited food choices.  There are so many new modern buildings going up since the fall of Communism and extensive trade with other Western European countries that it was very pleasant.  Their new mall included all the modern electronic and clothing shops and a food store that made a Super Wal-Mart look small.  Pricing in Albania is very reasonable, especially eating out where you can get a nice meal with drinks for about 500 LEK ($5).  The people are so warm and friendly to Americans.  They pride themselves in their English and trying to make you feel at home.  Never once did I feel threatened even in this predominantly Muslim country.  The entire experience was wonderful.

So, GO on a trip with Barry.  Most of all remember the Great Commission “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. “  (Matthew 28:19) But most of all remember the last section, “And surely I am with you always, ….”  So, stop the excuses and forget those fears and volunteer to go with Barry.  God will surely bless your experience !