“Listen and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.”
Proverbs 19:20
I went on my first foreign short term mission trip to the nation of Kazakhstan in April of 1996, and it was the beginning of an incredible journey of faith for me and also led me into full time ministry! Over the past 25 years, I have been blessed to be a part of 136 foreign short term mission trips to 48 different nations. Through these trips and cultural experiences, God has taught me some valuable lessons about life and people. He has also given me a new and much broader perspective.
Here is my top 10 list of the things I have learned from Him on the foreign mission field (in reverse order):
#10 – Everything is edible, but not everything is tasty.
I have eaten horsemeat, dog meat, guinea pig, hippo, shark, snake, and many other unusual foods. And guess what? I am still here! And I never got sick from any of them either!
“As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself.” – Romans 14:14
#9 – Lack of air conditioning and hot showers will not harm you.
A cool shower after the heat of a day is actually refreshing. It’s amazing to me how well I adapted and adjusted to my surroundings rather quickly.
“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26
#8 – I have way too much stuff.
People I met usually had only 2 sets of clothes, the ones they were wearing and the ones they were washing. I had a closet full of clothes that I did not use or need. So, I got rid of them, mostly to those who needed them, such as the homeless and other charities.
“A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” – Luke 12:15
#7 – Americans have 2 things to offer – our money and our time.
We are a blessed nation with abundant resources, and we are a blessed people with abundant gifts to share. And when we give to others, we are blessed even more in return!
“Give, and it will be given to you.” – Luke 6:38
#6 – People are virtually the same in every culture.
All humans have the same needs and desires – meaningful work, to raise a family, to live in peace, and to be free. The family is the foundation of every society and God put freedom in the heart of all of His creation. People need hope to truly live, and true hope is only found in Jesus!
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
#5 – Happiness is not found in wealth or possessions, but in knowing God.
Being poor does not mean people are unhappy, and being rich does not mean people are happy. The poor in foreign nations are generally happier than wealthy Americans! True peace and contentment is in knowing God.
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” – 1 Timothy 6:17
#4 – The most important thing in life is our relationship with God and other people.
Life has a purpose with God. Relationships enrich our lives and the lives of others. The Church is a community of believers who have a relationship with Jesus and one another.
“All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” – John 13:35
#3 – The Bible is universal and applies to everyone, everywhere.
God’s word is flawless (Proverbs 30:3) and God’s Word never changes (Malachi 3:6). God’s principles were meant for all peoples in all places and in all times!
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16
#2 – Worship is a lifestyle, not Sunday church attendance.
We worship God by how we live. We worship God not only when we praise Him, but also when we trust Him, obey Him, share His love, and serve others.
“If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 4:11
#1 – The love of Christ cuts through every cultural boundary.
All people need the Lord. We cannot impact a culture without first impacting its people. I could always tell a Christian in every culture or nation by the smile on their face that comes from the joy in their hearts! We are called to make disciples of all nations! (Matthew 28:19)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
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I have been blessed beyond words by the experiences I have had serving people in other nations and by the personal relationships I have built across cultures and national boundaries. God is the one who has knit us all together in His tapestry of love and brotherhood, and I cannot imagine what life would be like without God’s presence and these dear friends in my life!