This past week I had the opportunity to go to Memphis, Tennessee with 26 of the best teenagers ever (and some pretty cool chaperones) and preach the gospel and work on various other projects. It was my 4th time at this particular location, and it was amazing like all the other times have been. On Monday, we began a sports camp with the sweetest kids ever. Throughout the week, they learned more about football, basketball, and cheerleading, but they also learned more about Jesus. It did not take long at all for each one of them to steal our hearts! We watched them become more advanced in the skills they were learning and we watched them grow more eager to hear the Word of God. The Lord did a great work in the kids' hearts, as well as in the hearts of our youth group. For me, leaving on the last day gets harder and harder every year. I have learned so much from these trips over the years, and I believe that a lot of what I have learned could be beneficial to many people, so I thought I would share.
For starters, I have learned what it means to put others before myself. Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." There were many times on our trip that I could have chosen to be selfish. There were moments when I was tired; it was an exhausting trip! However, I had to learn to not let that get in my way. I had to put 100% of my energy into loving kids, teaching them about Jesus, being the best example I could be, and everything else that related to our mission. The struggle of selfishness is not just something that happens on mission trips! It is something we (including myself) must strive defeat everyday in order to have a more Christlike attitude.
Another major thing I have learned is that God has us where we are at any given moment for a reason. From all these trips, I have discovered my heart for children and for missions. I would pack my bags and move to Memphis tonight if I could! However, I know that's not God's plan for me right now. That doesn't mean I can't find somewhere to serve where I am currently! There will always be someone I can share the love of Christ with wherever I'm at. I have seen a lot of people become discouraged because they have some big dream for their life and they know exactly where they want to be, but it just won't come soon enough. I am guilty of this as well. God has shown me to be patient and to make the most of where I am right now.
A third thing I have learned is how to love like Jesus loved. Jesus loved boldly. Jesus loved graciously. Jesus loved unconditionally. All too often we stay in our comfort zones because we are scared. Sometimes we don't want to forgive someone because they have hurt us. We even pay more attention to the outward appearance of others rather than what is on the inside. The Lord has called us to so much more than that!! Acts 1:8 says, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." That means we are called to love everyone, no matter what they look like, where they come from, or what they have done to us.
Through these mission trips, I have been blessed to be a blessing. I hope what I have learned will help others as well!
-Bekah
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