Outreach

“A Life Changing Trip”

By Carolyn Chandler

It's hard to believe I've been in the Christian and Missionary Alliance church for 45 years and never gone on a mission trip—until now. I'd heard exciting stories and seen lives changed. But mission trips were for other people, not me. However, God seemed insistent about this trip. I was asked to go on it 3 times and responded that I didn't have any of the skills it required. I finally attended an information meeting and ended up in a group on a 14 hour trip to Louisiana, not knowing where we would stay or what we would do.

On the first day we learned that our job was to repair the home of an 88 year old man. We would be the last team so if we didn't do it the job wouldn't get done. As we pulled up to the house, it looked like the hurricane had been through. Debris was everywhere and there was a big dumpster sitting in the front yard. We unloaded and went inside.

Our first assignment was to fix a room needing new plaster that would have to be sanded and painted along with a new wooden floor installed. After a 5 minute lesson, I was handed a tub of plaster and a trowel. (On my first church mission trip and they were encouraging me to "get plastered") I was way out of my comfort zone and skill set. But I set my mind to the task and went to work anyway.

By the end of the week, the house was completely transformed—freshly painted, renovated kitchen, new doors, new woodwork etc. It was now a wonderful living space. And I was transformed too. Because I learned that mission trips are not about what we can or cannot do. In fact, it's not about us at all, but rather what the Lord can do through us. It's not about our ability but our availability. I returned home with a new appreciation for the truth that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Phil 4:13).

I finally understand why the same people go on mission trips time after time…because once you go…you get it!

I thank God for a church that gives us so many opportunities to serve Him. Through service, God demonstrates his Lordship in our lives along with His Almighty faithfulness. I started out thinking I could do hardly anything. I returned knowing God can do everything. He asks that we simply demonstrate a willing heart. And He supplies the rest!