the missions exposure trip in a nutshell

the calling.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

(Isaiah 6:8)

asking for permission.

on my first attempt more than a year ago, i was told, "next time." little did my parents know that they would keep their word. even though each time i tried to ask for their permission, they added a new condition, that didn't hinder me from going. on my nth attempt on the sunday after the deadline for confirmation, they said yes.

the preparation.

a month of meditation on experiencing joy in spite of trials. i was afraid that joy wouldn't be manifested in me given my emotional state at that time. i found it so difficult to pack, thinking that i couldn't possibly be of any use at the missions trip.

fears.

i was afraid of going out of my way to talk to strangers, even handing out tracts seemed like a scary job.

no fear nor shame.

I, even I, am He who comforts you
Who are you that you are afraid of man who dies
And of the son of man who is made like grass

(Isaiah 51:12)

If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels.

(Mark 8:38)

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

(Romans 1:16)

the harvest.

The LORD has bared His holy arm
In the sight of all the nations,
That all the ends of the earth may see
The salvation of our God...
For the LORD will go before you,
And the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

(Isaiah 52:10, 12)

i witnessed how the Lord worked in preparing the missions team, the hearts of the people, and the place. lucban was so ripe for the gospel and i had the honor of being called to harvest.