Doug Perry’s message at the teen devotional tonight was on the topic of actually trying to convert others to Christ. It’s time to start asking myself am I really doing enough for the cause of Christ. It’s more than youth retreats, summer camps, teaching Bible class. It’s life. I don’t do half of what I should be doing. I can do good works all day long….contribute photos to the church bulletin….tape sermons….display songs on the screen at church. But is that a direct case for trying to convert others? Nope. It is time to get out of my comfort zone and start putting my knowledge to work. I guess that’s where grace comes in. I could never preach enough sermons to convert enough people to Christ. Grace covers that. But I still need to try my best. I am trying to encourage others to continue to follow Christ. On the other side of things, I am not good with meeting new people…studying with them…etc….
I have thought about going to El Salvador on a mission trip. I really don’t know if I will be employeed in April (when the trip is scheduled). I guess it is something I need to pray about. That’s something I don’t do enough of: Praying. I am the selfish type person that only prays when I need something. I need to develop a better prayer life.
Anyways back to El Salvador. I really need to think about it. I need to be going for the right reasons. Not for a vacation, for it will be hard work. Not to be able to brag others about going to another country. But because people need help there, both physically and spiritually. Am I up for it? I don’t know. Something to think about….
There. I’m not sure why I wrote all that down. Maybe it’s good therapy for myself.
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
My Redneck Past Keeps Nipping at My Heels
There was a conversation at work the other day. One person said that a group from his church was going on a mission trip to Pittsburgh, PA. They were going to work in the city in homeless shelters, visit people in nursing homes and a childrens’ hospital, etc. As it turns out, a church group from Pittsburgh, PA is coming to Nashville on a mission trip the same week and requested information about charity work that they could do while in town.
The major comments were that there is so much to do in your own community, why spend the time and money to travel somewhere else? Why not spend time volunteering and doing community mission work where they are?
I think that’s a good plan. I understand that people get wrapped up in travelling somewhere new and different and blazing a trail and trying to shine a light for Christ in the wilderness. However, sometimes I feel that people who plan mission trips are more interested in the “trip” and not in the “mission”.
Just my 2 cents. : )
bob