There are moments that resonate deep within your soul, echoes of faith in action that leave an indelible mark. The last week of March was a vibrant testament to the power of young hearts ignited by a desire to serve. I had the profound privilege of leading 27 incredible students and their dedicated leaders from Victory Academy in Indiana on a mission trip that went far beyond tasks completed; it was a journey of spiritual growth, shared love, and unwavering dedication.
From the moment they arrived, these young men and women embodied the spirit of Colossians 3:23-24: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.” They didn’t just go through the motions; they poured their energy and enthusiasm into every task, understanding that their efforts were a direct offering to God.
Their quick and wholehearted response to the call of Isaiah 6:8, “Here am I! Send me!”, was truly inspiring. There was no hesitation, only a beautiful willingness to be used by God in whatever way He saw fit. As the days unfolded and the physical demands grew, their initial eagerness didn’t wane. Instead, fueled by a deeper purpose, their hearts grew even fuller. They pressed on, leaning into God’s strength and refusing to give up.
What struck me most was their complete surrender to God’s plans. They held their hands and hearts open, trusting that His will was far greater than any preconceived notions or personal agendas. It was a powerful reminder that the Lord can accomplish immeasurably more with a simple “yes” and a willing spirit than with all the skills and meticulous planning in the world.
I can only imagine the countless times Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” echoed in their minds and perhaps even on their lips as they faced the hot sun and demanding physical labor. Yet, each evening, weariness transformed into joyful celebration as we gathered to share stories of the day, each anecdote a testament to God’s presence in our midst.
We painted with purpose, scraped walls with diligence, built concrete paths step by painstaking step, moved stubborn rocks with collective effort, and leveled uneven land with a shared vision. Beyond the physical work, there were moments of pure connection – the laughter shared during a spontaneous game of ball with local children after church, serving at the local food bank and the unexpected visits to welcoming congregations where our voices and instruments blended in heartfelt worship. Whether the melodies were in English or Spanish, the language of our hearts resonated in spirit and truth.
Leading this team was not about perfection; it was about walking alongside them, working shoulder to shoulder, and witnessing their individual and collective growth in the Lord. It was a privilege to experience the Father’s love alongside these remarkable young people.
This mission trip was more than just a week of service; it was a profound lesson in faith, dedication, and the boundless power of a willing heart. The students of Victory Academy didn’t just complete tasks; they planted seeds of kindness, built bridges of understanding, and radiated the love of Christ in tangible ways. Their journey serves as an inspiring reminder that no matter our age, when we answer God’s call with open hearts, He can work wonders through us. Their “yes” echoed far beyond the dusty roads and construction sites, leaving an enduring impact on the lives they touched and on my own heart as well.
Prayer Requests:
- Please keep me in your prayers as I continue to lead trips this summer. Pray for me to surrender my agenda to the Lord and for the teams to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
- Please pray about what is calling YOU to do next!
- Is HE calling YOU to intercede in prayer?
- Is HE calling YOU to GO?
- or is HE calling YOU to give?
Would you consider partnering with me in what God is doing in the mission field? A monthly contribution ($5, $10, $15, $25 or more) will make a huge impact for God’s kingdom on earth.
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