I will be leaving soon for Haiti.  I have read and heard many of the stories of the devastation and unbelievable circumstances I will witness on this journey. Many people think I am brave for leaving the safety of my country and going into one that is in such chaos and turmoil.

I am not brave; I am confident. I am not restless; I am at peace. I am not fearful; I am courageous. I am not doubtful; I am trusting. However, I need to make it abundantly clear that all of my confidence, peace, courage and trust are from our God.

About three years ago I had a friend go on her first-ever mission trip to Africa. She was very afraid, but when she arrived there she no longer thought about herself and all of her fears. She began to embrace the beauty of the people and the hearts of those who were so thirsty for love. She has been on several mission trips since that time and shares with me that there is nothing more rewarding and fulfilling than seeing the love of God in the children’s eyes.

I look forward to fulfilling a dream that I’ve had since I was a young girl. When I was about 11 or 12 years old I would watch Sally Struthers as she stood in the slums of other countries and advocated for “Feed the Children.”  Oh, how my heart desired to send money to the aid of those children. I was delighted when I had the honor of being chosen to represent our congregation when I was about 14 years old as an exchange student on mission in Mexico.  It was an incredible trip and one I will never forget. But all those memories and desires got lost somewhere deep inside as I grew older and took my life into my own hands.

Suddenly over the past few years, the yearning has returned. I thought I was headed to Africa, which didn’t happen, and then I thought I would be traveling to Turkey this past September, but that didn’t work out either. There was discussion of another trip to Africa with a group of my friends, but it didn’t come together for me. Now, here I am, headed to Haiti, and I couldn’t feel more honored to make this mission.  I didn’t know it would turn out this way; that I would be journeying to the most impoverished country in the Western Hemisphere. I didn’t know that immediately after I purchased my airline ticket, there would be an outbreak of cholera that would be slowly moving toward the capital city where I will be traveling. Here is the amazing and wonderful thing about it, I am at peace. I am at peace knowing God is with me. I walk in His love; I thirst to walk with Him into the places and lives to which He leads me. James 1:27 shares with us that “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”  The Bible shows us that orphans and widows hold one of the most precious and softest spots of the Lord’s heart. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve God in this mission.  I am thankful that I get to be a vessel of His love and light in a country that has all but lost its hope. I know God doesn’t need me to accomplish what He wants.  I know nothing is too hard for Him; but I know too, how much He loves for His children to come together to share His incredible love with the world.

I could not be making this journey if I did not believe that God is who He says He is, He can do what He says He can do, I am who God says I am, I can do all things through Christ’s strength and God’s Word lives in me! Five years ago, I would have said you were absolutely insane if you told me I would be making this trip. I couldn’t even walk out of my flat in Australia for all my fears at that time! Today, I am alive and nothing matters about what I do except to bring Him glory and honor by living for Him out of His strength. This is how God’s love has changed my life.  It may not be the same for you; we are each uniquely designed and a masterpiece in the eyes of our God to be used for His glory!

Perhaps your mission field is your neighborhood, your community, your school or your work. Have you traveled to a foreign country for missions? What about another state? What is it that pulls your heartstrings and creates a desire for you to share God’s love with others? Is it through mission trips or daily missions in your life? Where ever it is, trust that God is with you every step of the way and will clear the obstacles for His will.

“Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” Mark 16:15 (NIV)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)