Someone once told me that you grow as a person by the places you go, the books you read and the people you meet. I agree with this statement. God has allowed me to be a part of several different mission endeavors all across the world and for this I am thankful! What about you? Here are 5 reasons why every person should travel and see other parts of the world and every Christian should go at least once and experience a different culture.
1. Getting out of your comfort zone. We as Americans are so spoiled to the “extras” in life, most of the world is not as developed as the U.S.A. and lacks some things we think are necessities and take for granted. Here are some examples: clean water, good sewer systems, ice, air conditioners…etc.
2. All men are created equal, “one of the best-known sentences in the English language” –sound familiar? We often can have the attitude that we are somehow superior to other people from other countries and nations. We may have more “stuff” but we can learn a lot about work, family and dedication to God from our brothers and sisters from other parts of our planet.
3. Exposure. We live in a visual world and it can be very difficult to imagine what another place or country is like until you actual see it for yourself. Read the words of Christ in Matthew 9:35-37 sometimes we simply need to go and see.
4. Heavenly perspective. When we worship alongside christian brothers and sisters from another language, tribe, or nation we get a glimpse of how we will gather around the Throne room of God as all nations will worship God for who He Is!!! On my most recent trip to Puerto Rico worshiping with the Puertoricans was the highlight for my group.
5. Experience & Unity. Each opportunity I have had to travel with friends and kids in previous youth groups I form a bond with them that will always be. The unity of a group of people formed on a mission trip is powerful. The experience will always be a memory that you share together with your team! One thing that comes to mind as I shared with my group before we left is to be FLEXIBLE, anything can happen and each day is a new adventure!
God gives us the command to GO, pray this prayer as you GO,
“Lord I want to see as you see and understand as You understand”
Now trust God to be with you and GO!!!
Well said little bro….We are going to have to go somewhere together sometime….
By: sheltonjohn on July 2, 2009
at 11:36 pm