Growing in Love in Puerto Rico
I led a mission trip to Puerto Rico at the end of July. Though I had been a part of 9 other mission trips, and had led smaller parts, this was my first time being the primary lead for one. I was nervous, and wanted to make sure it went well for everyone.
Sideswiping a parked vehicle in San Juan on our first full day was not part of the plan.
By our last work day, it hit me that this trip felt more emotional for me than the others I have been a part of. I spent days trying to figure out why, and I think it’s a number of things:
— It was a blessing that my wife and sons could be with me. That was our first time doing this (not including our time in Allendale, SC, or several return trips there).
— For the most part, it was that first trip where I went back and worked with the same local people. Maybe part of it was getting to know more of Julio’s story, and seeing Hector and Kenneth and Barbara again, and seeing how close we are to finishing Tabane’s house.
— I think this team was the first time when I felt close to and cared for each and every team member. On every trip, there has been a few folks that I connected with well. But this team experience was different for me (and it will make it hard to not compare to for future trips!).
— Each person on the team shared a brief version (2–4 minutes) of their salvation story early in the week. What their life was before Jesus, how they came to put their faith in Jesus, and what their life has been like since. This helped us see what we have in common, and helped us appreciate what others have gone through.
I think all of these were real reasons why this trip was emotional for me. But then it hit me what my prayer was at the beginning of the week, that I shared with the team. My prayer was that I would LOVE well. And not just do loving actions, but deeply and sincerely love in my heart. Loving and being emotional are not natural for me, so this was a legit concern/worry for me.
The second day after we returned, I realized that God answered my prayers (and the team’s prayers for me). He gave me a deep and real love for each person.
So, because of the opportunity to be with and love and be loved by all 15 others on the team, I got to experience the Holy Spirit at work in my life.
I am thankful to God, and to each person on the team! I hope we can stay connected, even in small ways and maybe not all of us at once. But even as we go separate ways and continue our walks with Jesus, we can be encouraged by knowing that God brought us together and used each other to minister in our lives. And we get to serve on mission for Him, together and separately at the same time.
For God’s Kingdom.
