(written by: Aidan Carson)

For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died.” 2 Corinthians 5:14 (New American Standard Bible)

In the short (or long) 21 years of my life I have had the privilege of being a part of awesome works of the Lord. It took no convincing for me to jump on board when Pastor Doug mentioned we intended to go back to Czechia this summer. Now less than 2 weeks out I find myself so amazingly excited and curious about what this trip will bring.

But what specifically am I excited about? The thrill of international travel? Seeing friends that I haven’t visited in a year? Getting to teach and play sports for a week? Tasting spectacular Czech food?

All this is great but as God is preparing my heart to return to the Czech Republic, I’m realizing these hopes are not the main motives. In the business of life and the frenzy of planning camp, it can be easy to focus on the work and the fruits of it, but not who I’m working for.

when I get in this rut, the question I often ask is: “why am I doing this?” And the answer is simple, powerful, and painted across God’s word and I am seeing it play out in my life:

God himself chose to give me hope from hopelessness. Love though I did not love Him first. Peace when there is chaos all around me, and freedom when I was once dead in my sin.

I have been finding that when I think about this, I realize the true excitement behind being a part of this mission team. We are here to bring the life changing power of Jesus, it’s His love that compels us!

Jesus’ love is the greatest thing to be excited about!

Prayer Requests and Praises:

  • Health of the entire mission team (Czech and Americans).
  • Coordination of final details between Czechs and Americans.
  • Praise: Supplies for the camp are now completely purchased.
  • Praise: The camp is now full.
  • Praise: God has been faithful, Family Bible Church mission team is fully funded.