All Good Blog Post Archive

“and pray in my behalf, that speech may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel” Ephesians 6:19

Three oversized black duffle bags stare at me as I sit typing this blog. Each of them is almost filled with the supplies needed for our upcoming mission trip to the Czech Republic. Deflated footballs anticipate the life-giving breath of an air pump and the thrill of a perfect spiraling arc in the air of Czechia. English teaching packets yearn to be unveiled, and three five-pound bags of candy long to be cracked open like globetrotting pinatas as incentive to English language learners…

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Fear.  You know what I’m talking about.  Fear of spiders.  Fear of snakes.  Fear of heights.  Fear of public speaking.  At one time or another, we all need to deal with this unpleasant emotion. One of my biggest fears is the fear of the unknown.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians‬ ‭2:10‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

I recall a flashback to a high school class I had where we studied missions. This was in preparation for a trip to Romania to preach the gospel to people there. About a week from the departure date, one of the people in my class raised their hands and asked our teacher and trip leader, “I know that we have been preparing for a couple of months, but I still do not feel ready! Is it normal to feel this way? And should I feel this way at all?”

With only a little more than 3 weeks left before we begin our journey to the Czech Republic, I thought it would be fun to share one of the welcome videos that are being used to promote the English camp. We are praying that God uses this video to encourage students to come to camp where they will practice English, meet friends, and hear the good news about Jesus!

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”” Acts 2:38 (ESV)

Confession: I have never considered myself a “closer” – someone who lives to boldly “seal the deal”.  Perhaps part of my reason for this is that I don’t like pushy salespeople. I don’t want to be considered one of them in business, and certainly not with the Gospel of Christ.  When helping others make decisions, I prefer to provide information and let them come to their own conclusions.

“I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying; my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my countrymen, my kinsmen according to the flesh…” Romans 9:1-3 (NASB2020)
I remember first reading these words, thinking, “What should I get out of this passage?” I was a sophomore in high school in a theology class, and we were tasked to memorize an entire chapter of the book of Romans.

“Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16
One of the goals of this mission trip is to share the Gospel with the students who come to camp. This normally starts by stepping into a spiritual conversation. Asking the first question is often the most difficult part for me because of the uncertainty of how the other person will react. It requires boldness in an uncomfortable situation.

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity” Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)
One of the biggest ways I am seeing God work through our team is making us step out of our comfort zones. As an introvert, I tend to wait for someone else to introduce themselves to me, but God is calling me to step out and take a leap into friendship with the students that I meet. This means introducing myself first and not waiting for others to do the job that God has called me to do.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  John 13:34-35 (NIV)
I was nine years old when I first went away to summer church camp. I loved it so much that it was the highlight of my year and every year after through high school. I enjoyed the team competitions in both sports and Bible verse memorizations (I was born competitive!). I enjoyed making friends from outside of my little rural town. It’s been over fifty years…