Tomorrow marks one month since English Camp ended. Again, I am surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of home. As I sit in my study writing this, the fan silently swirls overhead, two wall clocks tirelessly tick away their endless rhythm, and an episode from “Adventures in Odyssey” entertains my children in another room. From all appearances, life is back to normal. This, however, couldn’t be further from the truth. God has used the trip to change my perspectives on global missions in two primary ways. Let me explain.
First, missions work is easy. Really. As an ambassador for Christ, you don’t need amazing theology or superhuman strength – you just need love. The same love that God has poured out in our lives, we get to share with others. Love crosses cultural boundaries. Love conquers language barriers. The love of God is universally valued. Universally needed. During our short time in Czechia, we all had the opportunity to share God’s transforming love with those around us. In turn we received the same from the church that received us. Easy.
Second, missions work is hard. Really. You might be thinking of the long hours that we worked while at camp, or the jet lag, or any number of physical discomforts. This, however, is not what I mean. Missions work is hard because after building friendships, praying for, and investing in people that you come to love, you must inevitably leave them. I long to see all of our friends again, but I realize that some people have moved on, and the closeness of camp can never be recreated as it was. Hard.
So where do we go from here? That is really up to God. Both the CB Church in Český Těšín and Family Bible Church are exploring ways that we can continue working together for the Kingdom of God. I look forward to returning and I would be blessed to introduce you to the country and people that have left an indelible mark on my heart.