Earlier this year our Missions Pastor told me he thought I was supposed to be a part of the team from our church planning a mission trip to Cochabamba, Bolivia this summer. Well, let me just say that this isn’t something he would say to me (or anyone else) lightly so I took what he said seriously. I had no plans to be part of such a trip this year. In fact, I thought my next trip would be as part of a team to Uganda. One of our own members is on the field there with Helping Hands Foreign Missions and since we have teams there annually, I assumed I would be a part of one of those teams.
So, I committed to pray about the Bolivia trip over the weekend back in the spring and quickly came to agree that God was leading me to be part of that team. For me, Uganda would have to wait. I quickly put together my support letters believing that God would stir the hearts of His saints and provide the funds for the trip. Our team departed for Bolivia on July 1st and arrived back home in South Georgia July 8th tired yet with full hearts.
While in country we went door-to-door in two cities near Cochabamba inviting families to send their children to our three-day Vacation Bible School (VBS) that we planned just for them. We planned to be in Cliza in the mornings and Tarata in the afternoons. Our ministry partners are already ministering in both communities so these VBS’ dovetailed nicely with the work they are doing. We were well received in each community and saw people come to faith in both.
Our team of nine came home tired but we also know that lives have been changed, including our own! As I’ve been reflecting on the time spent on this trip, I want to share some of those thoughts.
Impacting Eternity
Each follower of Jesus has a role to play in helping to carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). This mission gives each of an opportunity to impact eternity. Some of us are blessed to be the ones sent to these places far away while others join in the mission through their prayers and financial support. When we do, we impact eternity by sharing the gospel. On this trip, 24 came to faith in Christ!
What About Discipleship?
One of the questions I was frequently asked before this trip was about discipleship. “Is there a way we can ensure that any new believers are discipled?” This is a great question and one we have a great answer to: absolutely yes! We can be so confident because of the partners we have there. Our partner has people on the ground, infrastructure in place, and has committed financial resources to support this work long-term. They are there following up with these 24 people and their families, building relationships, and investing in their growth. When a team from our church returns next year, they will likely see many of those new brothers and sisters in Christ.
God Uses Ordinary People
I’ve read this statement, or others expressing a similar sentiment about God using ordinary people to do amazing things for Him. I’m here to tell you that is so true! Our multigenerational team ranged in age from 15 years old to a retired couple in their mid-60’s and featured a diverse skillset that was perfect for the work we were doing.
Each of those incredible people became very special to me during that trip but I am nearly certain none would describe themselves other than being just regular folks being obedient to God. There’s the thing though: obedience to God. Each member of our team felt called by the Lord to be there. Each of us were out of our comfort zones and yet each performed like seasoned veterans serving in a familiar setting. God uses ordinary people when they say “yes” to his call.
Where does that leave me? Honestly, I left a piece of my heart in Bolivia and pray God will open the door for me to return again soon. We have great partners there that I can’t wait to serve with again soon! I also have a word of encouragement: pray about taking a team of your own to the mission field. Not sure where to begin? I’m not a missions expert but I bet I can put you in touch with someone who can help steer you in the right direction! Leave a comment and let’s see if we can get you connected with someone who can help you with your next trip, even if it’s your first!
Blessings,
Chris