THANK YOU FOR NOT TAKING US ON A MISSION TRIP. These were the words of one of the pastors that went with us last week to Mexico. He then went on to clarify his statement. He said, “Most mission organizations make the “trip” the center of what they do. At Next you provide students an experience that puts them in an environment where God can radically change their lives. For most North Americans the mission trip is more about “them” as opposed to the mission.”
It has greatly concerned me since day one, that we might someday lose the real focus of our ministry. We do not exist to simply give light skinned children a place to take pictures of dark skinned children so that they have pictures for their album. But rather to introduce students to a Missional God who is as passionate about missional living in their Jerusalem as He is in the uttermost parts of the world.
This past week, Sherry, Laura and I were in Xalapa, Mexico. We had the privilege of taking 13 people from our church as well as students and adults from two other churches. Over half of the students that we took had never led someone to Christ before. Before the end of the week, all of them had led multiple people to faith in Christ. We had 188 professions of faith and were able to plant one new church.
As much as I love seeing students share their faith, that in and of it self is not what drives me. What motivates me is seeing students realize that the end of the trip is not the “end” but the “beginning.” That what God does “to” students on the field is simply to prepare them for what He wants to do “through” them at home.
We truly had a miraculous week. I regret my inability to truly reveal all that God did during our campaign. As one mom said, “I have watched people return from the mission field for years. Time and time again I have heard the frustration in their voices as they tried to reveal what God had done. For the first time I truly understand what they were feeling.”
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for helping send Sherry and me to the field. On several occasions last week, Sherry and I talked about you. We know the sacrifices that you make to be able to send us out. No one has a more generous support team than we do. You truly humble us.
On a personal note, I wanted you to know that I was scheduled to be in Ecuador at the end of August. Because of an old football injury ( heavy emphasis on “old”) I have had to find someone to take my place because I am having knee surgery in early August. Please be in prayer for Sherry. She and I both know that I am not a good patient. We would really appreciate your prayers. We dearly love you.
Because He Lives,
Warren Samuels
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