Missions

I hear all the time about Christian's who go on "Missions trips". What is a mission trip? It seems lately that any time someone travels for a noble purpose it's considered a missions trip. Historically, Missions meant that "Missionairies", families, or groups of Christians would travel and live in a particular area with the purpose of spreading the Gospel.

Wikipedia states: "A Christian mission has been widely defined, since the Lausanne Congress of 1974, as that which is designed 'to form a viable indigenous church-planting and world changing movement.' This definition is motivated by a theologically imperative theme of the Bible to make God known, as outlined in the Great Commission.

It's important to remember what the primary purpose of a missions trip! If we go into an area and just help with medical aid and the construction of buildings we do nothing to help the people with their biggest problem, their Salvation.

I am not saying not to help, or not to go on trips where you don't have an opportunity to preach the Gospel. Quite the opposite in fact. I applaud everyone who helps those who need and deserve help. I thank God for those Christians who help out! After-all, Christian organizations make up most of the worlds charities and aid agencies.

It's not a "Mission's Trip" without the Gospel being the primary focus and purpose of the trip. Rather it is an "Aid Giving or Humanitarian Relief Trip".

There is no such thing as a "Social Justice Christian". More on that later!!

If you or your church has people getting ready to go on a missions trip check out:

Serving As Senders: How to Care for Your Missionaries While They Are Preparing to Go, While They Are on the Field, When They Return Home

Movie: End of the Spear, dare to make contact

I had pleasure of being able to watch "End of the Spear". The film is from a true story that took place in the Amazon jungle a few decades ago. An isolated tribe of fierce warriors called the Woadoni, had been clashing violently with oil company employees. The Ecuador government is about to send in troops to deal with the problem, which would mean certain devastation for the Waodoni people. When the men from the missionary families attempt to make contact they are all brutally killed by the tribes warriors. As a testament of faith, the five families of the slain missionaries stay in Ecuador and decide to live among the Waodoni as originally planned.

End of the Spear

This is a great movie about real faith in God. A tale of great sacrifice for the great commission. I highly recommend this movie to anyone.
NOTE: There are a couple graphic scenes when the men are speared so you may want to edit that out if there are samller children present.

This movie made me re-evaluate my own commitment to following God's will in my own life. When it comes to sharing my faith, I get a little nervous just like most people. I couldn't help but feel a little ashamed after seeing what these families went through for the sake of the Kingdom and the Glory of God!

It amazes me the sacrifices of missionaries at home and abroad! Include a prayer of persaverence of faith, blessings, and protection for all of our brothers, sisters, and their families who step up and step out for the Glory of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit, and for the Gospel.