(Mexico mission trip)

The mission trip to Mexico in the summer of 2006 was a completely different learning experience from anything I have ever before encountered. From spiritual battles to dynamic prayers, it was just amazing. I think, though, the most amazing part for me was just a connection to God. I loved the people, I loved what we were doing but more than anything, I felt daily that I was in the Lord’s presence. It was not that God was more active there, nor that He was more present there, it was that I was more aware.

When we prayed, we were more attentive to the responses to our prayers. For example, we had a prayer circle directed at our fears. Then in the following days, we were directly confronted with our fears. We had a chance to witness God’s faithfulness to our prayers.

We were more attentive to the possibilities of spiritual gifts at work. Joel and Tito both received a vision that served as an encouragement and comfort for our group. Doubtless, members of our group had previously received visions but brushed them off as just daydreams. Yet when Joel was willing to see God in his vision, rather than just seeing it as a daydream, Tito confirmed the vision before everyone.

I could tell nearly endless stories of the works we did, or the adventures we had, or “God moments”, but more then anything what God placed on my heart during this mission trip was a desire to experience that same community with him here. I think it was put very well like this: this is about a relationship, not a religion. So often I feel tied up by expectations placed by me and by people I look up to. Or I feel chained down by rules and disciplines. But Christianity isn’t about those things. They are parts of our relationship that are supposed to be joyful. If they become drudgery, then the entire point is lost. So that is what I encourage you to think about: is your life becoming a monotony of religion? How can you make it a joyful friendship?