Feb 23, 2018 How do you express your love for your neighbor?

Do you ever watch love stories in movies and cry? I admit, I’m a sentimental person who cries when I watch emotional movies. However, the thing that moves me the most is watching as people give their hearts in baptism! Baptisms are like the pivotal scene in the greatest love story between an individual and God.

Baptisms in the mission field are especially moving. Unlike in a church, where you sit at a distance, in the field you are often right at the river bank or even in the water with the person as they are baptized. It is an unforgettable experience when you help introduce someone to God and then stand by them as they take this incredible step.

Some of my favorite memories are from my recent mission to the Philippines when I had the privilege of seeing more than 200 people become baptized on Mar Villa beach. I also had the privilege of witnessing at a local prison and saw over a dozen inmates baptized. And, whether it was on the beach or in the prison, I saw and shared in the great joy of each one who was baptized. I know that special joy comes only from the Lord.

Every time I see someone hurting or in desperate need of spiritual support, I’m reminded how real God’s love is and the impact QHM makes. Love is the reason we do what we do. Our love for God and our love for those in need motivate us to go even into dangerous areas for the gospel.

This mission work brings the healing love of Jesus to so many people. Plus, it doesn’t just change the lives of those we serve, it also changes us who are witnessing.

Before I went on my first mission, I was in my little world, worrying about my little problems. But in the mission field, I became hyperaware of the greater needs of othersÑwhether in my local neighborhood or globally.

These mission and local experiences gave me a deeper understanding of what Christ meant when He said, love your neighbor as yourself. I started spending my free time talking to people on the street and sharing Jesus’ love. I feel strongly connected with my brothers and sisters in ChristÑwe are bonded together with the love of Jesus.

– Linda Davis
Ministry Advancement Director