Nov 6, 2019 Missions aren’t just for other people. They are for all of us.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. ÑPhilippians 2: 3-4

Anna was so excited. She was preparing to leave the next morning for her first mission trip. She was headed to the Ukraine and was so happy to have the opportunity to share Jesus with the people she met.

Then, something devastating happened. One of her closest friends texted her to say they couldn’t be friends anymore. She was stunned. The reasons weren’t clear to her and she felt a deep sense of betrayal. She just couldn’t understand why someone so close to would hurt her this way. The news spread a pall over her preparations and left a deep wound in her heart.

Anna took a deep breath. Knowing that she couldn’t change her pain or the situation, she focused her attention on the service she’d promised to do for God. She pushed forward and soon arrived in the Ukraine.

It is amazing how God supports us in the hardest of circumstances. As Anna focused on serving others, the people she was met buoyed her spirits. The new connections and friendships begin to lift her burden of despair. The environment of selfless service refocused her attention to positive and hope-filled thoughts.

Sometimes, we go on missions to feel good about “helping” others. But God uses missions to connect people so they can carry each other’s burdens and to support each other. His gift is what happens in that moment of connection. We become brothers and sisters, working together for His Glory.

God knew far in advance that Anna was going to go through a difficult experience. He also knew that connecting with people in Ukraine with a spirit of service was the antidote for her deep sorrow. And He found the right place, the right time and the right people to connect in a way that would benefit them all.

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Inspiration Moments: Orphans in Russia