Something Spiritual

I alluded to the fact that there were security issues with my blog being written while I was over there because the Government monitors all internet activity and it is very possible that they could read my blog and deport me, my team, and the IMB Missionaries there. So I chose to talk about things that were secondary agenda to me. Luckily, I'm back in the states where I can openly talk about my beliefs. So here is what really happened.

When I used to think of Muslims, not too many good thoughts would come to mind. I would have the usual thought of; terrorists, extremists, and the idea that they hate America. All of those views seem to be valid with what we are fed from the media. Just an example, when we were in LAX we put on our dishdashas (traditional Muslim attire) and a guy walked past us and under his breath said, "terrorists." That is not what he found out by himself. That is what the media chose for him to think.

What we are not fed and therefore not given the choice to think is what these people are truly like. Now when I think of Muslims, I think of; overly hospitable, nice, and family oriented. I think it is absurd that we go through our days and hear nothing positive about this people group. They act more like Christians than Christians do. I hate to say that, but it is true. When was the last time you gave out your number to a perfect stranger and told them to call you if you needed anything? I don't think I ever have, yet these people do it daily. I learned a lot from them. 

God is doing some amazing things in the Middle East. People are coming to the Lord in masses. There is a movement in Iraq that is so new right, they can't even number the amount of Believers. That is exciting! Who doesn't want to be apart of that?

I'm sorry to say that I cannot tell you of any tangible evidence of our mission trip. The fact is; witnessing to Islams is a slow process. The average amount of times the gospel is shared to them before they start to believe is 25. It usually ranges from a 5-7 year evangelism process. So unfortunately, we were not able to see anybody come to the Lord this trip, but I have faith that people we came into contact with will eventually be forgiven of all their sins. It is only going to take people who give up their time and make their way over to the Middle East and tell them the Good News that they have. And if God would call somebody like me, I know He will have people going over who will do a far better job than I ever will be able to. I think that God just wanted to show me what He is doing overseas because I am not very good at the whole evangelizing thing.

There is something that I feel is worth being discussed while I'm talking about my trip. It doesn't deal with interacting with the lost. It doesn't deal with smuggling Bibles into the country. It deals with the humbling act of worship. There is something that can't be described when you are able to worship the God of the Universe in a country where His name is not lifted up. Singing with my team and doing Bible studies was amazing. Not because we were good singers or teachers. Not because we had in depth theological discussions. But because God was being glorified! The trip alone was worth it because I was able to worship the Lord. 

People say that going overseas is a life changing experience. I pray that it will be for me too. Right now, I'm beginning to see the importance of living with intentionality. It was so easy to walk around looking for people to talk to and give people a smile that you make eye contact with. Why don't I do that in America? I have made a promise to God that I will start to make an effort in making relationships with unbelievers. I will do that by going to Starbucks to study instead of my apartment. I will make friends in my classes that are not believers. And I will make more of a point to build the relationships with my friends that I know are not believers. It is just one way that I will be fulfilling the Great Commission in America. Hopefully this is just not one of those post-summer camp moments where you are on fire to do stuff like this. 

My prayers are going to be going strong for the IMB Missionaries we met in the Middle East. And it is my prayer that you answer the call to go make disciples. It is not a choice. There is no so called "calling" to be a missionary. It is just a matter of saying "Yes" to God, because He is asking all of His sheep. So you can say "Yes" either two ways; Go or Send.