A common question I get when I am preparing to leave on a missions trip goes something like this. “What’s the most important thing for you as you are getting ready?” Now thankfully this is a very open ended question (even if it is not intended to be open ended).
First off, I spend a lot of time praying about how God will use me. When Christ sent out his disciples in groups (a great idea, the lone ranger was never really alone), he sent them for a time to preach the good news and to provide healing. I spend most of my time praying about how I will be living that out. How will I provide some type of healing or wholeness to those who will then need to hear the good news of Christ?
Next I spend a good time in prayer about what this will mean for my family, My family is my major support system and I need to honor that, so how will I honor my family in what I am doing. I also spend a great deal of time praying about how this will also impact our church family. Now I am not jaded enough to worry about how a few weeks of me being out of the pulpit will effect things, infact I usually hope it helps. I pray about how will God continue the mission he placed us on when we get back. I want to know what God will do for the people of Christ in Peoria when this band of disciples comes home!?!
Now I try to place that into context. On Monday we have a team leaving Peoria for the Czech Republic. This is a place where people need healing and to hear the gospel. God has been equiping us. God has called us. I look forward to what God will do through us. Please be in prayer for us!
Peace & Grace,
Pastor Eric
