I finally cracked it - Plan and Purpose

After being back for a week now, still trying to absorbed everything that we have heard and experienced, I think I'm beginning to understand an important concept crucial to mission: PLAN and PURPOSE. I actually started to grasp this as a result of hearing the testimonies of people how have partnered with us (through financial support, moral support and PRAYER support) during our journey. Many testified how it felt as if they were physically on the journey with us, and  how close they felt to God as a result. (I guess that is exactly why JP encouraged us to "take others on the journey" with us, but to be honest, I some how doubted if is was possible considering that this was only a short term outreach ....)

So what is PLAN in the context of missions?
Mat 28:19  Therefore, as you go, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
Does God really need us to accomplish this task? Most definitely not, remember, He is God, He created the universe by speaking a word.
So why is He then so eager  for us to obey this commandment ....? Because of the PURPOSE of missions....

Why does corporates take there staff on team building adventures like up-sailing and white river rafting? Simply because they want individuals to become a strong team through BUILDING RELATIONSHIP under challenging circumstances. God wants to take every child of His on a journey to disciple the nations, not because He needs our help, but because He is so keen to build relationship with us, a relationship that just goes deeper and deeper how ever far we are prepared to go .....

Does this mean that every body is called to be a missionary in the field ....? Most definitely not! None of our partners left the country, yet by getting involved in the PLAN (the outreach) they experienced the PURPOSE: a more intimate relationship with God.

PS. JP, let me know if I missed something important. I realize that I am only beginning to understand this, but you would not believe how excited I am about this "discovery".

Travel Mercies

We were totally overwhelmed by all the "travel mercies" we experienced traveling back! Everything from Christoph (for the first time in at least 7 flights) not experiencing ear pain when we landed (he even slept through one landing), to getting tickets to go through the express passport control (same as the cabin crew), to all three our pieces of check-in luggage being amongst the first 20 to appear on the conveyor belt . . . and more.

Thinking back at how smooth the entire trip went, I'm contemplating why we experience God's favor to such an extent? Is it because He gave JP "special" wisdom? Is it because of all the payer support? Is it possible the we were in His perfect will? I'm I busy trying to figure out God? How silly!

Now looking forward to take part in a missions exhibition at our local church this coming Sunday. Talk about timing!