Mission Trip Lessons ... by Yvonne M. Morgan

Several years back, my husband and I visited Kenya on a mission trip. The trip consisted of only three of us, which made for easy planning. We planned many meetings for strategic planning purposes and discussion of future help for the area. Unfortunately, it was the rainy season, and our plans included visiting a rural village to pick up some handmade baskets for a project. So, to reach the area, we needed to travel down dirt roads. As the vehicle bounced down the narrow lane, I noticed that the mud grew deeper and deeper. I started worrying as we slowly bobbed along the rugged path.

Soon, the tires sunk deeper and after a few more minutes, they just spun and spun. Finally, we realized the van had become stuck. And, here in the middle of rural Kenya, we had no cell service. We got out of the truck to evaluate our situation, which appeared dire to me. I had no idea how we would get out of this one. My AAA service could not help us here. So instead, I used the form of communication that never fails me. I prayed for God’s help. As we stood and looked at the van in despair, I noticed a man walking toward us. He stared uneasily at the wazungu (Swahili for white people) stuck in the mud. Yes, God to the rescue. But then he left as quickly as he came, and my heart sank a little as the sweat dripped down my back. Soon, I plopped down on a dry grassy patch as misery swamped my soul. The area’s isolation caused my heart to beat faster as I pictured us dying in this spot. And with only three of us, we had no good options for splitting up to get help because any plan would require someone to be alone in the bush. I prayed and begged God to rescue us.

After a while, I detected a rustling in the bushes down the lane. My heart pounded harder, and my palms grew damp as visions of roaming lions popped into my head. I decided that this might be the end for us. Then, the man I saw earlier stepped out of the bushes again. And I noticed several other men standing behind him, and fear filled my soul. As they gathered around us, I prayed again for God’s protection.

Next, I noticed one man raise his hand, and I ducked for cover. I realized he had motioned for one of us to get behind the wheel of our truck. And then the entire group started pushing. Bill got behind the wheel, and I walked to the back of the vehicle to help. I quickly sank to my ankles in the muck as I took my place on the bumper. It took us a while, but finally, we freed our little truck from its mud shackles. We cheered and hooted with our rescuers, and I offered thanks to God for sending these strangers to help and asked for forgiveness for doubting Him as we waited.

Here are some Bible verses to help us remember God is the best resource when we face situations out of our control.

• Proverbs 18:10 (NIV) The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.

• Psalm 9:9-10 (NIV) The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

• 1 Chronicles 16:11 (NIV) Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!

• Isaiah 26: 3-4 (NIV) Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock.

Prayer

“Heavenly Father, guide me and direct me as I seek to love strangers the way You love them. Help me take risks in this world that require Your protection from the evil one. I want to live “dangerously” for Your glory, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen” ~ Stephanie Raquel

Yvonne Morgan

https://yvonne-morgan.com

Blog at Turningmountainsintomolehills.org

Twitter: @ymmauthor

Website: Yvonne-Morgan.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YMMauthor/

Books: Turning Mountains into Molehills (2017)

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