In November, I began planning a trip to Disneyland. Our family had been to Disney World, but we had yet to take our kids to Disneyland. Since this seemed like a right of passage for an American child, we began to plan. But as I planned, I kept feeling God nudge my heart.
You don’t need to go to Disneyland, Joy. Your kids do not need more entertainment. What they need is to serve. They need to put others before themselves. They need to see the gospel in action. If you want them to have a heart for the world and the poor, then take them to meet the poor.
I know some of you may be thinking, “That’s great, but why not serve the poor in your own city?” Great question! Of course, it is key to serve where God has placed you! In fact, our family has served in the inner city and loved on the homeless and downtrodden in our very own community in several different ways. However, I knew that God was asking us to take our children into third world poverty.
Serving the poorest of the poor has a way of exposing one’s own poverty. It is like the scales come off your eyes. You begin to understand that the poor are truly rich, and those of us who seem rich are perhaps poor. You get a glimpse of God’s kingdom of operation, which is so different from the kingdom of this world. This world says wealth equals success when God says, “Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” James 2:5
The poor are often rich in faith and spirit, because they have a unique place of dependence on God that many of us do not get to experience on a daily basis. They are rich in character, strength, faith, and love, and I hoped my children could learn from their wisdom. I prayed that by stepping out of their comfort zones, my children’s hearts would be postured in a way that God could speak to them about His treasured people.
And, boy did He ever!
I witnessed my children serving, hammering, face painting, loving, learning, and growing. In the end, they loved the experience so much that they begged to go back! They even said, “Mom, we loved this trip more than Disney World.”
Okay God, the irony is not lost on me. I am so thankful we said no to Disney and yes to what God had for our family. This trip was in fact, the single greatest thing we have ever done with our children, and I am so thankful we heeded God’s promoting back in November.
If you are interested in learning more about a trip with Missions Ministries, please visit their website at missionsministries.org. Teams are going to Juarez throughout the year doing various projects and outreaches. Our team built a home in the mornings, ran a program for women and children in the afternoons, as well as worked in the medical clinic helping patients and families. We were able to pray, offer hope, share the gospel of Jesus, and learn from the locals.
Now we are home and continuing to pray, “What next, Lord?” We are actively looking for more ways to serve our local community as we wait for His direction in what is to come. One thing is certain, God has a plan and all He needs is a willing heart.
“Here I am. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8