A Different Type of Mission.

As seen from the consistent number of entries that keep on appearing on our blog, we have ample time on our hands, internet access, and the like. During our debriefing, we shared about how good we've been treated on this missions trip, and how God is spoiling us so so much. Our host families are super hospitable, cooking with the refugees their ethnic food is amazing, and going to pretty bomb coffee shops in Downtown Boise (Big City Coffee; f'sho go there if you are in the area. :P).

Even though we've been eating super well, going about various activities, like visiting the IRC, helping out the refugees on the farm, helping out with the Eastwind youth group, and eating authentic foods, I think it's hard to forget that we are here on missions. Maybe not necessarily converting the people we meet that aren't believers, but continuing to love on everyone.

This morning for devotionals, we read from Titus 3:1-8. This chapter is actually one of my favorites and overlooked pretty often. The passage reads:

"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone."

Paul doesn't say to be good to just the poor, or just those we don't know, but to everyone. I hope that amidst all the dinners with our host families, interacting with the staff from Create Common Good, and even our team mates, we can treat others out of the abundance that we have been forgiven.

I still need a lot of time to process all that's happened, but I'm just trying to soak in every moment and go with the flow. Pray for us that we'll be able to process all that happened this week and that we can drive back safely from our midway point...which will be revealed later. ;)