Calvary Life CalvaryLife-Winter2017Web | Page 13

WE GO THAT ALL MAY KNOW What an amazing news story it would make if everyone in the world knew of Jesus and made the decision to live by faith in Christ! Can you imagine the announcer with his beautiful suit and engaging smile telling us, “Today, my friends, we have confirmed that all the world knows of Jesus!” We, as Christians would be excited at the prospect of brothers and sisters in Christ living all around the world. We would have a party and invite all our friends. What a great day that would be! meetings. At the meeting you will meet the leader of the mission trip, hear more details about what the trip entails and have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. There are also applications for you to fill out. The adult trips are for people 17 years and older. We fill our trips with Calvary attendees first and then look at applications submitted by people from other churches who may not normally have the opportunity to go on a missions trip due to the size of their congregation. The reality is that not everyone knows of Je- sus. And even though we were told by Jesus to “go,” many of us don’t move much outside our paths of comfort and familiarity. Per- haps we are afraid to go, maybe we feel un- equipped, or honestly maybe it’s all just in- convenient. Jesus asked, “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36) In our efforts to achieve success in the eyes of the world, are we losing our soul? By ignoring what is not convenient or comfortable, are we missing the greatest good? If you are curious about our past trips read our blog at calvarygr.org/stmblog and see what our teams end up doing. Ask some- one you know who has been on a trip. Talk to some of our students who have been on trips. It is through their stories that God may lead you on the path He has for you. Knowing that many remain who have not heard the good news of Jesus Christ, there are those who forsake comfort and familiar- ity to go. We, at Calvary Church, through our giving and prayers support both missionar- ies and short-term mission trips. These are people “going” into all the world and making disciples, just as Jesus commands! Short- term mission trips are God-given opportuni- ties to fulfill this command. These trips are formed at the request of missionaries who need extra support for a season of ministry. Perhaps you’re willing to step away from the usual and experience what it’s like to go. We believe very much that God leads people to participate in short-term mission trips. In the Sunday bulletin you will see announce- ments about short-term mission trip info What if I am not led to go? You are also fulfilling the command from Jesus if you help send teams out. That is why we are so thankful for the monetary support from all of you. We understand that you may not be led to go on a trip this year, but when you give to a team you become a member and go with them. Our teams send support bro- chures asking for prayer support and fund- ing. These letters are an amazing evange- lism tool to reach both friends and family all around the United States with the mes- sage of God’s love. Nothing speaks louder than the story of an individual responding to God’s grace by living fully for his Kingdom. Whether you give, pray or go you are a vital part of fulfilling the church’s mission. Short-term mission trips equip us all to be better members of the church body. Thank you for stepping outside of the comfort- able to give back out of the abundant grace you’ve been given. May we one day wake to find that news story has come true! By Natalie Uecker Facilitator, Local Outreach & Short-Term Missions 13