Short term missionary work is both a calling and a passion of mine. I have traveled to several nations: Jamaica, Belize, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Rio de Janeiro, Philippines, Hong Kong, Sao Paulo Brazil, India, Nepal, Zambia, Rwanda, Nigeria, and the count continues. Many of these nations I preached and ministered in the power of the Holy Spirit. You know you are called if there is grace to go. If travel feels easy, and you are not concerned about a comfortable bed, foreign food, no TV., bugs, seeing poor living conditions, dirt floors, crazy driving, and being able to love those who are very different culturally, then you are good to go. There is excitement to this call. I do not get homesick, nor miss the comforts of home. The scary drivers took some time to get used to.
Otherwise, travel and flights have become an endurance test. My recent trip to Rwanda this past summer was interrupted both going and returning, with delayed and missed flights. Instead of an overnight trip flying into Rwanda, it took five days! Instead of an overnight flight coming home, I was delayed three days. Rather than detail this situation, I will share briefly what the Lord did. The Lord said to “stay the course,” and do not return home. His grace kept me in peace, without fear or worry. The hotel stays during the delays were beautiful. I haven’t been intimidated to return to the skies for the next trip and received a credit from the airlines.
The trip to Musanze, Rwanda, was powerful. The Holy Spirit moved and touched many people. I shared at a Pastors and Leaders conference and spoke on “Closer to Him, 5 Reasons to Draw Closer to God in this Hour.” The Lord gave me His love for these people, and it was an emotional message with many coming forward at the end for a closer walk. I also shared “Woman Arise!” for the ladies. There was incredible response to a message on identity, value, worth, with a commissioning and a release of joy. The dancing and singing were heard in the neighboring buildings. I just received a notice that one of the women is planning a woman’s conference in Kenya next month where she lives. God is good.
People in the villages were very receptive to prayer and receiving from the Lord. We saw many saved, and healed plus gave away Bibles to the newly converted. The Lord receives all the glory! There was a street blocked off in the center of town for a worship night. For three hours, worship was pumped through the street by many talented singers. I prayed for people the entire three hours and saw four people receive Christ, a number of people healed from various aches and pains, and a few who wanted a better life. We can travel with a message and have a word from the Lord. However, having His love and His heart to accompany that word, makes for better receptivity. People know when you love them. If your powerful prayers of healing don’t instantaneous manifest, love can still encourage and give hope. As love and compassion motivated Jesus, I pray for the same in my ministry.
Blessings