Just Go!
By Don Gentry
Here at Journey our mission service opportunities are a part of our Global Outreach program or GO. The title encapsulates two questions I think we all need to answer.
Why should I GO? And Why GO?
Let me answer Why GO? first. As Americans, we represent about 5% of those who call themselves Christians, yet that 5%, control roughly 80% of all the world’s Christian money. Think about that statistic for a second. Five percent of the world’s Christians control 80% of Christian wealth. God (for whatever reason) has blessed American Christians with an exorbitant amount of wealth, yet we are a very stingy people. Partnering with a Global Outreach experience will allow your heart to see the world through a whole new viewpoint. It isn’t all about money or giving toward our GO projects, but when we educate ourselves with what is happening globally it changes our perspective on “stuff.” I personally believe we need a holistic worldview, and partnering with one of our experiences is a great opportunity to see how we can make a difference while stewarding all the blessings that God has given us.
Why should I GO? Because of everything I just said. It is so easy to become complacent. It is so easy to live in an isolated bubble and think we have a good worldview. When you GO, you can’t keep yourself from being changed. It will permanently effect you. It will give you a greater appreciation for all of God’s children! It will give you an entirely different perspective of “stuff!” It gives you an opportunity to see how God can use you in a very tangible way! It will expose you to a joy that many westerners don’t seem to embody! If you don’t know what I mean, then you haven’t “gone” anywhere yet.
In short, you should GO because it will change you, and it gives God an opportunity to change others through you. You may be a little hesitant, but if you overcome that hesitancy I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed! Just GO!