Below is a list of things I learnt/ was reminded of during the time spent on mission in November- December of last year. Having been granted the privilege to go on 2 relatively distinct missions, these are drawn from the experiences I had there (and some prior missions.) I think this statement is one which best sums up the mission experience...
"If you will go to work as Christ designs that His... disciples shall, and win souls for Him, you will feel the need of a deeper experience and a greater knowledge in divine things, and will hunger and thirst after righteousness. You will plead with God, and your faith will be strengthened, and your soul will drink deeper drafts at the well of salvation. Encountering positions and trials will drive you to the Bible and prayer. You will grow in grace and the knowledge of Christ, and will develop a rich experience." Steps to Christ p.80 :).
In no particular order...
1. Jesus is the most effectual solution to the root cause of all life's problems and perplexities.
2. The work of sharing the gospel is a noble, dignified and amazingly fulfilling work.
3. The work of service is one of the greatest experiences in the Christian life and is a powerful tool in the way of character perfection/development. The Christian experience becomes much deeper and richer as one co-labours with Jesus.
4. The same Jesus who said "go ye therefore" is the same one who said "tarry... until ye be imbued with power from on high". The work should only be carried out in the power of the Holy Spirit. It would do well to plead for this power early on in missions
5. The Holy Spirit is the best aid and help to every circumstance, even language barriers. Without the presence of the Holy Spirit, all efforts are in vain.
6. The work isn't dependant on man's wisdom, opinions or experience. The Holy Spirit will work with the humble and submissive who are willing to yield all to Him.
7. A measure of success is dependant on a willingness to sacrifice on the part of the labourer.
8. Faith is not felt. "True faith lays hold of, and claims, the promised blessing before it is realised and felt." Early writings p.73
9. No two missions are the same in all aspects, but Gods providence meets any situation.
10. As the best place to learn to swim is in the water, the best place to learn how to give a Bible study is in the field.
11. A true love for souls is developed and strengthened in coming into contact with people for the purpose of leading them to Christ and ministering to their needs.
12. The gospel of health is verily and indeed given by God Himself. There are those who would have never been reached and introduced to Jesus had it not been for the health message being an entering wedge.
13. Seems as though God desires us to engage in active personal labour (even in missions) as opposed to being dependant on crusades as the greater part of the work.
14. Crusade/tent meetings ought not to be the central pillar on which the evangelism of a congregation is set, where the burden of the labourer is to invite rather than "teach all nation" (thus not creating a need of personal study).
15. Crusades are a good means to cement/ wrap up the decisions made in Bible studies with door to door labourers.
16. Late suppers weaken missionaries.
17. Christ's power to save is not an evolutionary process in which one will one day 'arrive' at holiness after a long, slow and gradual experience. It doesn't take Jesus a long time to create or save. The reality of this is seen in the change of a persons life when they have been lead to Jesus and have a true encounter with Him.
18. When Jesus says "and lo I am with you always", He really means it, ours is to "Go"
19. Of a fact, Jesus is coming soon. The experienced truth of Bible make it hard to doubt this.
20. God answers prayer. Whether its 'small' prayers to help you find something, or 'big' prayers to change the weather for it to be possible to visit Bible study contacts. He's ever ready to hear and exercise His divinity to help.
21. There are many urban areas which are also 'unentered'. The fields are ripened and need labourers...
22. Distant missions may serve as a training ground for personal labour. The practical things learnt on mission ought to be applied in the personal life and ministry. As long as Jesus has not yet returned, the mission continues.
23. Missions are a great place to make lifelong, godly friends :).
24. You learn more on mission than just the spiritual things. Very practical self sustainability skills are gained, ie building a house, planting and producing your own food, surviving without electricity, among many.
I would invite anyone who would want to have a richer Christian experience to enter the work of leading others to Jesus and being a co-labourer with Him. I trust that, should God grant me opportunity to go labour for Him, many more things will be learnt.
A verse which served as a powerful encouragement throughout mission: "Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isa. 41:10
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