| My first overseas
mission experience was Summer 2000. I went with a group of 32
other students and visited many different countries in Southeast
Asia. I have special memories from every place we went. I got
to experience a variety of things and get a taste of what mission
work is all about. After 8 weeks of traveling.
I had made many memories that I would keep with me
forever. As I thought about that trip, and all the places
I had been, there was one place that really stuck out in my
mind. Perhaps it is because of the incredible people I met.I
remember welcoming hugs and encouraging smiles. Or maybe it
was because I saw not only a need, but also a willingness
of people to listen and to talk about God.
But whatever the reason, I knew that if there was
ever an opportunity to go back to Cebu, I was going to take
it! After keeping in touch with one of my friends in Cebu,
I learned of the plans for Campaign for Christ 2001, and also
the need for campaigners.
About 5 months after hearing about the campaign, I
was on my way, with 2 other campaigners, back to the Philippines
to work in Cebu. For a little over 5 weeks we worked with
two churches, and did everything from visitations, to passing
out tracks. We had great success with door-knocking. I have
to admit, that door-knocking has never been my favorite thing
to do, but God really provided many contacts through our effort.
It is such a blessing to be invited into a total stranger's
house, and be able to talk with them about Jesus. Through
door-knocking we met and established relationships with many
people. We were able to set up many Bible studies, and hopefully
stir up an interest in further study of the Bible. It is hard
to explain what a great opportunity it is to participate in
mission work. This is something that had never appealed to
me before the summer of 2000, but then God laid it on my heart
to get involved, and as a result I was was uplifted, encouraged
and blessed.
How exciting it is to go visit a country half way
around the world- a country whose culture is unfamiliar and
whose language is different. A country where the only common
element is our love for Christ, which is what brings us together!
IT IS AWESOME! After spending 5 weeks with some of the neatest
people I have ever met, it was hard to say goodbye, but I
think it was more of a "see you later" than a "goodbye"-
I'll be back! It is my prayer that more people will get involved
(whether it be in overseas opportunities such as in the Philippines
or in their own city) and spread the word about the most important
thing in this life...Jesus Christ!
Well, that is it! I hope it is what you needed, but if not,
don't hesitate to ask me for something else! Hope to hear
from you soon! - Shelly Standaland (s_stanaland@yahoo.com)
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