BAM -- Be a Miracle!

Jesus gave us a command "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." Mark 16:15. Our world may be to our next door neighbor, our community, state and around the world.

Yesterday afternoon, our two young missionaries, Payton Wallace and Alexia Wallace, returned home from Guatemala (along with the other 51 who were with them) -- exhausted – wanting a shower and just go to bed to regain their bearings at home. But, not before we squeezed them for as many details as we could get about their trip.

They were beaming as they shared about the 31 different locations where they ministered through skits, singing and speaking. They went to several schools where young people were hungry to hear the stories of Jesus and the love He has for them. I’m so thankful the Guatemalan government welcomes the Gospel being shared. The latest report is that over 3,500 people gave their hearts to Christ during their week of ministry. And if that wasn’t thrilling enough, the ways our student missionaries were touched by God, themselves, was the icing on the cake. Lots of stories of life transformation from the locals, as well as our own young people.

Of course, our little blondie, Alexia, attracted those beautiful brunette girls wanting to touch her hair, asking her what shampoo she uses. Girls will be girls – everywhere we go!

I was overcome with joy as I watched their tired eyes glisten as they shared so many stories of faith, the students who were touched in so many precious ways and the excitement to go back again next year.

I talked about this before they left in my daily FB post, but just to re-emphasize how beautiful it is for our kids to have these kinds of opportunities. As parents (and grandparents), we want and hope many things for our children. We want them to be well educated, well-rounded, kind and compassionate, athletic, musical, and the list goes on. I sincerely believe that there are ways to grow our children in ways that no sports team or high dollar vacation could ever compare to. If we believe we were created to give glory to God with our lives, then we probably believe that about the lives of our children as well. God can and will use each of us right where we are, if we submit to His plans for our lives and seek to love God and others every day. We don’t have to go anywhere special to be used by God.

However, I have seen, with my own eyes, how going on a mission trip can change the course of a life. Going on mission trips changed me countless times, so I know that He can do that with our kids, too. When we leave the comfort of our homes with the intent of being a blessing and serving others, I believe that it pleases God to answer those prayers we have for the hearts of our children to be changed in the process.

We know from God’s Word that it is better to give than receive. So, what if we actually lived that out in our lives and took our kids along for the ride? I realize there are many valid points for staying home and serving those in our communities, but if a foreign missions trip comes up for your children (and even you), then seize the opportunity.

"Being a miracle" is not only a blessing to the ones we're giving to, but somehow, the satisfaction of having helped someone, brings rewards that money can't buy and no one can ever take it away from us. What could ever compare to "being a miracle" in someone's world?