Mission Trip

On a recent Sunday, the minister mentioned that he was on his way to a mission trip in a foreign country. At the country’s airport, he was asked to stand aside at the security entrance. He was taken to a small room, asked for his documentation and left there for hours.

When the officers finally returned, they told the man he didn’t have the proper identification to enter the country, and the United States would not take him back, either. He had fleeting thoughts of growing old and dying in that little room.

After more back and forth, the minister asked, “What can I tell you to make you realize that I’m only here to teach the children of your country about the Bible?”

The officer replied, “Convince me that you are who you say you are.”

The minister shared his story of finding Jesus and how it had changed his life. That was enough for the officer. The minister was released.

The minister closed his sermon by saying that we all have to share our story of finding Jesus every day. It’s the only action that will make a difference in this world.

His situation reminded me of the old question, “If you call yourself a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”

To live intentionally, we have to share our faith. If we don’t, others may be condemned, with no hope of release.