my first mission trip and a homeless ministry.

Summertime calls my name today! In a BIG way.

While I’d love to be present with you, I’m off to catch some rays and enjoy the silence. Will you visit my friends and read about my first mission trip and how to start a homeless ministry?

For years I longed to go on a mission trip. I wanted to travel to Africa, Haiti, or Guatemala. When an opportunity finally presented itself  to go on a trip to Guatemala, I couldn’t believe it!

I just knew God was going to meet me there.

Arriving in Guatemala it was evident I had packed too much. I attributed my large suitcase to the fact that “I was carrying coloring book and games to the children”, but the truth was I packed all those things I didn’t think I could live without.

– four pairs of shoes

– a make-up case

– a case for toiletries

– books to read in my quite time

– and a couple of changes of clothes for each day because you never know.

After laughing at myself for five hours upon arrival, I settled in to a culture that was stripped-down and simple. I wasn’t sure what to think.

I first wondered how I would survive. I shared a 8×8 foot room with two other girls and our door was latched with a simple padlock. I won’t even go in to the fact that there was an inch gaping whole between the door and frame where we could see other guests walking by.

I’m over at Simply Beth’s talking about my first mission trip. CLICK HERE for the rest of the story.

You heard me above —

I wanted God to call me to Africa to be a missionary. I wanted to serve Him in such awesome and sexy ways as everyone loves an African missionary, right?

A few years ago, God began messing with my heart. I was being drawn to the homeless in my own city. I didn’t understand it. I’m a suburban girl and had never really ventured to the side of town where the homeless congregated.

I headed off one weekend to another state to stay with a friend. We gathered in a “castle-like” home, a mansion, where I had my own beautiful wing to stay. I felt as if I were a princess living the dream as we talked of ministry, writing, and speaking!

But something else was going on in my mind. I continually saw myself sitting on the corner of Leopard Street, seven miles from my home, and visiting with the homeless. The vision grew. Not only was I visiting with a few homeless, but hundreds.

I’m over at Activist Faith sharing How to Begin a Homeless Ministry. CLICK HERE to read the rest of the story.

 

Joining in with Lisa-Jo Baker and cheating a little this week as all I did was copy and paste. Hey, you have to be present to cheat. Click over and read other great posts on present.