In preparation for the trip, I’ve been reading several things, including the book Compelled by Love by Heidi Baker. As I read the following words of Mother Theresa, I’m challenged, a bit uncomfortably so. In some ways, going on this missions trip seems easy for me. After all – this is just two weeks of my life. I can live in sub-optimal conditions, smile, enjoy meeting people, and do my best to meet the needs with what resources we have. But are these efforts really enough? Is this really what matters?
Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come to you without coming away better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting. In the slums we are the light of God’s kindness to the poor. To children, to the poor, to all who suffer and are lonely, give always a happy smile – give them not only your care, but also your heart.
As I travel to Ukraine, THIS is what I want to return with: the confidence that I left each person better and happier; that I saw Jesus in the face of each one; and that I truly cared and served them with my heart just as I would a highly favored guest.
Kryvyi Rih Time
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