I was grateful to experience my first short-term mission trip in Glasgow, Scotland with many great people. Getting to know the people I traveled with and the people I met there was truly a blessing. At first, I thought working on projects at different homes for different families would be similar to working on projects around my own house, but that wasn't the case. What I soon discovered was something important every family had in common, love for each other and love for reaching the lost. My wife is full time ministry, and I have a secular job working from home, so I maintain a lot of the needs at home while doing some volunteering at our church. I have been in a habit of making sure things are good at home before I do anything extra at church. I was challenged to change my priorities and focus on the needs at church first and the home second, or at least strike a better balance. I saw families in Glasgow sharing tools, lawncare equipment and whatever was needed that given day, just like in Acts 2 and it was very encouraging to see. So, this has challenged my priorities that I will need prayer on how to execute properly. The next piece, my eyes were opened to a sense of urgency for the lost I don't always feel here at home. After many meals and conversations with the pastors, spouses, church workers, our wonderful tour guide, a single mom and her son, I could see how much they really want to reach the lost and care for each other. I also saw this during church service at Hope Hall the day before we traveled home. I loved to see people bringing food in for lunch, the service was great and people didn't just leave right after service. There was a great sense of community and everyone was authentic. What has this done for me since I've been home? I find myself making better eye contact with strangers in public looking for an opportunity to talk instead of dashing in and out of a store. I want to stay longer after church service and have a few more conversations. I want to see where else I can get plugged in at church and my community. I want to slow myself down a bit and listen better for God's will for the day vs my own. Thank you my new friends from Glasgow, I pray to see you again and will be praying for each of you.
Grateful to have served with you my friend!