Ecuador Summer Team 2014

STM trips are really a reflection of the practice that is seen throughout the Bible. In the book of Genesis 12, we see how God called Abraham to go from his home to a land that God will show him, because God is going to bless the nation Israel and God will bless those who blesses Him and curse those who don’t. Furthermore, God promises that all the nations of the world will be blessed through Abraham. The story of God for the nations is again seen in Gal 3:7-9 “know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the scripture foreseeing that God would justify the gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, in you shall all the nations be blessed.”

Since we are the Christian gentiles that God foresaw, we are to be the blessing to the nations. The New Testament church is that bridge between the Old Testament covenant of Abraham to the fulfillment of that promise seen in John’s vision of Rev 7:9-10 “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes…. And crying out with a loud voice, salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the lamb.”

We are the ones, the New Testament Church that God will use to fulfill this promise. Romans 10:14-15 tells us how this will be done. “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without some preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news.” So what role will we, the local church, play in this mandate?

The first century New Testament Church provides for us some examples. In Act 13, Paul & Barnabas are sent out by their church in Antioch. In Phil 2:10 Timothy is sent out to be a help and comfort to the churches in Ephesus, Philippi, and Corinth. Jesus’ example provides us the best model in the calling out, training up and sending forth his disciples into the world to be his fishers of men. A short-term mission trip can lead to long-term commitment for the goers. The role of short-term missions with proper preparation will fulfill many needs. As in the case of Timothy, he provided teaching, preaching, much-needed spiritual support and relief and encouragement for the local Christians.

Jesus’ command in Matt 28:18-19, the Great Commission, shows us God’s clear plan on how to win the world for Christ. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, son and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you and behold, I am with you, even to the ends of the age.”

STM trips should be seen as a tremendous opportunity to be a part of God’s grand plan for mankind. Here at CGBC, STM trips provide opportunities to see how God is working in parts of the globe whether at home or abroad. The question of participation is really a question of understanding God’s heart and passion for the nations, His plan for the ages to reach the lost. John Piper writes that mission exists because worship doesn’t. God’s plans for mankind will come to fruition either with us or without us as God will ultimately receive the worship of all people of the world.

For me, it all started in 2001 when Pastor Alan Ginn asked me if I would be willing to join in a short-term mission’s trip to Ecuador. Because we supported our own CGBC missionary there, Allen Graham, it was an easy decision. I thought that this could be another one of those things we, as parents, were willing to do to give further exposure to the virtues of what life had to offer for our kids. So with my two older kids, Andrew and Sheryl, off we went to Ecuador. You know, no sacrifice is too great for them! Also, the request came from my good and longtime growing-up buddy, Alan. So I answered in the affirmative much the same way when some 34 years earlier, Alan asked Jannie & I to move our family from Los Angeles, quit our jobs there and labor together with him at CGBC.

Now, looking back after 14 years leading STM trips to Ecuador, I had no idea how God would use our friendship to help me develop a profound passion for global missions. I believe that when we can be obedient in the little things, God will show us greater and bigger things for His Kingdom and Glory.

In time, Jannie & I together took the Perspective class held at CGBC. The teaching and exposure to experience missionaries resonated in both of us and gave us a real desire to be faithful and true to God’s word in reaching the lost, particularly those who have never heard the Good News, to be an integral part of their lives. That’s where we are today.

I find it interesting that God can and will use any of us at different stages of life to be actively involved with God’s grand plan for lost humanity. Whether we are senders, mobilizers, or goers, we all need to be a part of the story of redemption. Certainly, there will be much growing and learning, failures, and successes, humanly speaking. But ultimately, it is about bringing glory to God in the end. As Hudson Taylor wrote, “Missions is not an option to be considered, it is a command to be obeyed.” I see the local church as the launching pad—the place where training up disciples take on the task of fulfilling the great commission and actualizing God’s promise of Matt 24:14. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations and then the end will come.

We are grateful to God for CGBC’s vision for missions and for their ongoing support through prayer, finances and encouragement. Won’t you join us in these great adventures to Glorify Him?