Mission trips are a time for new experiences. They are a time for you to try new things. They are a time for you to have conversations with people you don't know. They are a time for you to get deeper with people you've known for years. All that sounds great, but it also sounds uncomfortable.
"If we never get out of our comfort zones, we can't grow into the places God has prepared for us."
-Seth Barnes, Kingdom Journeys: Rediscovering the Lost Spiritual Discipline
Here's a story from our 2012 Chicago summer team when they got out of their comfort zone.
Nearby, about 15 yards away, a man was lying on the ground. He appeared to be homeless, and we thought he was asleep, but occasionally he opened his eyes and looked over at us. A few of us felt prompted to offer the man something to eat or drink before leaving and try talking with him.
To their surprise, he was full of questions for them once they'd struck up a conversation and told him why we were all here in Chicago. He even asked them questions about Christ – did they talk to Him, believe in Him, etc. This was the first time he had ever had a group of Christians come over and talk to him.
We soon learned his story. He's been traveling for 3 years and came to Chicago about 6 months ago, but he made some mistakes, got into some trouble, and is now on probation and can't leave the city for another year and a half. He mentioned that if he'd "had religion," he wouldn't have done those bad things.
We asked Dimitri if he would be here in the same place tomorrow, and if so, could we talk with him some more. He was open to the idea, saying he probably would be and that we could wake him up if he was asleep.
The whole group was moved by the experience. It was clear that this evening's events were not an accident – the sudden change in plans, finding that particular spot along the lake to sing and debrief, and the cookie. God had led us there for a purpose, and we hope to be able to spend more time talking with Dimitri before the end of our trip!
Are you ready to get out of your comfort zone and experience what God has prepared for you?
Click HERE to view our Chicago summer trip dates.
