Transformative Power of Service: Blessings in Missions
Summary
### Summary
Today, we celebrated the incredible work God has done through our church's mission trips to Peru, Tanzania, and Romania. These trips were not just about the individuals who went but also about the community that supported them. Our first mission trip to Peru was a significant milestone, marking a 40-year partnership with two vital churches, Camino de Vida and Cathedral de Fe. We heard from Trinity, Lou, Oakley, and Alex, who shared their transformative experiences and the impact they had on the communities they served.
In Tanzania, Tony Hughes shared a touching story about a young boy named Solomon, highlighting the deep relational connections formed during these trips. Katie also shared her experience, emphasizing how God deposits unexpected blessings in us as we serve others. Our work in Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine was equally impactful. Renee and Nick shared their experiences, including the challenges they faced and the profound impact of their service.
Throughout these stories, a common theme emerged: the paradox of serving. While we go to help others, we often find ourselves deeply blessed and transformed in the process. This aligns with the Apostle Paul's message in Philippians about finding joy in serving others, even in challenging circumstances. We are reminded that saved people are sent people, and our mission is to steward the resources and opportunities God has given us to make a difference in the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Community Support is Crucial: The success of our mission trips is not just about those who go but also about the community that supports them. Each person who went on these trips was backed by a network of family and friends who made their journey possible. This collective effort underscores the importance of community in fulfilling God's work. [01:13]
2. Transformative Power of Service: Serving others, especially in different cultural contexts, has a profound impact on both the giver and the receiver. Trinity and Lou's stories from Peru illustrate how stepping out of one's comfort zone can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of God's love. [07:28]
3. Unexpected Blessings: God often surprises us with blessings when we least expect them. Katie's experience in Tanzania showed how God deposits encouragement and strength in us as we serve others, reminding us that His timing and provision are perfect. [39:05]
4. Relational Depth in Missions: The relationships formed during mission trips are long-lasting and deeply impactful. Tony's story about Solomon in Tanzania and the ongoing partnerships in Romania and Ukraine highlight the importance of building and maintaining these connections over time. [34:24]
5. Saved People are Sent People: The essence of our faith is to be sent out to serve others. Paul's message in Philippians about finding joy in serving, even in difficult circumstances, reminds us that our mission is to steward our resources and opportunities well, making a lasting impact in the world. [01:02:37]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:13] - Introduction to Mission Trips
[03:53] - Trinity's Experience in Peru
[07:28] - Lou's Story and Translation Work
[13:24] - Oakley's Wheelchair Project
[19:17] - Alex's Construction Project
[22:11] - Honoring Pastor Lon and Elizabeth
[34:24] - Tony's Story in Tanzania
[39:05] - Katie's Unexpected Blessings
[42:41] - Renee's Experience in Romania
[49:04] - Impact of the War in Ukraine
[50:13] - Challenges Faced During the Trip
[52:29] - Nick's Story and God's Timing
[01:02:37] - Paul's Message in Philippians
[01:07:44] - Stewarding God's Gifts
[01:09:32] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 2:3-8 (NIV)
> "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"
#### Observation Questions
1. What were some of the key milestones and partnerships mentioned in the sermon regarding the mission trips to Peru, Tanzania, and Romania? [01:13]
2. How did the community support play a role in the success of these mission trips? [01:13]
3. What were some of the unexpected blessings and transformative experiences shared by the mission trip participants? [39:05]
4. How did the relationships formed during these mission trips impact both the participants and the communities they served? [34:24]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "saved people are sent people" align with Paul's message in Philippians 2:3-8? [01:02:37]
2. In what ways did the mission trip participants experience personal growth and a deeper understanding of God's love through their service? [07:28]
3. How can the paradox of serving—where the giver is also deeply blessed—be seen in the stories shared by the mission trip participants? [01:02:37]
4. What does it mean to steward the resources and opportunities God has given us, as mentioned in the sermon? [01:07:44]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you supported someone else's mission or service work. How did that experience impact you, and how can you continue to support others in their service to God? [01:13]
2. Think about a situation where you stepped out of your comfort zone to serve others. What did you learn about yourself and God's love through that experience? [07:28]
3. Have you ever received an unexpected blessing while serving others? How did that experience shape your faith and understanding of God's provision? [39:05]
4. Consider the relationships you have formed through acts of service. How can you continue to nurture and maintain these connections to make a lasting impact? [34:24]
5. How can you apply Paul's message in Philippians 2:3-8 to your daily life, especially in terms of humility and valuing others above yourself? [01:02:37]
6. What specific steps can you take to steward the resources and opportunities God has given you to make a difference in your community and beyond? [01:07:44]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel called to serve. What practical actions can you take this week to begin or continue that service? [01:05:24]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Community Support
The success of mission trips is not solely dependent on the individuals who go but also on the community that supports them. Each person who participates in these trips is backed by a network of family, friends, and church members who provide prayer, financial support, and encouragement. This collective effort underscores the importance of community in fulfilling God's work. The community's role is vital in ensuring that the mission is accomplished and that those who go are well-prepared and supported throughout their journey.
In the context of mission trips, community support can take many forms, from organizing fundraisers to praying for the safety and success of the mission team. This support not only empowers those who go but also allows the entire community to participate in the mission, even if they are not physically present. It is a beautiful demonstration of the body of Christ working together to achieve a common goal. [01:13]
1 Corinthians 12:26-27 (ESV): "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it."
Reflection: Think of a mission or service project you know of. How can you actively support it through prayer, encouragement, or other means today?
Day 2: Transformative Power of Service
Serving others, especially in different cultural contexts, has a profound impact on both the giver and the receiver. When individuals step out of their comfort zones to serve in unfamiliar environments, they often experience significant personal growth and a deeper understanding of God's love. This transformation is not just about the physical work done but also about the spiritual and emotional growth that occurs.
For example, stories from mission trips to Peru illustrate how stepping out of one's comfort zone can lead to personal growth. Participants often find themselves challenged in new ways, leading to a deeper reliance on God and a greater appreciation for the diversity of His creation. This transformative power of service aligns with the biblical principle of finding joy in serving others, as highlighted in the Apostle Paul's message in Philippians. [07:28]
Matthew 25:40 (ESV): "And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you served someone outside your comfort zone. How did that experience change you, and what did you learn about God's love through it?
Day 3: Unexpected Blessings
God often surprises us with blessings when we least expect them. As we serve others, we may find that God deposits encouragement, strength, and other blessings in us. This is a reminder that His timing and provision are perfect, and He knows exactly what we need and when we need it.
For instance, during a mission trip to Tanzania, one participant shared how God provided unexpected blessings and encouragement. These moments of divine provision serve as powerful reminders of God's faithfulness and His ability to work through us in ways we might not anticipate. It is in these moments that we see God's hand at work, providing exactly what is needed at the right time. [39:05]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you received an unexpected blessing. How can you recognize and thank God for His perfect timing and provision in your life today?
Day 4: Relational Depth in Missions
The relationships formed during mission trips are long-lasting and deeply impactful. These connections often go beyond the duration of the trip, leading to ongoing partnerships and friendships that continue to bear fruit over time. Building and maintaining these relationships is a crucial aspect of mission work.
For example, the story of a young boy named Solomon in Tanzania highlights the deep relational connections formed during mission trips. These relationships are not just about the immediate impact but also about the long-term investment in the lives of those served. The ongoing partnerships in places like Romania and Ukraine further illustrate the importance of building and maintaining these connections over time. [34:24]
1 Thessalonians 2:8 (ESV): "So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."
Reflection: Think of a relationship you have formed through serving others. How can you continue to invest in and nurture that relationship for the long-term?
Day 5: Saved People are Sent People
The essence of our faith is to be sent out to serve others. The Apostle Paul's message in Philippians about finding joy in serving, even in difficult circumstances, reminds us that our mission is to steward our resources and opportunities well, making a lasting impact in the world. As saved people, we are called to be sent people, actively participating in God's mission.
This calling involves using our gifts, talents, and resources to serve others and advance God's kingdom. It is a reminder that our faith is not just about personal salvation but also about being a blessing to others. By embracing this calling, we can make a significant difference in the world and fulfill the purpose God has for our lives. [01:02:37]
John 20:21 (ESV): "Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.'"
Reflection: Reflect on how you can use your unique gifts and resources to serve others. What specific steps can you take today to actively participate in God's mission?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "And so, for each person that's up here and each person that had the opportunity to go, they're supported by a family behind them or a significant other that's with them to help make that possible. And so, I want to thank those of you who were participants in that as well." [01:13] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so it just takes your yes. And so just keep an open heart as you're listening. Don't rule yourself out, uh, to what God may have for you as a part of this. Um, but having an impact, not only through what we're able to do from building the, the, um, sanctuary, but also, um, meeting, just being face to face, um, with pain as she's talking, just to note that and point that out." [19:17] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so we can talk about it as a surprise, but we could also talk about it with the clarity that God knew what Katie needed when she needed it. And God knew what they needed when they saw Katie. And we can call that a coincidence or we can call that like God knows what he's doing. And so just want to encourage you with that today." [39:05] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Saved people. People who are following Jesus are sent people. Now we're talking about the impact when you change your place and you change the pace. But nobody's exempt from that. That's an opportunity. It's actually an invitation. It's not even really like a, and if it feels like it's begrudging or you have to, then it's not from God." [01:04:20] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I celebrate that in our church, but I want to leave you with this question, saved people are sent people. What do you want to be remembered for and how you steward all that God has given you? What do you want to be remembered for and how you steward all that God has given you?" [01:07:44] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And so, like I said, we've got these four on stage. These four actually represent 76 other people who served three of our partners in three countries around the world, Peru, Tanzania, and Romania. These are not actors. We didn't pay them anything to come up here and share with us. They're doing it out of the willingness of their heart." [01:13] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so in that, again, just trying to give you something else to think about as you're hearing her share. Not only is it relational, but God, God wants to deposit things in us. We go there and we absolutely, you know, we'll do hard work. We'll commit to whatever will help our partners ultimately. And then we'll strategize about how to do that. But along the way, God deposits some things in us." [39:05] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And your relationships with one another have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. But being in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage. Or grasp, what another translation says. Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant. Being made. In human likeness. Being found in the appearance of as a man. He humbled himself. By becoming obedient to death. Even death on a cross." [01:04:20] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And just to put it plainly, just being born here, you're in the top two percent of wealth in the country or in the world living in Loudoun County. I feel like we have an opportunity that not everybody in the world has. And I would hope at the end of our lives, our desire, what do you want me to do with this Pastor Preston? Is that we could answer that question with a resounding, God, we stewarded everything you gave us. Well, so those of you who partner with us financially that are contributing to that, that are trusting God with your finances. Thank you." [01:07:44] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so Paul's words are very appropriate. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. If you're selfish ambition, it's all about me or vain conceit. You have incredible worth, but you're opting out. Saying I'm not worthy to be a part of what God would want for me. But God would say through Jesus. And what Jesus did. To die and raise again. That you are worth it. Don't opt out. Don't say no for God. That's why we said stay open at the top." [01:03:44] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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