You will go out in JOY and be led forth in peace; the MOUNTAINS and hills will burst into song before you... Isaiah 55:12
I love students. I love serving in missions. And I love hiking in the mountains! So when I was asked to join our Kairos students on a mission trip to the remote mountains of Honduras (only accessible by foot & pack mule), it didn’t take me long to say “YES!”
There are few things that bring me as much joy as serving with students on the mission field. Joy was certainly a reoccurring theme through out my trip to Honduras. In fact, the scriptures are filled with verses on “joy” (over 300 times!) At one point during our trip I reflected on specific moments in time where I sensed the joy of the Lord. This list served as a reminder of God’s goodness, which in turn, led to an increase in joy:
· Reaching remote mountain villages (after a grueling but exhilarating 7 hour hike)
· Observing a group of Honduran believers laughing and joking together
· Hearing passionate worship with rhythmic clapping and singing in Spanish
· Watching a student testify of God’s redemptive power at work in their life
· Seeing pastors (some who walked for 4 hours) to join our leaders conference
· Witnessing faith, despite persecution (one girl had been beaten for her faith)
· Experiencing the love and laughter with a close knit mission team of students
· Enjoying God’s creation: misty mountains, refreshing waterfalls, colorful songbirds
God is so good! I am so thankful for the numerous opportunities our team had to go out in JOY and share God’s word, His love, and His truth throughout our mission trip. Thank you for your partnership. It’s a JOY to serve Him in this ministry with you!