Last night I believe I had one of the best meals of my entire life. It was one of those experiences where you’re kind of sad it happened because you know nothing will even come remotely close to it ever again. The food was great and the service was phenomenal (hello, we’re in Italy after all). However the real reason it was so special was because as we sat around the tables, story after story was retold of God blessing our little local church in Utah.
Funny stories, sad stories, informative stories were bouncing around the room for nearly four hours. I couldn’t help but stop and marvel at how God has so evidently protected and sustained The Rock Church over the past 25 years. And allowing us to be in Italy once again co-laboring with long-time ministry partners. What a privilege and an honor to now have been a small part of the rich history of what God is doing here in Europe. Furthermore, what God is doing in Utah through our little church.
My Path
I moved to Utah in 2019 with no elaborate plan for what ministry would look like. First and foremost I wanted to live out the Great Commission in my normal day-to-day life. Secondly to be a faithful member of a local church. Prior to my move to Utah, I had taken part in several international mission trips throughout my life. I thought that international ministry was where I would end up long term.
When my path instead took me to Utah, I was on fire for what the Lord had for me there. But I would be lying to myself if I didn’t acknowledge the tinge of sadness that struck me in releasing the possibility of never doing ministry internationally again. Praise God that Jeremiah 1 teaches us that the Lord knows His children and the desires of their hearts. Likewise, He knew how much my soul needed a reminder of His faithfulness to the nations.
Although there’s no doubt my life should remain planted in Utah, it is equally important to periodically step out of our daily lives and ministries to have a tangible reminder of our purpose as believers. Our purpose can be summed up in a few simple words: go and be faithful.
Milan
We live in a world obsessed with finding identity and purpose. Everywhere we look there is propaganda fighting for our undivided attention. Here in Milan, the fashion capital of the world, it is no different. At every street corner, brand after brand is selling the latest rendition of what is cool, agreeable, lovely, or even right.
Since we’ve been in Italy, I can’t help but reflect and be overwhelmed with thankfulness that our identity and worth are set by Christ. Our purpose is not a secret. It has been explicitly given and is executed by Christ Himself through us, the Church.
This trip has not only reminded me of my purpose in this life, but it has also reignited a heart for the nations — which are also in Utah. In all of my world travels, there is one thing that remains consistent: humans are yearning to find their place in this world. We, as believers, have the only answer that will satisfy that innate longing. His name is Jesus.
When we were approached to consider going on this trip to Italy, I sadly admit that my initial reaction was wondering why we should go when there is so much work to do at home. In hindsight, I see that the Lord wanted to remind me of what He is doing around the world. He wanted to reset my heart, which had quietly grown cold to my purpose within my ordinary life.
Would You Dare?
My challenge to my fellow church members is this: although there is a lot of work to do at home, there is great mutual benefit in going. Both for you and for the local believers you are ministering alongside. These past days have been literal glimpses of Heaven. They spur all of us on in the work we do in our daily lives. Sharing meals, sharing stories, sharing time — none of it goes to waste. All of it brings glory to God.
Going on mission has uncovered parts of my heart that needed to be reignited and character that needed to be refined. It is all pleasing to the Lord. Would you dare to consider what God might want to teach you about Himself by going on mission?
Thank you, Jesus, for Your sweet blessings of the local church, my international brothers and sisters, and the opportunity to serve them all.
Sydney
Posted in Missions