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When people are juggling the idea of going on a short-term trip, they often ask what to expect. I tell them this: you will see God move in ways you never have before, and your faith will be put into action. There are so many ways God can use you. He’s just waiting for your willingness and for you to move out and go!
I hope my story, an introvert’s journey to sharing faith, can inspire you in some way.
Thanks, but no thanks
It all started with an invitation from my wife and co-worker. I didn’t feel a specific call by God to Latin America, or truthfully any real desire to go anywhere. My wife, Jocelyn, felt a strong passion for the Latin American community and was feeling led to that region to share the Gospel. However, I am a reserved, quiet, introverted type and don’t find myself talking to others naturally about everyday topics, let alone talking about Jesus. The thought of going door-to-door sharing the Gospel was far outside my comfort zone.
After much thought and prayer, my wife and I decided to register for the trip, with a scapegoat in mind. I told myself that if I didn’t raise the money I just wouldn’t go. Yet, God showed Himself as our ultimate provider with every single dollar we needed to raise. Over the course of several months, we were well-trained for the task ahead of us, but I still didn’t feel ready to share the Gospel of Jesus in a foreign country, in a language I don’t speak, in a culture, I didn’t understand.
The journey
From the moment God was preparing my heart for the trip to the journey home, God met me right where I needed Him. When I needed to hear who God says I am, He answered. When I needed confidence to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, I was paired with a Latin brother and made an immediate connection, and we were a force to be reckoned with! The first appointment was nerve-racking, but the Holy Spirit gave me confidence, the right words to say—and the man accepted Jesus into his heart! Talk about a shot of spiritual adrenaline. Doors that were previously closed to the local believers were opened just because I was an American. God used us to bring His Good News to these people who didn’t know Him.
The body at work
Our short-term trip team—made up of different backgrounds, ages, and personalities—was a true testament to the Body of Christ at work. We could see God clearly arranged our team so precisely to reach the people we came into contact with. Each person was operating in their God-given identity, using their life experience to touch the lives of people in specific ways. It was truly a supernatural experience.
One of my favorites memories happened on an appointment with a man that was on the hearts of the locals for a long time. But we were intimidated because this man was educated and wealthy. On our way to meet him, we prayed for wisdom, that God would soften his heart to receive the Gospel and use us as His instruments. We talked about our one true God, his gods, idols, the Bible, and culture. After a long conversation, I struck a bargain with him to follow Jesus completely for two months, and if he didn’t think it was better than living without Jesus, he can go back and do whatever he wants. He agreed. We prayed, and he asked Jesus into his heart. I trust God is transforming his life and the local church is shepherding and disciplining him along the way.
Move out
If you’re anything like me, you might be wondering how God could use you to reach people across the globe. Take it from me, even introverts can lead people to Christ! In just a week, we experienced healing, breakthrough, growth, life change and salvation. Put your faith in action and let God work through you. You’ll never be the same!
Take the first step at kensingtonchurch.org/trips.
-Joe Jarvis, Kensington IT Director