YWAM is a Christian outreach organization, so I'm not out here on vacation. At it's core, this trip is supposed to be about evangelism. Evangelism can be described a number of ways, but in essence it is sharing and promoting your faith. I've been raised Christian my entire life and value my personal relationship with God, but I've never been quite comfortable with "evangelizing" to non-believers. I'm a peaceful person. I don't want to seem like a religious stiff and tell other people what they have to believe. But as I look back at this trip so far, I'm beginning to see that evangelism is not like that at all. The core of the Christian faith is Jesus Christ, and if you look to the life of Christ you see humility, service, sacrifice and love. Hardly the type of things that ignite a heated religious debate. On this trip I haven't shouted on a soap box or preached a fiery sermon, but I have had the opportunity to share the love of God through service. Just as He has loved us, so He calls us to love one another.
"Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." - Matthew 22:37-40
I hope that as this trip continues I have more opportunities to talk to non-Christians about my faith and to share what God has done in my life. But if I don't, it's alright. We can exemplify the love of Jesus without ever saying a word. I am blessed to know my maker, my redeemer, and my best friend. Love as He has loved, that others may know Him too.
So long to the Philippines and hello to what ventures await us in Thailand!
Favorite fauxtation (quotation attributed to someone while there is no record of the person having said it):
ReplyDeletePreach the gospel at all times, when necessary, use words. ~Attributed to St. Francis of Assisi
Your post reminded me of this.
Good news, he did write in his "rules" of friars, or whatever it is, basically the same premise:
"No brother should preach contrary to the form and regulations of the holy Church . . .All the Friars . . . should preach by their deeds."
Your actions are leaving seeds, Trevor. What a blessing!
Aaaaah yes. That's the quote I was looking for :) Fauxtation indeed. So, I'm really un-savy at bloodspot. Do you know where the button is for me to follow you?
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