When I first heard about this mission trip, I really wanted
to go but thought there was no way it would happen. However, I serve the God
who can do anything He wants and He must have really wanted not just me, but
Jeff as well, to go to Malta .
When I initially prayed for God’s direction on taking this
step of faith, I asked for a clear way, open door, and neon sign. And guess
what? Yes, He did exactly that! I know He didn’t have to, but that was what
Jeff and I both needed to make sure we were following Him in this.
See, when people go on mission trips, it is not just the
people who step foot out of the country that are participating…it is everyone
who gives something so these people can go. It is their family sacrificing time
and money, it is anyone who gives whether through donations (such as buying a
plane ticket, which someone did for Jeff, or writing checks which several
people did for me) and fundraisers, and especially those who pray for us (as we
prep and through the duration of the trip). So many people actually are a part
of this trip and we are thankful for each one!
We have had wonderful friends and family support, but the
very best has been our children. They have been such a blessing through this
whole process from the second I told them we were thinking about going on a
mission trip to Malta .
We have tried to teach them the importance of living out our Christian faith all
the time. What better example to show them than going on a mission trip to Malta , where we
show our support and encouragement to those missionaries who put their lives on
the line for Christ daily? We are leading VBS for the missionaries’ children
and providing some childcare. I told the kids that it would take lots of
self-sacrifice on their part including
going to meetings, time working for extra money, possibly less personal
attention for a couple of months, and 9 days away from us during the trip
itself. Their response: You should go!
The VBS material we are teaching is Awesome God, Amazing
Power, with some of the music talking about facing fears and trusting Him. I
get just as much from teaching the material and singing the songs as the kids
do! I see God’s awesomeness and His amazing power so many times each day. I
also am challenged daily to face my fears in the uncertainties and trials of
life, trusting God to see us through since He has plans for us; plans to
prosper us and give us a future and a hope! There have been so many teachable
moments for our children through this process. They understand that they are
part of the reason we are able to go…they have been so generous in accepting
the time and energy we are pouring into the trip. They also are encouraging as
they smile and say they are really excited we get to go on a mission trip. It
has truly been a joy to see the Lord working in their lives, too, as we have
shown them examples of God’s direction and His provision along the way. It is music to my ears when they ask when they
can go on a mission trip! We are teaching them the life-long lessons that
really matter!
Jill Constance
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