"Why I Go" by Robbie Jent

Why do I go on mission trips?

Whether they are 1 day or week long events,

 They are close to home, or half way around the world?

For me it’s because when I first got invited to go, I couldn’t get away from the feeling that I was suppose to go, but thought I am so unworthy, what could I possibly have to offer anybody.

I finally said yes and man what a difference God has made in my life, I have grown and changed so much, yes people are effected and touched and changed where I go, But God has done a work in my life that may never have happened if I had not gone!!

The first trip I ever went on we were given some teaching and some tools, like learning a scripture to share, tracts to pass, how to “one on one” with people, how to street preach, THE FOUR SPIRITUAL LAWS, Etc..

I did not do much on that first trip, did not lead anyone to Christ, I did try to encourage people and pray with them for God’s providence in their lives.

I  learned a scripture and was able to share it with a young man, after we talked awhile and his friend was dragging him off, And I told him my scripture, Isaiah 55:6  “Seek the Lord while he may be found call on him while he is near.”  I saw his face change and I said now is the time, don’t wait to long!!   He said I won’t.   Thank you!!

When I returned home I didn’t think I had done anything for God. But I soon learned God had DONE lots for me!

My daughters asked all about the trip and what we did and how we did it.  I was able to tell them and showed them the “BIG QUESTION ?” tract   IF YOU WERE TO DIE THIS MINUTE DO YOU HAVE THE ASSURANCE YOU WOULD GO TO HEAVEN?

Amira said she was sure and told me when, where and why, she got saved, it was at Beulah camp.

Maleeka said she thought she had at Beulah camp, but was not sure, I said would you like to know Jesus for real?!

We walked thru the four spiritual laws and we prayed for her to accept Christ!   Glory to GOD !!

I told her to tell her sister that she was a Christian and Jesus lived in her heart, when she did, she cried and smiled and laughed!! What an exciting moment!! She has never looked back, she follows Jesus every day!!

Every year I go again, not because I can do anything, but because of what God does thru me and in me.

One Story from New Orleans this year:

My wife and I packed 10 bags with a variety of things to try and be a blessing to the homeless.

We packed water, fruit juice, cheese & crackers, granola bar, raisins, fruit snacks, Chicken salad box lunch, peanut butter crackers, bags of chips, gloves, socks, and a New Testament bible.

I shared some of these and let a few of the other men take some and share them.

One man I was able to share with was CARL.  Carl has been homeless for 19yrs. He has tried numerous times to get a hand up but seems to always fall back again, sometimes due to his own negligence and other times due to the economy or other factors.

As Carl and I began to talk about his life I looked into his eyes, oh my he was jaundice, I didn’t see it at first because Carl is black man, but his eyes were yellowing, then I began to notice that his lips were swollen and had blotches on the inside, and that he seemed to drool quite a lot.

I ask him what was keeping him down lately and Carl told me had AIDS!  I realized Carl was probably dying and most likely soon!

As I began to ask him if he knew Jesus or at least knew of him, Carl told me he was baptized as a boy, due to his situation, the gang tattoos, and some things that were said I surmised that Carl was like me and was saved at a young age but then turned and ran from God, He agreed that was the case.

I asked Carl if he had ever heard the story of the Prodigal son. He said no.

I shared it with him, and told him that the son was just like him and me, and that we had wasted what God had given us, and that we were the ones who left God, he didn’t leave us!!

I shared with him how the father in the story was just like God, looking and longing daily for us to return to him, so he can welcome us home!!

I asked Carl if he thought God would forgive him and welcome him back. He said he hoped so!

We prayed and Carl asked God to forgive him and restore him to right standing!

Praise be to God that he is faithful to his word; I believe that Carl is a redeemed son of God.

I prayed for Carl’s healing  and I know my God is bigger than aids, but if Carl does die from aids, I am sure he will not be alone Jesus will be with him to welcome him home!!!

And one day Carl and I will meet on the Streets of Heaven and Rejoice for what God has done in our lives!!

I go not because I think I know everything and think I am capable,

I go because I have nothing to offer but Jesus and he fills me up to overflowing!

I go because God calls us to go Mat. 28:19 

I go because God can and does work thru me to reach others.

It’s not about me.  It’s all about him and his power and Love!!

Maybe you should find a mission to go on?   See what God can and will do in your life!!

                                                                                   God Bless those who chose to go!

                                                                                                In his service,

                                                                                                Robbie Jent