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I learned that many of these children
come from homes that are so unstable
that they begged to stay at school at the
end of the day.
Thinking about everything God taught
me in Detroit, I have to ask myself if
I am only interested in ministry that
is glamorously risky, exciting, or with
people that I naturally love. Sometimes
I assume that mission work is more of an
exotic adventure than sacrificial service.
Although serving God is fulfilling, the
personal implications of missions work is
sobering. God showed me that my heart
needs to be transformed by gospel truth
for my priorities to fall in line. This means
that if I get my satisfaction from people’s
approval, I will
always want to make
ministry big and
showy, waiting for
applause. However, if
I find my satisfaction
from Christ’s love for
me, I will be faithful
to do the little things
that go unnoticed.
If I think that I am
entitled to a life
that is catered
to my wants and
needs, I will burn out when ministry gets
hard. However, if I recognize that all I
have is a result of God’s grace, ministry
will be more of a joy. If I only befriend
people that I naturally like, I will selfishly
neglect many of the people that Jesus
loves and for whom He died. However,
if I understand that Jesus loved me
despite my complete unworthiness, I
will love others out of that supernatural,
unconditional love that He gave to me.
I was encouraged to see the hope that is
blossoming in one of the most struggling
cities in the nation, and how God is
working through His children there. It is
“Sometimes
I assume
that mission
work is more
of an exotic
adventure
than sacrificial
service.”
my prayer that more of us will selflessly
take up our crosses and follow Him as
they do.
Erica Williamson is a sophomore from
St. Cloud, Minnesota majoring in Teacher
Education. Her career goal is to be a
missionary or a teacher.
Victor Jimenez and Erica
Williamson serve food to the
needy and the homeless at a
Detroit church.
The cross country
team made an
attempt to stay in
shape even in the
Detroit conditions.
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