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by Donna Janes
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I share my heart with you? My name is Donna Janes. My husband, Herb, and
I are empty-nesters. Prior to 2003, I had never stepped foot out
of the country. The idea of passports, shots and everything that foreign
travel entailed was a bit daunting. And so, the thought of participating
in a mission trip was not even on my radar. All those worries, fears and
shortcomings came to the surface when my husband proposed that we join the
2003 China missions team.
Immediately, my mind swept to imagining how long 16 days away was. I wondered how far away China was. On top of that, I began thinking about how:
- China was so foreign to anything I knew.
- I'm not very adventurous with travel or foods.
- My body is sensitive to sights and smells. What if I got sick?
- I felt so unqualified to teach English.
And what about those "squatty potties"?
Yet, with all of these concerns, I still had an excitement about the unknown, the idea of totally depending on God. I knew I¹d be spiritually stretched by committing to this trip, but I was well aware that Christ was bigger than all my worries. In the end, and in spite of my shortcomings, Christ was able to use me in the lives of those we met during that 2003 trip to China. Following the trip, I realized:
- I had gained a renewed understanding of God¹s
character and faithfulness.
- Long flights didn¹t seem as long as I anticipated
They were actually enjoyable.
- I did remarkably well with the Chinese diet.
- I was as equipped to teach as I needed to be.
- Love for the people is a major key
in doing the short-term missions work.
- I had a heart for the people of another culture.
- My heart grew immensely with all we experienced.
- My team members had become precious friends.
"Missions" is now personal to me. The word brings to mind names and faces of those serving in a distant land. I now have a more informed way of praying for the "church on the ground" and those serving. The need to share the Good News has a new tug on my heart.
There is no turning back for me. I went to Bulgaria in 2006 and 2007. The
world now seems smaller and more connected. Most of my original fears and
myths have been dispelled. Bulgaria has stolen a piece of my heart. My husband
and I have many new friends both in the Body of Christ and outside of it.
We are eager to return, Lord willing.
Where is God leading you?
Contact Herb and Donna Janes at 651-636-9786 for details on
upcoming Bulgaria ministry.
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