I have always been thinking «what motivates people, what encourages them to carry the light and kindness to all the corners of the Earth? Why are they leaving their homes? These people are special. They have experienced something that hasn’t happened to me»
When I heard the offer to go and work in Voronezh, my first thought was «that’s not for me». There were too many “important” things I had to do. For the second time I heard about “Crystal” at the youth forum of the United Methodist Church in Eurasia. Renovation and decoration was needed to let children with special needs enjoy their time at the recreation center. At that moment I was looking at young people who were saying “Yeah, that is cool, we are going…” and my heart was filled with warmth and eyes were itching. That’s how Holy Spirit was working in me, evoking emotions and feelings which move people to go into mission trips.
Before the mission trip started I often had heard people saying that I actually didn’t need it, that there was no time, that there was too much to do apart from it. There had been moments when I could go back on me decision. And actually I could refuse, but my heart couldn’t. Thanks to the prayers, support of my brothers and sisters and organization team I was able to be among those in the God-blessed place of “Crystal”. We were together, shared our talents, felt the love of God, which we had received to share it with others.
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Holly Spirit was there with us. It was then when I realized who encouraged us. It was God and we were instruments in his hands. It is a great privilege for me that I could be a part of His plan. And we were moved by God’s love, the love, which Paul described in 1 Corinthians, chapter 13 (4-8):
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away”.
I am thankful to Jesus Christ for the opportunity for all of us to be where God is working. I thank you Father for the hearts of love, Love is filling us and everything that is around.
The God’s mission goes on and we are His fellow workers.
Amen
Perestov Ivan, Samara UMC
Photo: Perestov Ivan
Translate by Kviatkovskiy Maxim