Lessons from the Mission Field: Dependence

This lesson is my favorite because it was also the most complicated. 

This mission trip required two things of me:

1. Dependence on God

Trusting Him for protection and provision. For Him to have control and do what’s best. For Him to use the work we did for His glory. 

Scripture reminds us of who God is. Isaiah 41:10 says “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Romans 8:31 says “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

We can depend on God because He is for us. He strengthens us. Everything He does for us is good.

2. Dependence on others

When you’ve been burned by people who you thought you can trust, and that’s all you see, suddenly no team work feels safe. It’s a risk.

But we weren’t made to do life alone, especially large projects. 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

It wasn’t about me getting a task done. It was about us as a team collaborating to accomplish something greater. I had friends who checked in on me with my heat sensitivity. I had a new community to go on adventures with. I had friends who shared a common mission and goal: to advance God’s kingdom. 

I had friends on the team in similar seasons as me, and others who weren’t. Some younger, some older. And it was a beautiful dynamic of speaking wisdom and encouragement over each other. We all had different gifts and God used them to the best of His abilities.

I’m grateful for my church + our partner church groups for being everything I prayed for in a team. I’m grateful for friends who follow through on commitments and keep their word. For the ones who stay up late sharing stories, and the ones truly care for others.

Coming from a culture grounded on independence, it’s refreshing to see healthy dependence, team work, trust, and genuine care. And it’s even better to be a part of it.