The metro train came to an abrupt halt. I stepped outside into the bright sunlight of the charming European city I would be visiting for the next week. Bikes hastily darted along the cobblestone streets, and the chill of the winter air caught my breath. The buzz of the city shook me awake. I had finally arrived in Denmark. Traveling on a mission trip was never my idea. But I am grateful that God graciously put my imperfect, human self into his Amazing Plan. His Plan for this faith-searching city. His Plan for the World. The experience of merely traveling abroad creates plenty to learn and experience already. But I learnt so much more than adjusting to a new country, and I am still learning. Here are five (out of the many) things I learned from my mission trip to Denmark. 1. I BECAME PART OF A SPECIAL FAMILYI was blessed with an special group of individuals to embark on my adventure with. Their merry laughter overflowed by heart with joy. Their warm smiles contrasted so strongly with the darkness of the winter air. My trip would have been nothing without them. 2. THERE'S MORE THAN JUST ME IN THIS WORLDDoing journalism along the picturesque streets of Copenhagen, lined with quaint coffee shops and colourful buildings I was given a small window into people’s lives. Everyone on this earth has their own fears, dreams, delights, prides, hopes and sorrows. It’s not simply about MY struggles or MY doubts or MY desires or MY accomplishments. I have to let go of thinking just about myself and realize that i’m not the only person on this earth, whom everyone has to support, encourage and compliment. There’s more than just me in this world. 3. WHAT THE WORLD SAYS BRING JOY ARE NO MATCH FOR THE JOY CHRIST BRINGSDuring my time in Denmark, I learned quickly that the thought that Denmark is the happiest country on earth is an over-statement. These people have all the world says will make you happy, but they’re still searching. This is true to our First World society on the other side of the Atlantic as well. We binge shop for things we don’t really need and waste our time fixated on earthly pleasures. The truth is that we can’t experience true joy-filled living without Christ. The things the world says will make you happy, such as the latest, overpriced clothing, or the best, newest phone on give the smallest fraction of happiness compared to the immeasurable joy Christ gives. 4. USE THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS CHRIST HAS GIVEN YOU FOR HIS GLORYThis message was truly the main object of the trip, as well as doing mission work. We were able to exercise our God-given gifts through producing media in the categories of journalism, photography and videography. Hearing the click of the camera and the pattering of feet to the next photo shoot was music to my ears. We were able to use the spiritual gifts God had given us for his ultimate glory. 5. OPEN YOUR HEART TO THE FANTASTIC POSSIBILITIESEver since I made the decision to go to Denmark, I strive to let go of my fears and cling to God, in the good days, and the bad days, because no matter how far I drift, he never lets go of my hand.
I need to open my heart to the fantastic plan He has for my life. To let the Holy Spirit guide me through my doubts, my mess-ups, because He knows my future, the plan for my life, after all, He created it. He is with you and for You, forever and always. Comments are closed.
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MEET HANNAHWelcome to this wee corner of the internet! I'm Hannah; snail mail aficionado, paper enthusiast and child of God. Join me on this adventure! ARCHIVES
April 2018
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