Serving Others

Our high school youth group recently took a mission trip to Camp Langano in our focus country of Ethiopia.  Below I think you’ll find some powerful comments from the trip.

WHAT DID GOD SHOW YOU IN ETHIOPIA?

That technology and riches can change— but God’s love is the same for anyone anywhere around the world.
He showed me how to love others well and unconditionally.
How to be content in all situations.
How much I really like my comfort zone.
God showed me an overwhelming and powerful love that I’d never seen before.
God opened my eyes to the ‘real’ purpose of Christianity.
That miracles still happen.
We don’t need things to be happy.
And He can change even a heart of stone.

WHAT WAS MOST ATTRACTIVE ABOUT THE ETHIOPIAN CULTURE YOU WISH YOU COULD BRING BACK HOME?

You don’t have to worry about how you look, how you smell, or what you say.
The passionate pursuit of others relationally and the openness to receiving new people into their lives.
Seeing the Ethiopians worship God was so moving.
The love is so pure—uncorrupted by society.
It is nothing that can be imitated, captured, or packed.

IN WHAT WAY HAS YOUR HEART BEEN CHANGED?

I hope to be more generous in every way.
I am more forgiving and accepting of others.
Away from the noise and distractions normally thrown at us, I felt God move in my heart so much more.
My desire for the material world and worldly items was decreased significantly.
I am more thankful for my family and who they are.
God broke my heart so that He could fill it even more with His love.

HOW WILL YOUR LIFE BE DIFFERENT NOW?

Try to be more open to all relationships.
Less concerned with schedule and time.
Pray more!
Be more patient with people and take time to build Godly relationships—showing more concern and interest in others.
I’m going to let go of my own wants and desires in order to better serve others.
I am more open to His will for my life.
I’m excited about being a better son to my parents.
Complain less.
Love more.
I will spend more time with God and more time serving others.

Church at Charlotte will be taking an adult trip to Ethiopia February 4-14.  Would you be open to going?  Please contact me with any questions or to get an application.

God Bless,
RJ
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