Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
The depth of missions determines their breadth. Henry Martin reminds us that missions are not an outward activity, but an overflow of the inner life of Christ. When we lament the remoteness of the "ends of the earth" or the arduousness of a mission to Africa, we should first turn inward and examine: Am I drawing closer to the source of missions? The descent of the Holy Spirit not only gives us the ability to work, but also the compassionate heart of Christ for sinners. Without this "closeness" to the Lord, missions are merely a futile journey; with the Spirit of Christ, even a simple, short mission can become a life-changing testimony. How far we go outward depends on how deeply we are rooted in the Lord within our inner world.
Our loving Heavenly Father: Thank you for inspiring my heart once again through the words of our forefathers. Lord, you said that God's ways are higher than our ways, and I entrust my short-term mission trip to Africa in November entirely to you. I ask that you not only grant me peace on my journey, but also draw me daily to you during this season of preparation. May the Holy Spirit continually burn within me, so that I may not be content with the status quo, but rather understand your heart that seeks your lost sheep. May you be glorified in the memorial service in Lynden, and may you also protect my fellow workers who departed earlier in April. May my life be first obtained by you, so that in Africa, in South Surrey, and wherever you send me, I may manifest the sacrificial love of Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!