I recently returned from a mission trip to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam and surrounding rural areas. Our team of six visited many orphans, handicapped, sick, and poor. It was a special trip for me to get outside of my four walls at home (with 3 young kids) to serve those whom Jesus called the “least of these” in Matthew 25. I felt like I was using the gifts God has given me in ways I don’t usually take the opportunity to exercise. He gave me boldness and courage to display my faith by laying on hands, praying for the sick and lepers and reading God’s Word aloud in the dark and weary country. I was not afraid to declare His truth, despite it being a communist country. Unfortunately in our free country here, I sometimes become timid to step on others’ toes.

We took several boxes of toys, baby clothes and blankets, formula, candy, money and 5 Vietnamese Bibles that we handed out. They were so grateful for anything they received in their destitute situation. It’s amazing how a small piece if candy, a hug, and a smile can bring such joy to a child! We told them all that we were there because God loves them and He wanted us to visit them. People there would comment that their own countrymen do nothing, and it takes a foreigner to travel halfway around the world to care for them. We reminded them that it’s because of Jesus that we care.

Our team leaders are Vietnamese-Americans who have recently started an orphanage there. With the help of some local nuns, they encourage pregnant women not to choose abortion (which is rampant and the government persuades and funds) by paying for their healthcare, extra nourishment, and for the delivery if they would, in turn, keep the baby or give it to the orphanage. Since April 2006, they have rescued 14 babies and 2 toddlers (saved from bad homes) and several more on the way. This effort has been fully funded out of our team leader’s pocket until recently because they immediately obeyed what God was calling them to do with their blessings. The ministry is quickly growing, and we can’t wait to see what else God has in store! They are trying to find financial sponsors for the babies and for a better building. Maybe eventually they will be able to adopt them out.  Scott and I personally are praying that God would open the doors for us to adopt.

 Another really encouraging part of the trip included visiting a Catholic priest who is training his congregation and their local rural village in studying and teaching the Bible. He has 200 people trained that each have a weekly study class of 50 each. Do the math…that’s 10,000 people in Bible studies!! Remember, this is a communist and mostly Buddhist country. Boy, is God up to something there!

Ask God to show YOU about going on a mission trip sometime. It is just normal people responding to God’s opportunity. You don’t have to be some super seminary spiritual person-I’m just a stay at home mom. The people you visit will definitely be blessed, but I’d bet you are changed even more. It feels so good to get out of yourself and help others in need. My pastor recently said, “God pays for what He orders.” God will provide all the funds and support needed, all you have to do is say YES!