Honduras and Honesty

Recently I was made aware of a need to help with some mission work in Honduras this December.  In theory, I already wanted to go on more mission trips, so I told XMA that I would talk with Katrina and pray about it.  I don't mean to "spiritualize" it, but seriously!  I thought, if God wants me to go, He will open the doors that need to be opened and show us where and how I could be used for that trip.

Well, Katrina and I did pray about the trip.  The trip costs $1,500.  I do not have $1,500.  I am sure God does have it, but He had not given it to me at this point, so that was one of the doors that we were looking for God to open.


MY FINANCIAL PLAN!

Around the same time, I was in class and had a thought.  Maybe I could get course credit for some class I'm going to have to take by going on this mission trip.  I emailed the Dean and sure enough, he said it may be possible, so we need to meet.  Well, this seems to be falling into place.  Each class costs about $350 + book expenses, so that would save me around $400 in earning course credit.  Apply that toward the mission trip and BOOM!, I would really only have to pay $1,100.  See?!  This is all making financial sense.


GOD'S PROVISION

After three days of trying to get in touch with the Dean again to discuss course credit, it was looking like I was not going to make the deadline for purchasing plane tickets.  Randy with XMA called, so I told him not to hold the group up for me.  He said, "So, is money the only thing holding you back?"

I said, "Well, yes...."

He said, "The trip won't interfere with school, or anything?"

I said, "No sir, I'm in between semesters at that time."

Randy asked "How much money do you have saved for the trip, so far?"

I told him only about $60 and whatever I can allocate from our SteelSports event we have this weekend.  I even told him about my financial plan for possibly getting course credit and applying some of my money toward the trip.

Randy then said that a lady called him that morning and wanted to donate to someone's mission trip for Christmas.  She asked if anyone had an unfunded trip.  He told me he did not know what she was going to donate, but we could use it for my trip, so he was going to call her back and ask how much she was offering.

A few minutes later, I received a text from Randy that my entire Honduras trip was paid in full!  My first thought was "Wow!", then it was "Uh oh!"

MY RELUCTANCE

Okay, here is where the rubber meets the road.  I have been saying I will be obedient to whatever God has for me; however, I have a real, full-time job. I've been swamped every weekend with event production from my "fake" job.  I have tons of school work to complete and it sure would be nice to just relax and enjoy time off between semesters.  Oh, and don't forget we are expecting a baby in February!  Where we are going in Honduras does not have mobile phone service.  I'll be gone a whole week with no contact with my wife!  ZOIKS!

I have said all of that to say this.  Uprooting my life to go serve in Honduras for a week DOES kind of scare me.  I have a tendency to be a control freak.  I know that is contrary to being a follower, but I am just being honest.  Even in my half-hearted attempt to work out my own financial ability, there was still an "out" for me to avoid going to Honduras.  It seems to me that God has called my bluff!

HIS GRACE

As God moves people to carry out His will, whether it be in donating money, or time, I believe it is my responsibility to be obedient to follow where He leads.

The primary purpose of this trip is not my comfort and not because it is convenient for me and Katrina.  As the Apostle Paul said,

Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.  (2 Timothy 2:10)

God has given grace to me that I did not deserve.  Because of His Holiness, He would be just (or correct) in condemning me for my disobedience and pride.  In spite of my sinfulness, He chose to forgive me.  That makes absolutely no sense, other than to reveal His Graciousness.  As I go on this mission trip, may this action say nothing about me and everything about Him.  He, Who works contrary to human wisdom.  I hope it causes people to say, "Why in the world would Rodney do that?!?"  It is because HE is worthy.

In Honduras, we will be giving food and shoes to the local population.  In addition to that, we will have solar powered voice recorders with the gospel message.  We will also have interpreters with us, as we work with the local missionary to share the Gospel.  Please pray for our safety and usefulness.