July 14, 2010
7 Comments

The culture of GO

Posted by bransonsheets | Tags: , , , , ,

My wife is a packing magician. I guess it comes from moving every two or three years when she was growing up as her family followed her Air Force dad all over the world. This summer, it has really come in handy. She has helped at least five of our Covenant students pack suitcases to go on mission trips out of country.

GO!

The way airlines charge for extra weight these days, there is a fifty pound limit, so you have to pack wisely. That means all clothes, toiletries, snacks, mosquito netting, and bedding for the whole trip has to fit in that one suitcase. So far, she is five for five! When each student has arrived at the airport, their bags have all been less than fifty pounds.

It is amazing to me to watch these high schoolers boldly going to other continents to serve Jesus and tell others about what He has done for them. When I was their age, I was playing baseball, going to the beach, and working in the tobacco field all summer. Maybe the opportunities were there to go, but I don’t believe that I would ever have dreamed of leaving home to serve as a missionary. Frankly, I was scared that Jesus MIGHT call me to go and I really didn’t want to. These young people will all tell you they believe they were called to go!

God seems to be developing a culture of going here at Covenant these days. It is no longer enough to support missions; now the Holy Spirit is calling us to go out into the entire world.

We’ve had over 30 people go to the Dominican Republic this summer, and we’ve got another large group going in August. We sent people from Covenant to Europe, Africa, South America, Asia, and other parts of North America this year, plus there are hundreds of people now serving at what has become known as the Redemption Zone in West Greenville.

Personally, I am excited about this new “Culture of Go.” I believe we are becoming the kind of church Jesus can really be proud of as we mirror His commission in the Book of Acts:

Acts 1:8 (NLT) “But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

How about you? Will you be the next to GO?

I wonder, if you have been going recently, would you offer some encouragement to others who are thinking about it? Leave your comments below.

See you this weekend.
Branson

7 Comments to “The culture of GO”

  • July 14, 2010 at 9:10 pm
    @jeffdaigle says:

    I remember the first time i walked the streets of West Greenville. I went to learn more about the area, but I left with my heart pulled and I had my world rocked. Every mission trip I've been on around the world has had profound impact on my life. The only reason to be scared is if you're scared of what God will do in your heart!

    Reply
  • July 14, 2010 at 6:03 pm
    Rich Rizzuti says:

    I've never regretted "going" when God was prompting me to do so. But I've always regretted not "going" when God was prompting me and I listened to my own inner reservations and fears. Just as the Israelites had to step in the waters of the Jordan before God separated the river for passing, so we have to step into the waters of outreach in order to see His working in our lives and the lives of others we meet.

    Reply
  • July 14, 2010 at 6:20 pm
    Melissa Luther says:

    I recently answered the call to go and am so greatful for the opportunity. I have served a few times in the RZ at block parties and most recently was priveledged to be a part of the medical missions team to the DR. It was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. It is both humbling and amazing to watch God work in the lives of the team and those we go to serve. I am also very greatful that God does not always call the equipped, but He equips the called, because I could never have done this without His equipping. I encourage anyone who has felt that tug to go, to pray and take a step of faith. You will be so glad you did.

    Reply
  • July 14, 2010 at 6:23 pm
    Kim Mills says:

    I was so blessed on Monday night to be in the presence of the woman at Once Lost Now Found. I left more grateful to God for my life and for His constant protection of me over all these years. These women are tired and they need other women to just talk to and fellowship with. What a blessing they were to me and as always. God is calling each of us to go out and serve—sometimes I am slow to answer, but when I do, I am the one that is blessed!!

    Reply
  • July 17, 2010 at 5:45 pm
    Mandi says:

    ¨Therefore Go…¨ Friends, it´s as simple as that….Many times we are concerned with wanting to understand the ¨when¨, or the ¨why¨, but that´s God´s business. Our call is to be obedient, to trust, and to step in faith out beyond our comfort zones. Comfort zones are different for all of us, and how they are defined for each one of us doesn´t really matter. Truth is we all have them, and they get in the way. It is the step beyond that comfort that He desires for us to take.

    Reply
    • September 7, 2010 at 9:14 am
      james says:

      mandi you are right and very smart i agree with you all the way

      Reply
  • July 17, 2010 at 8:46 pm
    Susan Todd says:

    I too have never regretted “going”. My family was so blessed to share our first mission trip together last year with the Vacation With a Mission program. This year we all were blessed to be able to go together again, this time for a week with the medical mission team. It was such an amazing time for our family and was truly the most awesome, unforgettable, wonderful time we’ve ever had as a family. To be able to share such an experience as a family is so rare and such a treasure. For anyone considering going- heed His voice. If He is calling you (and He has called us all!), take a step in faith. He WILL provide, He WILL protect, He WILL bless your socks off! You will never regret it!

    Reply

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