Philippines, part three

We could have sent all the money our team collected straight to the Philippines and not stepped foot on a single airplane, ferry or taxi. Maybe the money collected would have gone further, purchasing new goods while helping to bolster the local economy. We could have saved ourselves forty-eight hours of air travel alone, so why is it so important for us to physically go into the entire world?

People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care! It means so much for people to know that there are people who loved them and were willing to come in person and tell them that they are not forgotten. Isn’t that what Jesus did? He left the Father in heaven and came to earth to tell us how much He loved us.

On one Wednesday afternoon alone on Cebu Island, thirty-five people raised their hands making decisions to follow Jesus Christ. The next day several workers at the church’s building site did the same. Then on Leyte Island, in a small coastal village there will be many others who will want to learn more about Jesus Christ after seeing our team rebuild their neighbor’s house.

The boxes and suitcases full of simple toys, trinkets and clothing went along ways to send our love to the Filipino people. It’s interesting to think that many of these items originally produced in Asia ended up traveling back into the hands that made them. But to see the smiles that these small gifts produced and to receive an unexpected hug from a man, woman or child was really payment enough for our sacrifice.

The question of faith and works is an age old dilemma dating back to ancient times. But it’s not until someone understands eternity that they begin to put the Christian walk into perspective. The half brother of Jesus penned the answer to this question in a letter to the twelve tribes who were scattered among the nations. In James 2:14-25.

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed’, but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead.”

Human beings left to their own desires usually become focused on themselves. The practice of selflessness really does take practice. We tend to horde material possessions for ourselves rather than distribute them among people who really need them.  We waste so many things here in America on unproductive pursuits. Especially, our precious time is often squandered on pleasures that feed our flesh only for a moment with no real, lasting return on our investment.

Many have said of short term mission trips that they are a waste of resources. Now, it’s really easy to be critical. You’re reading the ramblings of someone who is an innovator in critical church thinking. There have been times in my life when I have complained about the pastor having a front parking space. The worship team seems to be operating in the flesh. The song choices were too slow, too fast, too many hymns, not enough contemporary music; if you can think of a complaint I’ve been guilty of making it.

The truth is: taking the time to get to know people, and caring about their needs is the only thing that lasts through eternity. Building relationships with others is the only thing you will be taking to heaven. All your possessions, toys and earthly accomplishments will stay here on earth and eventually be consumed by fire.

 It’s not easy to put others first.  Battling our lusts and desires for our own fulfillment will take initiative, a focused mind and will not be overcome in a day.  The bible states that greater love has no man than for one to lay down his own life for a friend. Jesus did just that for the entire world He created. He put aside His own life, laying it down for all of us, dying for our sin and short comings.

Take the time to shake someone’s hand and connect with them. Take time to listen to their story and help them if you can. Even a simple thing like holding a door open for someone can have eternal significance. So as your sitting in church this weekend remember why you’re there, because God first loved you!

If you would like to help send water filtration devices and your love to others around the world, please visit http://goministries.org  earmark your tax deductible donation for Dean Kellio, Nepal-Philippines relief.