Here I am, in the preparation stages of my trip to the Philippines this summer. I still need to pack. I still need to read the required books. I still need to buy so many things. I still need to prepare my heart. The list goes on and on and on. But for those of you who are just now joining in on my journey, here are some crucial details.
This summer, May 30-August 5th I will be on a mission trip to Eastern Samar, Philippines. I am going with IMB Nehemiah Teams. Our official name is Riverboat Backpacking Team, which for those of you who know me is right up my alley! I recently found out that I am the team leader, which is a huge responsibility. My team consists of 3 other members: Jared, Sarah, and Dan. These are there names so that you can be praying for them too! We will be travelling by foot and by boat all summer to spread the name of Jesus Christ. Some of these people have heard the Gospel before and need discplship, but others have no idea who God is. We all believe that it is our mission to go and tell these people!
Recently I have been reading in Romans about this great obligation that we have. There is no excuse for those who do not know Christ. We are all sinners. We are all guilty. And we all need a Savior. Because of this I can say that "I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. For it is the power of God at work, saving everyone who belives..." (Romans 1:16). God has a great calling on my life. I MUST go and tell them about Jesus. David Platt says, "Gospel theology necessitates urgent missiology. We have a master who demands radical sacrifice and a mission that demands radical urgency." There are people dying every single day who do not know our Lord and Savior. I had to ask myself, "Am I selfish? If this message of eternal life is so great, why must I keep it to myself?"
2 Corinthians 4:7 "We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves."
I pray that my life will reflect that this summer. It is not about me. It is ONLY about the great power that lives within me. I will glorify His name with every action and deed. (at least I will try my best).
I ask that everyone who reads this will pray for me too. I will not have much internet access this summer, so this is how you can keep up with me! I will pretty much only email like my parents and boyfriend! oh, how much I will miss them! I know that God has a great purpose this summer! I pray that He will begin opening the eyes and hearts of those we will come into contact with! I pray that our travels will be safe and that we will not just live the Gospel in the Philippines, but everyday until then! a soul is a soul. I was just as lost before I knew Christ. It is my mission to tell. This mission is also an urgent one. I must go.
Until next time,
Laura Hahn
"Here I am, send me." -Isaiah 6:8
Read Ezekiel 3:17-18 "Son of man, I've made you a watchman for the family of Israel. Whenever you hear me say something, warn them for me. Ifand it will be your fault. I'll hold you I say to the wicked, 'You are going to die,' & you don't sound the alarm warning them that it's a matter of life or death, they will die responsible. But if you warn the wicked and they keep right on sinning anyway, they'll most certainly die for their sin, but you won't die." Seems like the bottom line of these two verses is if we do not tell then their "blood is on our hands." I will be praying for you.
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteyou are awesome! I cannot wait to hear about your trip and we will definitely be praying for you and your team. I know the summer will be hard but i also know that you are physically and spiritually prepared. I wish you no luck because God's will does not contain any. Please keep us updated as much as possible.
I am so proud of you Laura. Going with Nehemiah Teams to the Philippines changed my life. I still think about my orphan kids everyday, and about the people I came in contact with.
ReplyDeleteThe riverboat team came back with some pretty awesome stories last year at debriefing. I am really excited to hear what God does in and through you as you travel.
"Dear Lord, Thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for the wonderful awesome gift You have given us, the gift of salvation. I pray God for the many people that Laura will come in contact with this summmer, break their hearts even now, help them to realize that it is not about religion, but a relationship with You! Open their eyes to the fact that You want them to KNOW YOU personally. Help them to realize through Laura's example, that YOU LOVE THEM Father! and I pray Lord that You strengthen and equip Laura for what You will do through her. Help her to realize when she is most weak, that Your strength will be most evident in her life. God, I praise You for giving Laura a heart to spread Your Word to those who do not know. Lord, may You do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that Laura can ever ask or think this summer. In Your precious and holy name I pray, Amen."