As the darkness of night crept over the thick, lush jungle canopy that surrounded us, the sounds of nature began to change. Those who live in the jungle know it is safest to get your work done during the day . . . and to stay safely in your hut at night.
But this night was different. We were on a mission.
My wife and I, along with our student missionary and his parents, loaded our belongings into a wheelbarrow and set out on our five-kilometer (3.1-mile) walk. The first 1.5 kilometers took us through thick jungle, bumping over roots and dodging mud holes. One person in front, holding a bright torch, guided the way, helping the little wheel find the best path. Another person brought up the rear with another bright torch, keeping an eye out for any unwanted visitors from the jungle.
Yes, there were wildcats in this area.
While we all would have been more comfortable staying home, or at least not having to push a wheelbarrow through the jungle at night, the excitement of what lay ahead propelled us forward, for in our wheelbarrow was a generator, purchased with a generous donation from the parents of our student missionary. We were on our way to share Jesus with the little village of El Yata.
For many months, we had provided medical care to the people of this village as we built relationships, visiting homes, caring for the sick and earning their trust. The day we stitched up the head of a small child, who, unbeknownst to us, was the son of a major drug dealer, was the day we gained the support and trust of the entire village. We were becoming friends.
After these experiences, people began to wonder who we really were and why we were there. We had opportunities to share the love of Jesus with individuals, and now the entire community wanted to hear.
Each night, we would arrive at the village soaked with sweat but filled with excitement. A single light bulb, strung from a lone wire hanging toward the back of the room, provided a little light. A small projector beamed pictures onto the wall at the front. The generator hummed away as far from the meeting area as we could manage, providing electricity through a long extension cord.
And there we were, a small team telling the story of redemption to local people in their own language and in a cultural way that made sense to them. This was the joy of missions.
Our student missionary was fundamental to the entire process. He had taken a year off from college to come and serve with us. He dove into the culture, worked desperately to learn the language and continually looked for ways to help.
When he saw the need for a generator, he called his parents. Instead of simply sending money, they came to visit. They donated the funds to purchase the generator and helped us provide a week of medical clinics. At the end of that time, we were blessed to see the first worshiping group established in a community that had previously had little or no opportunity to hear the news of Jesus and His soon return.
Student and short-term missionaries are a vital part of missions. Their terms of service may be short, but praise God, their impact can be eternal! There is something powerful about combining short-term service with long-term mission projects. A student or short-term missionary can step into a work that has already begun, bring energy and fresh ideas, and become part of something that may continue long after they finish their year of service.
If you are considering serving for a year, do not wait.
Say YES to God.
Dive in. Serve wholeheartedly. Make an impact for eternity. And be ready for the possibility that, along the way, you will discover an opportunity that changes your life and the lives of others forever.
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me’” (Isaiah 6:8).
