We're gearin' up!

Twelve days to go and counting...

The last months and weeks have brought about many thoughts and feelings regarding this my first missions trip. My natural tendency is first to worry about ME and how I will PERFORM in Serbia. We have been asked to be ready to share our journey that last 18 - 24  months that has brought each of us to this place as well as a short sermon on a topic of our choice.

Additionally, we should be ready to sermonize (I like to think of it as pontification) on other topics that are brought to mind, to lead a devotional for the team once we are in Leskovac, and to carry Monte's luggage. That last part I made up. It does illustrate in a very  cloudy and semi-connected way, though, the spirit with which we are going.

I tend to rely on myself for solutions and minimize my reliance on God for any tasks or problems that come my way. It is something that I was made aware of several months ago. My wife, Becky, and I were leading a community group in which I felt that something was  missing. I approached Monte Schmidt about what I could do to become a better and more effective leader. His advice was to forget about being a better leader and work on getting  closer to God. I hadn't even thought of that. Involve God?? It was leadership skills and  strategies I thought I needed! I came to realize in an embarrassing and humbling way that I needed to grow closer to God through praying and Bible-ing. Nor was I including God a  whole lot in preparing for, leading, or following up with our group. It was all about me and my performance.

These last months have required that I actually include God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in my  preparations both personally and as a team. I have come to realize that all if have to do is show  up obediently and then let God do the work. It is not up to me and my pathetic efforts to bring about others' connection to God. He doesn't really need me. He let's me and the rest of our team be part of His work. He will get done what He will get done whether it is with us or  without us. All He asks is that we trust Him. 2 Chronicles 20:12 says "we do not know what to  do but our eyes are on You."We will be prepared, we will have focus, but we know God may  have something unique for us once we are there.

Please pray that all that He would have happen in Serbia take place.

Frazer