A Story Of Impact From The Mission Field

While the call to serve as a full-time missionary overseas is a unique and lifelong commitment, not everyone is led down that path. Yet the Great Commission invites all of us to take part in spreading the Gospel to the nations. One powerful way to do this is through short-term mission trips, where everyday believers can step into another culture, share God’s love in practical ways, and return home with a renewed vision for His work around the world. If you had told me at the beginning of 2025 that I would become a “missionary” and embark on a mission trip, I would have said you were out of your mind; I don’t have time for that. I have the demands of a typical life - I’m busy, married with three kids, and work full-time at a timeconsuming job in medicine. But one day, something changed. I am not sure how or why, but I believe it was God’s plan all along. I called the Missions office and inquired about a mission trip at Second. To my surprise, everything fell into place and there were no more obstacles. My kids were grown; I was approved for the time off from work instantly; and there were no financial hurdles. This opportunity was mine for the taking. I signed up for the trip, but the uncertainty remained. I wondered what the living situation and food would be like, whether I would get sick on the trip, and, most importantly, what exactly I would do once I got there. When I landed in Guatemala, I was pleasantly surprised by the slower pace of life. It differed vastly from the fast-paced workplace I was used to. The scenery was breathtaking, with mountains and volcanoes stretching out as far as the eye could see, creating a serene backdrop. While any vacation can offer these panoramic views, the experience of a mission trip transcends a typical vacation. As I immersed myself in the culture, I forged genuine connections with the locals by engaging in conversations and visiting them in their homes, where I prayed alongside them. I witnessed transformational changes as I shared the gift of God’s grace and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and how the Gospel carries the good news of God’s boundless love for us. Some people listened with a profound sense of introspection, as if contemplating the depth of their own lives, while others were overwhelmed with emotion and began sobbing. I knew the presence of the Holy Spirit was among us. However, I also discovered a change within me. I was beginning to slowly overcome my own shyness of praying in public. I was becoming more willing and able to share the Gospel and my belief in Christ, without being intimidated or afraid of offending others. These experiences marked profound shifts in my spiritual journey that continued long after my time in Guatemala. I am so fortunate in my lifetime to have the experience of what so few people get to experience, and that is to fulfill what Jesus Christ had commissioned us to do, as spoken in Acts 1:8 , “to go out into the world as witnesses to the ends of the earth”. While going on a mission trip was undoubtedly an investment in others, it also unexpectedly became an investment in myself. Lastly, I have formed new friendships with those who accompanied me on the trip. We now have friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. A transformative journey, indeed! I went on the mission trip to Guatemala to change others; however, I left Guatemala changed.

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