Years ago I promised the LORD I would go on a mission’s trip. What is a mission’s trip? Well the ones I went on before were with various churches, each had there own definition. Some built libraries while others worked on homes. Sometimes the mission had a tiny taste of spreading the Gospel of CHRIST, but on each, GOD made me open my mouth and talk about HIS SON.
This was my mission’s year. I promised to go every other year but this time I felt the LORD calling me in a different direction. My son had just won an academic competition and the finals were in Las Vegas. “I thought; why not leverage this trip as a mission.” The SPIRIT inside me leaped. I called a church who we knew and the report was dismal. “People are too cynical to receive the Gospel in a short term way” he told me.
He sent me a list of places to volunteer. I felt rather lost. I didn’t know what my mission was. I turned off the TV the day before my long drive to Las Vegas and prayed. “LORD how can I serve you for a change?” I went to bed.
NO RENTAL
I called the rental company and realized I had not received a confirmation on my reservation. I had no van and I had seven or eight student’s projects for the Academic Olympics. I felt at peace when the thought came over me “drive your own van." It’s leased and adding 4000 miles wasn’t a thrill but I felt at peace.
ACCIDENT ON THE OTHER SIDE
Playing music was my way to get myself in the mindset of the mission, whatever that was. I felt troubled when I saw a four car pileup on the toll way near my house. I said a small prayer for the people as I saw airbags deployed on a couple of the cars. I called my sister for prayer. She asked, “What would you like me to pray for?” I couldn’t answer.
She then proceeded to pray for protection, but was led to say “MY yoke is easy and MY burden is light.” She repeated this several times and ended with “the trip is the mission.” She didn’t even know where that came from although we both knew GOD gave her these words. Minutes later I saw a lone grayish sheep with a black head in field. We both thought that was very odd. (I read Matthew Chapter 11 to understand further.)
LESSON
John was the greatest human and lived as the homeless.
Chorazin was worse than Sodom or Las Vegas which gave me hope that someone would believe in CHRIST.
GOD said "I will send my messenger ahead of you, HE will prepare a way."
(I was absolutey amazed at this reference! It was probably more for me than anyone else.)
PEOPLE
(Erica)
Hungry, I stopped to eat. The Country Kitchen diner was my choice. One waitress was pregnant and the other had a broken arm. Both were working very hard in the middle of Iowa. I was prompted to leave a large tip and a note for the waitress with a prayer for her and her baby’s health and to tell her GOD loves her so much that HE gave HIS SON to her.
I drove until it was late and on the road I saw a glowing cross of a church before I turned in.
(Melody)
I woke up in my Colorado motel and Melody was cleaning the lobby, breakfast area and working behind the desk. She told me her back was giving her problems because being over 65, gardening takes toll on the body. The LORD prompted me to write her a note with a prayer for her health and blessings from HIM.
(Kevin)
I arrived at my hotel the next day and decided to take the advice given to me by the local pastor and volunteer. I called the number and left messages and decided to show up at the Las Vegas Rescue Mission. Kevin met me at the front desk. He was very cautious and had me fill out the application online. I remained prayerful until the Volunteer Staff Coordinator showed up.
Normally the process takes time as they have to do a background and reference check. I prayed “Is this where YOU want me to serve?” I had time so I talked with Kevin. He talked about his addiction story and how he had served time. He then asked for prayer for pain. He had been in a coma and was thankful to be alive.
(Staff – Shannon and Jennifer)
I met Shannon and she told me I could work there that day. I felt relieved as she assigned me to the thrift store. Finally some structure. I don’t know why I needed structure, but I just did. She introduced me to Jennifer who immediately asked me to pray with Candace who just joined the program and is fighting drugs and mental stability.
I also prayed with Roshawnia (Pronounced Roshawna) who struggled with anger.
(Anthony)
Anthony came in later and worked with me straightening up the men’s clothing. He told me of his years of addiction and once even prayed to be put in jail. With four kids by four women at almost 60 he has a three year old and is trying to make it as a single parent. Numerous jail and prison terms, he praises GOD for his salvation and is clean for three years and is a mentor.
(Staff – Marcus)
After eating lunch with those in the program, I met Marcus. He told me that sometimes casinos donate food and on Mondays the airlines. After my day was over at the Thrift Store, Marcus asked me if I was going to stay to serve the homeless. “Of course” I said and I followed the humble giant to the kitchen.
He greeted everyone and prayed over the volunteers and everyone was excited to serve. They asked me to pray when the homeless arrived. This was certainly a day of prayer! I counted 33 tables each with two or three pitchers. We probably went through two or three hundred gallons of water that evening as nearly five hundred people poured through the doors.
I learned not to abhor Las Vegas and not to write it off as Sodom. There are some people there who have hit rock bottom and GOD enabled my eyes to be opened and look beyond the false lights of the strip. Many people serve HIM in this town.
On my way back I admired GOD’s mountains and scenery. I stopped at my last diner and talked with the staff. I was prompted again to leave a note, this time with a prayer of health and wealth. I made it home without incident as many prayed. My unstructured mission will be memorable.
Please pray for all who are mentioned in this report.
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