Many Christian feel insignificant in the area of God’s call to share their faith with others, and I was one of them few years ago. But there is no insignificant Christian, for we all have the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. By trusting that power of the Holy Spirit, we will be able to preach the gospel with boldness. As the Apostle Paul said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then for the Gentile.” (Roman 1:16)  Thus we need not feel inadequate within ourselves whether people accept or reject the gospel, because as a Christian we are obligated and are empowered to preach the gospel to those God has put in our path.

Going on a short-term mission trip is one of the ways to experience that joyfulness in working alongside with Christ Jesus.  Jesus said “Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together,” (John 4:36)   This year, at TJCAC we have ten brothers and sisters from various ages and background working alongside one another to harvest what God has sowed over the years in Panama.  We have all witnessed how the Holy Spirit was at work in this short-term mission trip.  For many years, God has sent faithful servants to sow the gospel seeds to the people in Panama. The fields are ripe for harvest but reapers were few.  If we missed the opportunity to harvest, the fields will fall away and be wasted!

I am very thankful to be able to take part in this harvest. It was a pure joy in seeing people come to Christ through VBS, visitation, health workshop and gospel nights.  It was totally a humbling experience for each of us in trusting Him. Many of them were ready; we are merely the reapers for the Lord Jesus.  “I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the good work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.” (John 4:38)

Our main ministry location was in Santiago, Panama. There were a handful of believers hoping to have a regular place to have fellowship or even worship.  What a simple wish that we often take for granted! I pray that in His time God will provide their needs. On a personal note, this is my seventh short-term mission trip and again God has reminded me to respond to His urgent call to sow and to harvest His field. Time is running out: my time is running out and is your time running out as well? We must not miss the God-given opportunities to lead people to Christ’s saving grace.