A quick thought . . .

July 28th, 2008

As our time has come to a close on our Eur08 mission trip, I have had sometime to reflect on a few things that God had been teaching me on this trip. One thing God has really taught me is teamwork. Walking through the concentration camp here in Poland, I was quickly brought back to WWII. 

If you understand anything about aviation, one of the most effective bombers was developed during WWII, the Boeing B-17.  It was a long-range bomber that was used to bomb various enemy sites all over Europe during the war. The crew was composed of nine men working various positions and a ground crew. A pilot, co-pilot, bombardier, navigator, radio guy, ball turret, two waist gunners and a tail gunner manned the plane. Each person played a specific role and the plane itself couldn’t complete its mission unless everyone was working a 100%. The plane could not fly there unless the pilot took them there, he can’t get there without the navigator, the target cannot be hit unless both the pilot and navigator are working together so the bombardier can drop the bombs, without the gunners shooting down the enemy planes then the plane would never reach its target, the ground crew had to make sure the plane was mechanically sound, and on and on we can relate how all these men have to work together. But, when the goal is reached they ALL rejoice.

On this trip God has made it clear that everyone has a purpose in seeing people saved. Everyone works together so that no one can boast and that God gets in the glory in the end! Here was just one story I was personally involved in seeing this happen and like I said I was one person involved, so I might have left out some details. At the beginning of our last concert there was a kid named Lucas standing around. Chuck told Collin T. to go talk with him, so he was faithful and did. Then Lucas had to leave, but said he was coming back. Well, he did and Collin started to chat with him. Lucas ,was given a CD from Kim and Steele, and wanted to get all of the bands to sign a CD that he had and after I signed it, Shannon told me to grab Isaac (to translate and one of Jack’s sons) and to share the Gospel with him. Next thing I know I turned around and he was gone to the bottom of the hill. I walked down and instantly Collin, Lucas, Isaac and I started to share with him.  Sasha, one of the local Polish people, was in and out of our conversation, helping translate. We got to a certain point and there were something’s that were getting lost in translation. Finally, Sasha came back and asked if he could explain the rest of the Gospel with him. In the end Lucas accepted Jesus into his life!

I look at how this team worked together and there is now way possible it would of worked any other way! It started with Chuck pushing Collin to step out, Collin asking me to sign his CD, Isaac helping us translate and finally Sasha, knowing the language more, making sure he understood! This took the Holy Spirit and like nine people to get him over the line!

Remember that if you are open to God, he will use you in ways you will never know. 

Tony

Entry Filed under: Daily Entries, General, Updates