There is a saying in mission work that captures a phenomenon we often see regarding short term "vision trips" that goes like this,
"Vision trips are not about the trip, it is about the vision - once your eyes are opened, your perspective on life will never be the same."
The word "vision" is defined in the dictionary as, a). "the act of power of sensing with the eyes", b) "the act or power of anticipating that which will or may come to be" (e.g., prophetic vision, or the vision of an entrepreneur), c). "a vivid, imaginative conception or anticipation", or d). "a scene, person, etc... or extraordinary beauty. Catching God's vision, and having your own vision changed by Him, is the main goal of these types of short term mission engagements.
On a recent vision trip, a vision team was exposed to a conference of indigenous Christians who were gathering in the hundreds to worship the Lord. In the midst of utter poverty, sickness, malnourishment, the team listened to African voices lifted up in praise of Almighty God and watched people dancing and worshipping with utter joy, hope, and spiritual power. One overwhelmed team member turned to another and said, "This is the most amazing thing I have ever seen. My faith seems so frail compared to theirs -- yet I have everything and they have nothing. Their worship is so...real. I don't want to leave. I'm not going home..."
You may not choose to go home, but for the majority who do, we can garauntee that your life will never be the same. Come and get your vision changed by Jesus, so that He might use you -- yes you! -- to advance His Kingdom through your partnering, going, or giving.
