How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? Romans 10:14
"You begin to realize that God knows each and every one of these people and everything about them; and suddenly you no longer consider the people you are helping patients, but children of God, just like yourself … What this means though, is that just because we have left Uganda and headed home, that we don't stop serving. That's what I have really taken away from this trip, the idea of "serving wherever you are." While I was in Lira, Uganda I had the duty to serve the people of Lira. Now that I am back in Detroit, Michigan, I have the duty of serving the people of Detroit. No matter where we are, we should be constantly serving God's people. We all have the vocation of "serving" regardless of who or where we are." Josh, MMT Grant Recipient
Let Your mercy come to me, that I may live. Psalm 119:77.For many of our brothers and sisters in Christ, an LCMS Mercy Medical Team provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for medical care. Many patients suffer with easily-treated conditions for months or years before receiving help at one of our clinics. One patient at a recent clinic in Kenya did not know how far he walked; he only knew that he had been walking for two weeks to receive care from us
'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' Matthew 25:40International missions impact not only those who are served, but those who serve. God allows trip participants to humbly provide for those who are tired and bent, thirsting for the life-giving waters of the Word of God. In doing so, team members find that they have received far more than they have given; we are all the least of these, in need of our Savior's love and kindness.
"I have seen things and met people that I will never forget. I truly lack the power of words to fully describe all that the trip and those people have meant to me. To see the faith and love in the Ugandans we helped, despite all that they face on a day-to-day basis, was by far the most humbling experience of my life and I believe I am a far better person for it. I can also confidently say that my own faith has been strengthened in ways that I never believed possible. I work everyday towards becoming a physician to help those where I live, but also so that I can return to places like Uganda with a greater ability to help the people who so desperately need it there. This trip has given me the reaffirmation that I have chosen the right career path but it has also given me new purpose in that path. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing me to be part of something so wonderful, that was a blessing to so many people, myself included." Kasi, MMT grant recipient
"I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD!'" Psalm 122:1LCMS Mission teams work through our missionaries and our local Lutheran church partners. We are present only for a short time, but this presence can help make the first contact between a family and the local pastor. We rejoice when we hear of former patients who came to be treated at a Mercy Medical Clinic, stayed in contact with the church, and were baptized into the Body of Christ.
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:6An LCMS mission trip is remembered long after the return home. A special friend, student, or patient may remain in a team member's prayers for weeks, months, or years. What rejoicing there will be in heaven when we are reunited with our dear brothers and sisters in Christ!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Students who serve on a mission trip through the LCMS gain valuable insight into their career choice as a vocation; they learn to use their God-given strengths and talents to serve God and His children, wherever they may be found.
