Having never been on a mission trip, I went in to this with no expectations, just an open mind and heart eager to serve the people of Haiti. The one event that has been burned into my heart happened Sunday afternoon. I was wandering around the compound, and as I made it to the tent where church services were held that morning I noticed a group of five teenage girls singing the most heartfelt song. When they finished the song they immediately began praying. Their singing and praying went on for about an hour and a half. When they were finished they got up, hugging and encouraging one another. This was the most intense worship I have ever witnessed, and GOD was honoring it with the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT! Oh, did I mention that they were doing it on their own with no adults telling them it's time to start or stop? I shared with the Piney Grove congregation this morning that after seeing this, I felt ashamed and almost unworthy of calling myself a Christian. GOD broke my heart, showing me how I had been disobedient so many times in serving Him. I had always served Him on my terms and in my comfort zone, not answering the call of His will. I'm so thankful that we serve a patient and loving GOD who truly wants us to have what He has to give.
I think it's important for others to go on a missions trip because you have to get out of your "comfort zone," meaning when we step out of we depend on CHRIST and not our own abilities. I will be returning to the mission field so I can learn all I can about missions and lay a solid foundation for our missions outreach at Piney Grove Baptist Church.
Thank all of you and GOD bless,
Wilbur Phillips
