Beach Missions

Hey everyone! Its been quite awhile since my last post and so much has happened. The Lord has been at work in my life in so many different ways. I mentioned in my last post that I was to be involved in a beach missions ministry with United Beach Missions (UBM). The fact that I was going was very last minute and I guess I didn't really think about it much or even pray about it all that much beforehand which was very wrong. I was bored; I didn't have a job or school work and it seemed like a logical thing to do, after all I had intended to get into ministry when I came home.
               Its amazing how much God taught me during those two weeks in ways that I couldn't have anticipated. I hadn't realized what had happened to me during my two years at CBI. I had learned so much about the Bible and had grown so much spiritually but I had developed a selfish and inward outlook. My heart for the lost had been swallowed up in puffed up knowledge and an inward bubble like atmosphere. I hadn't realized how much until I stepped away from it and through myself into ministry. God gave a love and passion for people that I hadn't felt in a long time. My petty problems and concerns seemed to fade as I invested time into God's work in reaching the lost. My first week literally ripped me from my comfort zone and threw me into uncomfortable, and at times embarrassing situations (Dora the Explorer costume anyone!!). Our team endured mocking, looks and suspicion but the rewards were worth as we wittnessed for ourselves God's hand at work in the lives of children and their parents. God taught me great patience as I felt my heart break for the people we worked with. I had to remind myself that I cannot save anyone. It is God that will do the increase.
                I also had the pleasure of meeting and working with other believers and seeing God work in their lives and ministries. Missions wherever it is ( the Middle East, Southern Ireland, Northern Ireland or in our backyard) is what we are called to invest our time and energy in. It is when we see God's work in people that the value of our own salvation is recognized, and true, humble knowledge is applied.