"What I Learned..." and other comments from the 2017 STM Survey:
That even a very short missions trip can still be beneficial to my faith and friendships with people from my church.
I learned how much God uses things like small talk and pleasantries to further His kingdom, and how important those things are.
I wish that I took the time to serve God and people in specific ways like this more often.
He taught me that my "comfort zone" can actually be a bad place of complacency.
As a young person, I was
incredibly blessed and edified by the older team members.
I did not expect to feel bonded with the team. Everything we did we did as if we were one mind.
The team testimonials were the most helpful to me in preparing for the trip to the Czech Republic.
I did become more comfortable in talking to unbelievers about Christ, and I praise God for growing me in this way.
That prayer is more important than action. That being around believers at all times is good for Gods people.
That God has given everyone different gifts and that no matter what ours is, there is a way we can use it for His glory and to help
other saints.
It was a wonderful time where I believe I really had an impact on some of those I encountered and the entirety of the trip definitely affected me deeply.
God taught me that you learn much of what you actually believe by telling what you believe to others.
God taught me much patience, humility and compassion. He also gave me a greater love for corporate prayer.
I learned how much work goes into teaching children. I gained a new appreciation for what such teachers do.
The global nature of his people, the difficulties missionaries face on the field, the precious fellowship that flows
from serving the Lord/sharing his gospel together.
He showed me that no matter what hardships or obstacles we encounter (and there were plenty of those), He will always provide, and I have no reason to fear or try to control a situation that isn't mine to control.
Am so grateful the OPC provides short trips like these--it might be the very thing God uses to put me on the field long term!
It was challenging in ways that produced growth in my life. Thank you, Jesus.