Following the Shepherd: A Mission Trip Testimony
This year, my wife and I had been praying about going on a mission trip, debating between a couple of options. One opportunity didn’t seem like the right fit in terms of the medical work involved, while the other seemed a bit too dangerous. We were left wondering if we would be able to go anywhere at all. Then, out of the blue, Victoria received a text from a friend she had done her residency with a few years ago.
The timing was perfect. The message asked if we could join a mission trip to Asia the following month. It was extremely last-minute for an international trip we hadn’t planned for, but we were eager to try to make it work. If everything fell into place, we would know that God had orchestrated this invitation and answered our prayers.
There were a few hurdles we had to overcome, the biggest being getting time off for a two-week trip. Victoria called her workplace right away, and by God’s grace, they easily approved her request on such short notice. Thankfully, since I work from home, taking time off wasn’t an issue for me.
The next challenge arose when we learned that, although Victoria’s friend had invited both of us, the team might only need one of us because another teacher had already been found. We were a little disappointed since we had hoped to go together, but they assured us they would try to work something out. We expressed that we strongly felt called to teach together, believing it was the best approach. The next day, we received the news that the other teacher had dropped out, and we would both be able to go. Everything was falling into place, and in just a few weeks, we were set to embark on our mission trip.
After two meetings, hours of preparation, and a 34-hour journey to Asia, we finally arrived. Though jet-lagged and overwhelmed by the intense humidity, we were excited to meet everyone. We received a warm welcome from the organizers and our friends who had invited us, and we could tell that it was going to be a busy but rewarding week of teaching and ministry.
Each day began with breakfast, followed by a devotional centered around music and prayer. The team emphasized the importance of being co-laborers with Christ and starting the day grounded in faith. It was inspiring to see how much time was dedicated to connecting with God and how deeply committed each person was in their walk with Him. Finally, we were here, witnessing God’s hand in every step of our journey.
Our theme for the week was Psalm 23, focusing on the Lord as our Shepherd and Guide. We designed our own lessons and shared personal experiences with the children. What amazed us was how much these middle school-aged kids already knew and lived out in their faith.
Yes, they had their typical moments of shyness, outbursts, and playfulness as expected for their age. But they also shared profound reflections that revealed immense maturity and introspection. There were moments of laughter, moments of deep emotion, and moments of joy. We grew to love our time with them, and before we knew it, the week was over.
That week, we learned about God’s provision. He was guiding us each step of the way, just as a shepherd does. Many people picture the “green pastures” mentioned in Psalm 23 as lush, grassy fields. However, when you look at the region where this passage was written, you find that shepherds lead their sheep through what appears to be barren land. But upon closer inspection, you see small patches of grass formed by the cool morning moisture—enough for the sheep to graze on for that day. These were the green pastures the psalmist wrote about.
The lesson we took away was that God doesn’t always reveal a clear picture of what lies ahead in our lives. Instead, our journey often resembles that of those sheep, moving from one small patch of provision to another. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but God tells us not to worry about it. He promises daily bread from His Word and calls us to trust Him deeply and simply.
This was the lesson we shared with the children—and the lesson we experienced firsthand in coming on this mission trip. We didn’t know how it would all work out, but we trusted that if we followed the Shepherd’s leading, He would provide. He is not just our guide for one week but for the rest of our lives.
I hope our experience inspires you and encourages you to listen for the voice of the Shepherd and follow Him today.