Post Trip Reflection

Expression of Christianity: What did I learn about being a Christian from the local Christians with whom I worked this summer?
· The power of a Christ-like attitude no matter what the circumstances
· A deep appreciation and love for people just for who they are as a unique image bearer of God
· The strong solidarity and support of the Christian faith community within and outside of the church

How is the local expression of Christianity similar to my own practice and beliefs? How is it different?
· Similar
i. Practices of prayer, Sunday school, worship, baptism, communion
ii. Heart to serve
iii. Finding family within the church
· Different
i. Rich and sincere welcoming hospitality
ii. Humility and acceptance of humble circumstances and those in them
iii. Small group prayer during Wednesday evening worship/prayer service

Local Christian church: What did I learn about the local Christian church in the area where I served? What does the church in this country have to add to the body of Christ?
· Faithfulness and commitment of the people and families within the church to the church
· Joy and celebration of the church and people amidst trying times
· Strong role, leadership, and potential of the youth within the church

Your faith: How might my faith have been different if I had grown up in this culture instead of in my own (include both positive and negative implications)?
· Emphasis more on community of faith rather than individual faith
· Rooted more deeply in basic faith rather than climbing and reaching towards new heights
· More local verses global eyes of faith
· Humility
· More accepted, less embedded faith

God: What did I learn about God over the course of the summer?
· God’s ways are not our ways. God’s ways are higher.
· God’s providence beyond what is expected when least expected
· God of all around the world
· How diverse and unfathomable God is
· Goodness and faithfulness even more

God’s call: What did God most need to teach me this summer? How well did I learn it?
· Surrender
· Being open
· Patience
· Living and loving in close community
· Solitude
· Being in His presence and the presence of others
· Joy of getting tangled up in relationships

In what ways have I changed? How is God asking me to change?
· Intentionally be present to those around me
· Being content whatever the circumstances
· Turning growth in Christian community into outreach
· Self surrender to be other serving

If you have insight into one or more of the bulleted items below, please share your thoughts. Also feel free to address something that concerns/interests you that has not been addressed elsewhere.


· What are some of the most important cultural values of China, Guatemala, Guinea, or the Philippines?
Philippines – Family / hospitality / respect for elders

· How do missionaries partner with other mission agencies? What levels of cooperation do they have? What do they do separately?
Work together, support, and get involved with each other’s ministries

· Do CRWM missionaries do missions differently than those who work with mission agencies that are not Reformed? How?
Empowerment of local people – involving them in and handing over to them the mission and ministry with support