As recent as 30 years ago, it was virtually unheard of for prospective missionaries to take a "vision trip" to test out a location before committing to serve there for a longer term. However, for better or for worse, the relative ease of travel and the popularity of short-term missions have made the "vision trip" commonplace today.
One of our daily struggles is to find what faith means in daily life. We know that God does not expect us to make decisions without information, or blindly. We also know that the exhaustive discovery of facts and scenarios is not only impossible and impractical, but it dishonors God, the one who expects us to trust him for whatever tomorrow may hold. So, how does taking a "vision trip" fit into a life of faith? For us, we have decided it is the faithful thing to do.
Four months ago our hearts were gaining momentum for China. Two months ago we were advised to investigate an opportunity in Cambodia. Both opportunities are among the unreached, and both are in the area of the world that interests us most. Prayer and emails and advice from many counselors have not led us to a definitive conclusion. How will J's role as a physician fit into the field in China? Cambodia? What are the distinctive values and vision and philosophy of the field in China compared to Cambodia? What is the leadership like? How will our growing family (our fourth is due in May 09) fit into the field? These are just a few of the questions we thought best to have answered by visiting the field itself.
So, Dec. 12th will find J and L in Kunming, China and Dec. 15th in Phomn Penh, Cambodia. May the Lord be faithful to show us just enough to help us take the next faithful step.
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