In July, 2011, one single pastor and five pastors and their wives traveled with MOST Ministry’s Executive Director, Carly Hatcher, to Mwanza, Tanzania, to run an eyeglass clinic through the local Lutheran church body there. I am one of those pastors who was privileged to go.

This was not my first trip overseas or even to Africa. Yet, without a doubt, it was the most fulfilling and God-led trip I have ever experienced!

We were told to expect to serve 400 individuals through the vision clinic. God blessed us with serving 600! To see someone who has not had adequate sight suddenly be able to see is heart-warming! We served grandparents who were crying because they would finally get to see their grandchildren’s faces; mothers who would get to read their Bibles again to their children, and children who could now see the chalkboards in their school classrooms. These clinics were literally life-changing for so many who came through them. But, by far, the most important and life changing part of the clinics was the “witness station” at the last part of each person’s clinic journey. At that station we got to share the Gospel story with each of those who came through. We got to share the Word of God and, through the Holy Spirit, have Him lift the veil of their hearts so their souls could see the love of God through His precious Son! Because MOST weaves the Gospel throughout the clinic and process [including Scripture as some of the vision testing materials in the clinic itself!], this clinic was not only changes people’s lives, it changed their everlasting life! What a tremendous blessing!

For me, however, the greatest and most moving moments came, not from the clinics, but from two other opportunities we had through our MOST mission trip: two trips to some rural villages and Sunday worship at “the church at the tree.”

On two evenings we traveled with church leaders to some rural villages and went out in teams to visit with some of the people outside of their homes. We were welcomed warmly and were able to share the Gospel message of Jesus. After sharing we had the chance to see if they or anyone else in their family wished to be baptized. Between those two evenings, several people were baptized - in some cases, whole families! This was the book of Acts taking place before our very eyes!

On Sunday, July 24, we traveled for two hours to reach another village who worshiped outside “by the tree.” This was a literal rendering. As they did not have a building or structure for their worship, they did so outside, which afforded the opportunity for others in the village and surrounding community to hear the service and “listen in” with their curiosity, or even just when they passed by. As they knew we were coming (and when “Americans” are around, it is a draw!), they also had a special choir/dance group come in and a recently wedded couple come for their marriage to be blessed. The service was three hours long but we could have easily stayed longer! It was a wonderful service with some liturgy, wonderful singing and dancing, and a moving message. After the message was delivered, the question was asked if any desired to be baptized. At least 12 people came forward and we, as visiting clergy, were asked to do the honors!

Between the villages and that Sunday, we were privileged to baptize 44 people into the Triune name of God and saving faith of Jesus Christ! I look forward to seeing these brothers and sisters when the Lord calls me Home!

MOST stands for “Mission Opportunities Short Term,” but I’m not sure that meaning accurately reflects what happened on my MOST mission trip. Certainly the trip, itself, was comparatively short in nature, but the impact the trip had on me - as well as those whom I was blessed to minister to - has been anything but short. This mission trip will continue to have a long, deep, and sustaining impact upon me, my life, my family, my congregation, and my missiology. It will have a lasting effect on my vision and outlook for ministry and for people the world over. It will have eternal impact on those I got to share the Gospel of Jesus with. It will continue to have a most profound impact on me.

As Christians, we do not have the “option” to share the Gospel of Jesus. It is embedded within Christ’s call to us and His desire for us. However, there are times when He allows us the honor and privilege to share the Gospel with those beyond our usual environment. If you have the opportunity to go on a mission trip, I highly recommend you consider doing so through MOST Ministries. Their core values and passion for mission, service, and most importantly, the Lord Jesus Christ, is evident in what they do and how they do it. They will keep you focused on the Lord and serving His people and, I guarantee, you will return changed and more energized for ministry upon your return.