Missions Are Anywhere

Most people believe that the only type of mission trip is a one or two week commitment. That is true, but it is also a bit deceiving. We are called to do mission work even within our comfort zone. The wonderful gem that is Peoria can use plenty of assistance too.

I truly believe that we live in a city with great and very powerful potential.

Establishments like Dream Center Peoria are life-altering places that benefit, not only the unfortunate, but they also unite social classes together.

On September 22, 2018 I volunteered to spend my morning serving others. I truly thrive when I can see how my work benefits other people. As this day was my senior homecoming, I desperately wanted to accomplish as much as I could in those five hours at the Dream Center. As I began to paint an engineering workshop room, I was overcome with hope for the members at DCP. I had the privilege of talking with a young boy, 13 years old, who was a student in the machinery class. He explained to me, ¨I thought because I was poor, that I wouldn't be able to work on a motorcycle. The world tells you that if you don't have money, you don't have opportunities. DCP gave me opportunity and hope.¨ If you are unaware of this foundation I hope you feel an urge to explore and volunteer there. Not only do they provide shelter for whoever needs it, they counsel people who have been traumatized in one way or another, they have an endless possibility of interactive classes for teenagers especially. This is one of the best parts in my mind because people tend to become trapped in a downward spiral and with the availability of programs like electrical classes, teenagers can become educated enough to get a stable job. What a blessing!

Places like DCP and events like Love Peoria are the things that are going to switch the course of our society for the better. Love Peoria was a city-wide event that began on October 23, 2018. Everyday for 60 days, Dream Center Peoria will challenge everyone in this region with a specific act of love they can do for those around them. We are believing that together, we can raise the tide for this region and send ripples of love into all corners of our city.

God has given this mission to all Christians; Jesus said in Matthew 28:19: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Making disciples is just an older version of the words ¨follower¨ or ¨learner.¨

There is and will always be room for improvement. That improvement doesn't have to only happen halfway around the world. It starts in your neighborhood. It starts in your school. It starts with a passionate heart to help one another.

To be a disciple of Jesus means to serve like him. It means to serve, primarily, by looking at your brothers and sisters and going low in acts of love, even when it’s an inconvenience to yourself, even when it flip-flops the world’s social order and expectations. Making disciples of Jesus means making servants who love one another.