The first international mission trip I took offered scrumptious meals, a beachfront hotel, and welcoming locals. The next one offered airport scammers, hotel tarantulas, and limited food selections. On the second trip, of those we ministered to, not all were happy to see us. But God called us there, so we served. Sometimes we served cautiously, sometimes we were on the verge of fainting from the heat, sometimes we trailed into an unknown wilderness destination . . . but never with doubt! God was with us in the work.

You may not go on an international mission trip, but you are called to minister. Every follower of Christ is called to minister. We do not need to fear the work. The same confidence I found applies to all believers: We are called, and we are not alone. Believers are to join God’s work in both the Church and the world.