Usually, when we are booking a hotel or a flight, we are asked this question, right? It is also asked by the customs agent. It is not the same traveling for pleasure as for business or work purposes. I remember several years ago a business trip to South America. I took the flight in Panama around 1:00 pm, stuck in that seat for almost 10 hours, get out of the airport in Argentina, pick a cab, get to the hotel, eat something light and go to bed to sleep a few hours to be ready to wake up early and go to the office where I was going to deliver training to sales agents about a new tool we were implementing in the company. We did not know that business hours there were different than in other countries, so we were waiting for a couple of hours in the office until the personnel came to start their shift. By the time we finished, we went back to the hotel, took a short time to rest, went out and crossed the park to go to a restaurant where we had supper, and got back to the hotel to sleep and be ready to go to work the next day, as well as packing because we were going to fly to Chile the next night. To make the story short, we missed our flight to Chile, spent the entire night in the airport, got the first flight to Chile, washed our faces, and got ready to go directly to the office to deliver the training and return to Panama two days later.
As you can see, it was not the same as traveling for pleasure. We did not have time to get to know the city, or visit some of the historic places, or go to the beach or a lookout point. It was all about work. And the week after it was the same experience but in Colombia.
Am I complaining about it? No, it was a great experience. I got to meet wonderful people, with different points of view, and teach them something that was so needed for them to do their work and be productive. My supervisors sent me there with a purpose, and I did the work as required. As Christians, there is a constant trip we must do and fulfill. Paul and Barnabas come to our mind at this moment,
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away [emphasis added, MR]”
Acts 13:2-3.
Did Barnabas and Saul (later known as Paul) complain about this mission? No, they did not. Did they search for excuses to do not go? No, they did not. Did they ask for reservations in a nice hotel, or a comfortable carriage, or travel expenses to eat in fancy restaurants? No, they did not. Their trip was a business trip, and not an easy one. They did the work and suffered a lot through it. By the end of Acts 14, we read that Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch after they fulfilled the work that was requested, and the inspired Luke tells us that,
“And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. And there they abode long time with the disciples”
Acts 14:27-28.
Sometimes those involved in mission work seem to forget about this. It is like if they think they are traveling for pleasure or vacations. It is not. The mission work is important. Probably one of the most important works in the world. If you are employed by a company and they send you on a business trip, they expect you to behave, do the work, and bring a good report, right? During that trip you are representing your company and its reputation is in our words and deeds. The same thing occurs with missionaries, whether they do it as long-term or short-term. We represent Christ every day of our lives. Through the Scriptures, we do not read about how much Paul enjoyed the views on Athens, or about viewing dolphins and whales while on the boat. The Scriptures tell us that he got busy doing the work he was committed to doing. Same with the other missionaries at the time. The Scriptures even tell us about one who seems not to take seriously the work, being this the reason why Paul thought it not good to take him with them (Acts 15:36-38). Mission work is not a child’s play, and those involved in it must be serious and responsible about doing it.
Dear brethren and friends, borders are opening again, and with that, the opportunity to go out and do mission work. Let us take it seriously. It is not traveling for pleasure. It is traveling for business, and the Lord’s business is the most important work we can do during this life. Let us make sure that when we say we “go and preach the Word” we are serious about it. To God be the glory today and always.
