Always a Pelican

What an incredibly great privilege I've had to serve with Praying Pelican Missions. It's not every day you get to be a part of life changing moments, unless of course, you're a Pelican. One of my favorite parts of being a full-time missionary has been meeting new people week after week and getting to share life with them. I know that the week they are about to experience is going to change them forever, and it's amazing to see it begin to unfold right before their eyes. What's more is, they are playing a part in changing someone else's life too. I have met so many people who I otherwise may never have crossed paths with since serving with PPM that I can't imagine life without now. Each team I have served with has changed me in some way and helped me to grow as a person and as a follower of Christ. It's through these groups I have begun to see what the body of Christ is really all about: unity and love. 

Serving with PPM has stretched me in my walk with Christ by taking me outside of my comfort zone and allowing Christ to shine through my weaknesses. I had this idea before becoming a full-time missionary, that it was going to be awesome fun and I'd have lots of friends and I would see God moving in miraculous ways, and I did see those things. But there was also hard work, loneliness, and spiritual struggles. I have a renewed respect and desire to support full-time missionaries, having experienced these things first hand. 

The truth is though, that we are all missionaries full-time. We may not have the label or job title "missionary," but our lives should be a continuous pursuit of proclaiming Christ and His coming and that is essentially what a missionary is and does. We don't have to leave the country to do that, it's simply a matter of going to school or work each day. Christian and missionary are synonymous terms. If you are a Christian, then you are a missionary. If we are all missionaries, then we should all be supporting and lifting each other up because there are going to be miraculous times, as well as lonely times. And lifting each other up produces unity and love in the body of Christ.

If you are a Christian, I hope that you know you are a missionary. Our lives are to be reflections of Him no matter where or what we find ourselves doing. As such, it makes sense then that missions starts at home, right in your own neighborhood with the people you interact with every day. It's great to go internationally and tell people about Christ, but it's equally important to live it out daily with those around us. 

Although I am no longer serving as a full-time missionary through Praying Pelican Missions, I am always a Pelican.  I'm not sure what form my job will take yet, but I am still a missionary. I will always cherish the time I have spent helping others serve in Jamaica through PPM, but I am excited for my new adventure being a missionary right at home. Once a Pelican, always a Pelican!!

Spin of the Globe: India

A Spin of the Globe is a series compiled by Praying Pelican Missions Mission Coordinators and Advocates. Within our individual blogging, most readers only get a narrow glimpse of PPM and our world-wide ministry. Between us bloggers, we realized we never speak much to countries we don't have experience in - so we are Spinning the Globe. We hope through this series, you can experience another country within (and even outside) the world of PPM and get a taste for ministry that is unique and powerful, in every location. We pray you are blessed. We more details about all of our domestic and international locations, visit PPM Trip Locations.

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One of the many benefits that come with being a missionary and traveling the globe is being exposed to so many different cultures. I truly consider it a privilege to interact with so many people around the world I would otherwise never have the chance to meet. I love being able to hear about their lives, especially their faith because so often it challenges and strengthens mine.

Last February I had the opportunity to travel to India and my experiences there changed me from the inside out. My faith was challenged in ways I never imagined. Life in India can be difficult, especially as a Christian. The major religion there is Hinduism and it is estimated that less than 6% of the population is Christian, and almost 88% of the population has never even heard of Christ.

I have often read about the persecuted church and the cost of following Christ, but while in India I was able to experience it firsthand. Those who confess Christ realize that it may cost them their lives. I thought for sure I was prepared to share the gospel with any who would listen without hesitation, even if it cost me my life. But sharing the gospel knowing fully that what I am ultimately asking of those I share Christ with is their lives, it changes you. As my time there passed, we saw countless persons count the cost and commit their lives to Christ, and that changed me.

On our way to the airport we made one last stop at an illegal house church. The pastor was a young man in his early 20s. He told us that just 6 weeks prior, his parents were tied up and placed in front of him at gunpoint for being Christians. He was told that if he did not deny Christ the captors would kill his parents in front of him. They did this with all the Christian families in the village. On their knees his parents told him never to deny Christ and they were shot and killed at his feet, as were so many others that day. He and the other survivors fled their village in east India to a less extreme village in the west, where they continued to share Christ with those around them. Three weeks after his family was killed this young man accepted the call to pastor his village - this was only three weeks before we met him. As I listened to his story, I was at a loss for words. Their grief was real, but their faith was stronger than ever. After hearing his story, we were asked to share a word of encouragement with those of his house church that were gathered.

As I looked into the eyes of the men and women gathered in the small room, knowing what they had suffered just weeks before, I felt incredibly unqualified to speak anything to them. In my life I have suffered, but never for my faith. It was a powerful moment for me in my faith and a great lesson in missions for me as well. The cost may be great but it should not keep us from sharing. My time in India caused me to reflect and evaluate on my own commitment to Christ and emboldened my resolve to share the gospel, even if it is a danger to my life. My heart aches for the lost of the world and feels connected to those who suffer for the cause of Christ.

As PPM continues to grow, I would encourage you to consider coming to India with us and sharing Christ with the lost there. Our calling is urgent and so is their need. Each of us have a story to share about how Christ has changed us. There is no special qualifications or experience needed - just a willing heart and a passion to share the gospel. 

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"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you." John 15:15

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 The man in the center is the young pastor of the house church we stopped at on our way to the airport.

These are members of the house church we visited.

The Beauty of Haiti - A Spin of the Globe

A Spin of the Globe is a series compiled by Praying Pelican Missions Mission Coordinators and Advocates. Within our individual blogging, most readers only get a narrow glimpse of PPM and our world-wide ministry. Between us bloggers, we realized we never speak much to countries we don;t have experience in - so we are Spinning the Globe. We hope through this series, you can experience another country within (and even outside) the world of PPM and get a taste for ministry that is unique and powerful, in every location. We pray you are blessed. We more details about all of our domestic and international locations, visit PPM Trip Locations.

Eric is a co-worker of mine serving as a Missions Coordinator in Haiti, along with his lovely wife Bethany. I hope his words inspire and ignite a desire in your hearts to love and serve the people of Haiti. Check out Eric and Bethany's blog for more info on their work in Haiti and life as missionaries.

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The Beauty of Haiti by Eric Richardson

What comes to mind when you think about Haiti?

Ask most people this question, and they're likely to reply with stories about a devastating earthquake, widespread political corruption, and significant risk of violence and danger. And, to be honest, that's to be expected if all you hear about Haiti is taken from the news.

The  problem with listening to what most people have to say about Haiti that most people haven't been to Haiti.  Those that have, often will tell a different story. One of the best parts of being a trip leader in Haiti is getting the opportunity to see the eyes of our teams open as they experience a Haiti that they never imagined existed.

~Beautiful Views~

Most people don't realize that the island of Hispaniola, which Haiti shares with the Dominican Republic, is basically made up of mountains that rise up from the Caribbean Sea. Between the beautiful mountain views, the gorgeous white sand, and blue water, it really is one of the most beautiful places I've had the privilege to visit.

Ask any of our teams who have stood on top of the apartments at Good Shepherd Orphanage and taken in the view of the mountains in the bay and I'm sure they will agree that the combination of the blue ocean, mountains across the bay and salty breeze is unlike no other.

~Beautiful People~

There is something about Haiti draws people back. It's mysterious in a way. I have both experienced this personally and have heard it described by those who have visited Haiti in the past, even decades ago. I believe part of this desire to return comes from the hospitality and incredible spirit of the Haitian people.

Ask any of our Haiti teams about the highlight of their trip. I can say with great confidence that the relationships they make with our Haitian staff will easily be in the top 3. They truly are the glue that holds our ministry together. Whether it be learning about their culture, hearing their passion for Christ or serving alongside them throughout the week, they make a lifelong impact on your heart.

~Beautiful Faith~

One of the biggest surprises that our teams find when they visit Haiti is that it is a country full of people who have an unshakable hope and faith in Christ. Since the main religious activity an American typically hears about is voudou practices, many of them are blown away by the revival that is taking place in the country.

Haiti is a place where, like our friend Sister Mona says, “You can physically touch Christ. You can feel His hands upon your life.”

And it is so true. This palpable and very real presence of Christ is what you can’t grasp by just listening to the news or reading the newspaper. You’ll have to come and visit to experience it. And when you do, you’ll see that there’s a revival happening in Haiti.

If you've never been to Haiti, I invite you to come and have your world view changed. And once you've been here, return home and share the good news:  that Haiti is not a place of darkness, but rather a place of beauty, where God is at work and hope is alive. Visit our Haiti trip information page for more info on our trips, or contact us to learn about how you can be involved with a trip to Haiti.

The Ultimate Mission Trip Style Guide: Dressing the Heart

Here is our last post in our series on fashion on the mission field. Check it out - this one is the most important: dressing our heart.

The Ultimate Mission Trip Style Guide: Dressing the Heart

The Ultimate Mission Trip Style Guide: "To Bling or Not to Bling?" That is the Question.

I feel like many of us would agree that jewelry not only completes our outfit, but also makes a statement about who we are and sometimes what we value. But what is its place on a mission trip? Should we wear earrings or bring bangles for our Sunday attire during a mission trip? Inquiring minds need to know!

I think it's important to step back and look at this topic from a cultural perspective. Many other cultures view Americans as wealthy individuals who have everything. Of course, you and I know that is not true, but look at it from their viewpoint. All they know of our culture before meeting us on our mission trip is what they see on TV, and while it's a poor assumption to suppose we are all like that, can you blame them? We do the same thing before we go to serve in their country sometimes. So when we show up wearing our CZ earrings, they don't know they're not real diamonds -  all they see is a wealthy American. I have seen how quickly something simple like a ring or necklace became a distraction in a conversation that could have led to sharing the gospel.

Besides that, on many of our mission trips we do work projects. A lot of times it is hard labor like mixing concrete or laying block, and it isn't safe to wear some jewelry while doing these things. You might even lose or ruin them.

I mentioned before, though, that some jewelry makes a statement. Like salvation bracelets or promise rings. It's easy to use these items to steer a conversation towards Christ. Conversations almost start themselves!

So is it wrong to wear jewelry on a mission trip? My personal opinion is no, but be careful not to bring jewelry you wouldn't mind losing or items that would hinder your testimony with those you will be serving. If I wear any jewelry at all, it is meaningful and starts up conversations that I know will help me talk with someone about Christ. Best practice: Leave your jewelry at home for the week - your best accessory on a mission trip is an open heart for the culture and people you will be serving.

Bling it up while you are home though!! Be sure to check out my friend Bethany's site to find out about the awesome bracelets she is selling to help support herself as a missionary as well as the Haitian individuals who made them. These bracelets are beautiful and make a statement worth sharing! I wear mine all the time and get a lot of comments on it. :) Check it out here: http://ericandbeth.us/the-apparent-project-haiti/ 

“The Ultimate Mission Trip Style Guide.” – tips and tricks from Praying Pelican Missions lady missionaries on how to look good, feel good and take the pressure off of packing your suitcase for a new culture, climate and lifestyle. Our heart is to remove the anxiety and focus from timeless questions like: “What do I wear?” and give you a few tips that we’ve learned throughout the years. Ultimately, we pray that these posts would be a resource for you as you prepare for your trip. We want to provide you with a few tools that can help you remain focused on what God is teaching you and doing around you during your time abroad, instead of the length of your shorts, the style of your still-wet hair or how much make-up is appropriate. But of course, throughout it all, we must have fun in the process!"

Far or Near, You Can Order - Just Click Here!

Friends and family both local and afar! This year's Yankee Candle Fundraiser allows you to purchase from me online. Please consider buying a candle or other scenty thing! (Plus, they make great Christmas gifts!) When you order from me online they will even been shipped to you! Thanks everyone! Here's the link:

Christy's Yankee Candle Fundraiser

The Ultimate Mission Trip Style Guide: You Smell Nice...

Another post in our series on mission trip style. Don't miss it!

The Ultimate Mission Trip Style Guide: You Smell Nice...

"The Ultimate Mission Trip Style Guide." - tips and tricks from Praying Pelican Missions lady missionaries on how to look good, feel good and take the pressure off of packing your suitcase for a new culture, climate and lifestyle. Our heart is to remove the anxiety and focus from timeless questions like: "What do I wear?" and give you a few tips that we've learned throughout the years. Ultimately, we pray that these posts would be a resource for you as you prepare for your trip. We want to provide you with a few tools that can help you remain focused on what God is teaching you and doing around you during your time abroad, instead of the length of your shorts, the style of your still-wet hair or how much make-up is appropriate. But of course, throughout it all, we must have fun in the process!"