Seeing is Believing—Experiencing Missions Firsthand

“Unless I see…I won’t believe.” – John 20:25, The Message

There’s amazing power in seeing.

Over the years, God has positioned me in places where I could get a clearer picture of who He is and what truly breaks His heart. Recently, I came on staff with COTN and had the opportunity to go to the Dominican Republic where we are partnering to transform the lives of children.

I had heard the stories of poverty, despair and hopelessness in the bateyes of Barahona. I even trusted that there was a need, but quite honestly my heart hadn’t connected to the condition of the people until given the opportunity to go, to see, and to believe.

Once there, I began to truly see the very harsh life of a child. The smell of unkempt waste in dirty streets wafted through my nostrils while viewing children playing games with worn out tires. I sat dumbfounded watching a boy with a protruding hernia who didn’t keep from smiling for a picture. Matted hair, cracked feet, and dilapidated homes…I saw it all.

But in the midst of it all I caught a glimpse of something more. I saw smiles on dirty faces, heard laughter from hungry mouths, and watched cracked bare feet dancing in the streets. I saw hope in their eyes. I met trust face to face. I saw Jesus and I fully believed.

Thomas, a follower of Jesus, was given the unfortunate nickname “Doubting Thomas” because of his lack of faith that Jesus had indeed been raised from the grave as told by his friends.

I think that this describes the condition of most human hearts: we want to believe, but until we see and experience with our own eyes and hands, we can’t fully comprehend. I believe Jesus wants us to each experience Him throughout our lives, just as Thomas did.

COTN provides the opportunity for us to do just that. Join us for a Venture Vision Trip this year, a trip designed to give participants a clearer vision of COTN’s ministry. Experience the power of seeing, firsthand, the transforming mission COTN has been called to and be drawn into the life of a child. We will be hosting the following Vision Trips this fall/winter:

• Sierra Leone, Africa – November 12 – 25, 2008
• Dominican Republic – November 30 – December 7, 2008
• Uganda, Africa – January 7 – 13, 2009
• Malawi, Africa – January 13 – 21, 2009

Once you see the children, you will believe, and once you believe, you will see why we are so passionate about this ministry.

by Jeff Lander, COTN West Coast Venture Team Director