"If you are wondering whether or not you should go on a short-term mission trip with GO InterNational, I'm telling you right now - just GO!"

 

Joe Reese, a junior majoring in Spanish and Psychology at Asbury University, leaves no question in your mind in regard to that question or as to the importance he places on being a active mission team member. He has a long history of going on trips with GO, and his Mom, brother, and sister have been team members as well.

 

"The experiences are really incredible," he says. "Every trip you take crosses barriers - language, culture, food. And, regardless of where you're from or where you're serving, you will encounter brothers and sisters worshiping God together."

 

"It is wonderful to be in foreign situations and know you're going to help others, and that you're going to grow as a Christian, as well. God uses your gifts and abilities, maybe some you're not aware of, and he takes you out of your comfort zone and stretches you. As a result - you grow as a person, you grow in Christ, and you help others find Christ in ways you never imagined."

 

Even though Joe is only in his third year of college, he is a seasoned veteran. He went with GO to Colombia in 2011, Trinidad in 2013, and went on a five-week mission to Peru earlier this year.

 

His duties have been almost as varied as his trips. He taught English, did light construction work, and helped with a medical outreach. "One of the jobs I really enjoyed was one that intimidated me at first," he adds. "I translated at the medical clinic. It was great how God worked this out."

 

Joe believes everyone has something to offer. "We need to realize we all have unique gifts and abilities that God wants to use. We just need to be willing."

 

He goes on, "When you downplay your gifts and abilities, you downplay yourself, and that means you're downplaying God. So, we need to step up and help spread the word of Christ when and where we can."

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Bob Owen

Communications Manager