Transformation

Our team put me on the hot seat last week (which is rude, because I’m the trip leader and supposed to be running this operation!), but I relented and allowed our students to pepper me with all sorts of questions to help them get to know me better. One question that stood out was “What do you love about being a Royal Servant mission trip leader?” My answer was swift. You see, I was a student myself many moons ago. I went on my first mission trip when I was fourteen, and I knew loads about God and the Bible and what I said I believed; but it wasn’t until this mission trip that I began to cede my life to Christ and God started a transformative work in me. My favorite part of now leading these trips is easily that I get to help shepherd students that are in need of that same transformative work, and often I get to watch them mature and grow before my very eyes. I’d like to share with you two testimonies from our students who have taken big steps in their spiritual lives.

Brooklyn (July 6)

The reason I wanted to come on this trip? Well, when I was starting to think about the summer, I was feeling like I needed to do more than just be at home, hanging out with friends, and working. I didn’t think about the possibility of coming on a Royal Servants trip until my amazing mom said to me, “You know, you could go on a mission trip!” So, I started to think about it, and I felt led to go on the Costa Rica trip! I had a few reasons why I wanted to come: I wanted to grow my faith, teach others about God, and have a whole lot of fun while doing it and seeing a whole new place and culture at the same time!

What led me to the decision to follow Christ? It was a lot of things; there are a few people that are on my team that you can see how much wisdom in God they have, and how much they love Jesus! My Bible had a huge impact, and reading it every day on this trip started making me think about devoting my life. Then I thought, “What am I waiting for??” So, I did it!! Going home I think I will be more intentional about what I do and definitely will read my Bible a lot more! I also feel called to share the Gospel with my co-workers, visitors, and friends!

PS – Thank you for taking the time to read this! I hope this encourages you somehow this week! Remember, God loves you; don’t stop loving Him back!

Bella (July 9)

I had heard of Royal Servants at my church. I felt a nudging and thought it might be a good way to spend my summer. The more I thought and talked about it, the more it seemed to pull me in and capture me. My parents were all in as well. I thought it would help me grow in faith, friendships, and being able to trust others.

Once I met my teammates I could see there was something different in them. I have been around passionate Christians before but these people seemed different. As I grew to know my teammates better, I could see that they were deeply passionate to share the Gospel. They weren’t afraid to talk to strangers or share their testimonies. My small group went deep into the Word and weren’t scared to share if they were struggling. It really just showed me how much they love God. My friend Summer was so encouraging, and just really caring. She showed me a different side of Christ. As we went out into ministry, I started to question myself, “How could I be telling others about the Gospel if I don’t fully believe it?” I started to pull back from the group and just begin observing everyone.

Then for our quiet time one day, Kelsie gave a short sermon on Identity. She had us write out a list of titles that we claim or that others have put on us. A big chunk was negative and really self-degrading. The next task was to look up a set of verses that show us our worth in Christ. The very first verse I read gave me chills. I kept reading, and felt called to be one of the children the verses talked about. I prayer the sinner’s prayer from our Join the Story booklet, and added to it. Ephesians 1.13-14 sealed the deal. I was officially a child of God! Immediately, I felt overjoyed and bubbly. I couldn’t keep a smile off of my face. I want to tell everyone of this joy I’ve found in the Gospel. Everything I’ve learned about Jesus has a new shine and meaning deep in my heart. One of my memory verses is 1 John 1.9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I want everyone to know this foundational truth!

Since I gave my life to Christ, I have given my all in every dance, prayer, game, conversation, and quiet time with God. My goals in life have changed; I want to glorify God in all I think, say, and do. Also, others’ needs come before my own. For the remaining days I am here (and for when I go back home) I want others to see a difference in me. I want to give back to my community in every way possible. If the Lord could heal me and bring me back to Him, He can heal anyone, and everyone deserves to know!

PS – A big thank you to Raegan for having deep questions and conversations with me; I want to thank Summer for showing me Christ in all she does and says; and a big thanks to my parents for always having my back and pushing me out of my comfort zone.

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