May 24th, 1985 is the year I hopped on a plane and began my overseas pilgrimage with God. I had sold my car and used the money to buy a one way plane ticket. I flew to Singapore with a group of young people. We were joining a mission called Operation Mobilization for a 2 year commitment. From Singapore i led a mission team into Malaysia. I was 21 years old.
5 weeks later, I was in Europe, where I would lead another team into Austria, and return to Belgium to meet the girl who would pilgrimage with me in mission and marriage. We joined a mission ship, the M.V. Logos for 2 years, taking us around much of South and Central America and many of the islands. We were convinced that we were doing then what we should always be doing – serving the global church.
We were poor (we received $5 a week pocket money to get an icecream or two), enthusiastic, prayerful, bold and usually sunburnt. And we were very happy. I am still happy. The greatest people in the world, to me, are missionaries. They embody the selfless lifestyle of Jesus more than anyone I have met. My heros are missionaries. I always wanted to be one. Even when i was 12, before i even knew God, i was impressed with missionaries and saw myself doing what they do.
Anyway. 19 years later. I am still going. Thanks God. Thanks for the freedom to follow my heart. Lets do another 19!
19 years
Thanks for choosing the pilgrimage Andrew!
Even though it may not feel like it at times, your journey is inspiring to a lot of people. I know that a lot of the ideas and values that you express are similar to those that we’re discovering and experimenting with here in Seville. Since we are surrounded by people (esp. christian people) that don’t really understand us or believe in what we are doing, it is nice sometimes to hear someone making similar sounds out there.
Keep on keeping on (with your injured hand and all)!!!
Hey…May 24 is also an important date for me – on May 24, 1988 I overdosed on LSD and subsequently became a Christian.
Thank you for choosing what you have. Here’s to another 19 years of adventure!
. . . and another 16 years of clear thinking for you.
Missionaries have always blazed new trails and been an inspiration to others to look for new pathways. Thank you for being an example for a lot of us who otherwise might not have a clue how to forge ahead in our own journeys with God.
Good work, Andrew! When I was a child, I was a missionary kid in Mexico. I have always thought of missionaries as my heroes too. I still look to missionaries as heroes – people willing to take Matthew 28 literally! In other words… you’re a real hero! 😀
that’s awesome man, i wish i had your kind of courage and commitment.
Thanks for being a hero to a younger generation.
Is there an e-church being birthed?
This is awesome!! I have always wanted to be a missionary too! God has amazing ways of bringing little kids dreams to realities. Thanks for being an encouragement to all of us wait for God’s timing.
That’s awesome.