“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands…”
Revelation 7:9
My oldest daughter and I are on a mission trip to Vienna, Austria, from our home church in Denton. We’ve partnered with our church’s missions team to aid in various projects and ministry. So far, our endeavor has helped a local Viennese man and his wife clean, prepare, and demo some of their church facility in preparation for hosting church services soon. They provide a place for Afghani, Iranian, Syrian, and Turkish individuals to come and worship and hear about the gospel of Jesus Christ (the image above is where they meet for church).
We also invested a day engaging with college students at the University of Vienna while handing out free coffee, tea, and treats. Conversations ranged from old-fashioned fencing with swords to Herbert Marcuse and Critical Theory. I was intrigued by how the college students were open to conversations (below are some pics of that experience).
Each morning, I’ve gone on a run or walk to soak in the local environment and enjoy getting my heart rate up a little. So far, I’ve seen some beautiful fall foliage and even three deer. To get to where the jogging trail is, I’ve had to cross the Danube River (see image below).
We leave today to serve a local church to accomplish their family retreat. We’ll host a VBS program for the parents’ children and teens.
A few reflections so far from our trip…
- Cultural differences are easier to overcome when combined with sincerity.
- The language of humility unlocks even the most closed of minds.
- A sense of humor deters satan’s sneaky attacks on unity.
In conclusion, as we continue our mission here, I am reminded of the apostle Paul’s words to the church at Philippi:
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned, received, heard, and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:4-9