Tomorrow, I leave for a mission trip to South Africa with our middle daughter, Olivia, joining a team of seven from Ramp Church Manchester.

I was 14 years old when I went on my first international mission trip. The trip was a beautiful revelation about the simple truth that there are needs in the world, and I can help. As God’s children, we’re all here to help. 

Helping others doesn’t need to wait until we’re older, or perfect, but begins right here, right now. As we jump in on the action of God making all things new, we’re helped in the process.

As the prophet Isaiah says,

 [I]f you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
    and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
    and your night will become like the noonday.
The Lord will guide you always;
    he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
    and will strengthen your frame. (58:10,11 NIV)

Here to help may sound arrogant, like we’re presuming we can actually repair the complexities of the world’s problems. Although a savior-complex isn’t helpful, if we don’t believe the Spirit of the living God is in us and enables us to overcome evil with good, we’re missing out on the hope and purposes our Lord suffered to give us.

There’s a great need for humility in mission. At the same time, there’s a need for confidence and clarity that we’re here to help.

We aren’t the saviors, but we know the Savior.

We’re confident that in every situation, he still saves. He is alive now and living through us here on earth.

Whatever scenario you’re in, maybe that simple phrase—“I’m here to help”—will bring confidence and clarity to you today. With your faith in Christ, his love flowing through you, and the hope and power he’s deposited in you, you’re here about your Father’s business, doing good (see Luke 2:49 and Acts 10:38).