Going on a Treasure Hunt

"The fundamental ministry God would have all of us exercise as short-term visitors and servants in another culture is the ministry of affirmation. God is inviting us on a treasure hunt. Our privilege is to be so led by the Spirit of God that we can find treasures in this new context that had been hidden from our eyes previously. Not only were they hidden from us because we've never been there before (and even if we have), they may even have been hidden from the eyes of the people who live there. Thus, God invites us to lift up before others' eyes the way He is at work among and through them, and all the strengths and gifts they are bringing to their own community. We don't go to bring treasures. Nor do we go to take them home. Rather, we help discover treasures that are present among the people with whom we serve, and together with them we praise God for His great kindness."

1 Corinthians 2:1-5
When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.

Paul sought to discover the power of the Holy Spirit and bring it to the people with whom he worked. In our situation, I believe this passage relates directly. We should not come to Mexico as superior and holier-than-thou Americans, but as humble servants of the Lord. We bring our own naievte in regards to the sex trade, and show our trust in His wonderful powers to heal and bring freedom. Paul felt his own abilities and attitudes were inferior and unworthy. But he knew he was a vessel of the Power of God. I do not know why I am being sent on this trip, but I know that He will use me in a way that only I can fill, and I pray that His Holy Power will be glorified through me. I hope to learn from and build wonderful relationships with the people I meet on this trip.