“Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air.” ― John Quincy Adams

On Sunday, February 9th, I hosted the first Trinity Church/Peacemakers Cambodia 2014 Mission Team meeting. Thrity-two people attended the meeting. (10 couldn’t make it.) In the group are nurses, painters, general contractors, mission trip veterans, mission trip “newbies”, prayer warriors, Bible college students, worship leaders, videographers, and others who all feel compelled by the call to Cambodia.

The Apostle Paul is one of the best examples of someone who was compelled by a call. The Book of Acts is filled with the stories of his missionary journeys around the known world. Most of the places he visited he had never visited in his life, yet he traveled with confidence. The majority of our Cambodia Missions Team has never been on a mission trip, yet they are preparing confidently.

What does it mean to be compelled by a call? People who believe they are “compelled” to complete a mission experience:

1. a willingness to walk by faith into the unknown,
2. a willingness to endure hardship to complete the work, and
3. an unwavering conviction despite the misgivings of others.

Have you ever felt compelled by a call to serve in your community or around the world on a mission trip?

“One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.” (Acts 13:2, 3 NLT)

(I took the photos above at the Angkor Archaeological Park in November 2013. Official Cambodia 2014 Mission Team Logo created by Kerri Keith-Spitaleri.)