This has been a large lesson for me as I dabble in mission work. I want to contribute my skills. I want to make a difference. I want to build a house. I want to fix a problem. None of that is the point of mission work. “It’s not about the drywall” is what Samaritan’s Purse wrote in every single dorm room.

Look at all the drywall we removed! Look at all the mold we killed! Yeah, that’s nice. What’s important is showing up for a neighbor in need and loving them. It’s much more important to build relationships and show the homeowners we actually see them and care about them as individuals.

The pace of mission work doesn’t usually meet my expectations. It’s intentional. Eat meals together. Build relationships. Take breaks and just talk to the homeowner about their life. Love other people. We started every morning with a devotional. Then we split up into teams and prayed over our work for the day. Then we went to meet the homeowner to understand what they wanted us to do for the day. We asked them what they wanted us to pray for. We prayed with the homeowner. We finished work early. We spent time with the homeowners. We signed a Bible to leave with them after we left. It’s such a small amount of time for interaction, but it’s more important than taking out drywall.

It’s important for the homeowners, but it’s important for me too. It’s outside my comfort zone. It’s where my growth happens. I don’t learn anything by using the skills I already have. I learn things by talking to and loving others.