I have had the blessing to serve on short-term mission teams in a variety locations. Having served locally in my own community and as far away as Puerto Rico, I have found these trips to be life-changing experiences.

In my previous church work with teenagers, often the youth would think that we were bringing what the people needed. Especially for youth who had never participated in a trip before, they thought we were going to be the blessing to others. What they quickly discovered was that blessing was not a one-way street. Often they would be changed by the experiences in profound ways. God would use these trips to help expand their world view, grow their compassion, turn their hearts closer to the Gospel and give them the desire to serve back in their own communities.

This January, I will have the opportunity to go further than ever before. Through the organization, Corner of Love, people from Hope Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran are going to Nicaragua to serve some of the poorest in that country through a medical mission trip. Each day we will have the opportunity to go into a different village where we will provide medical, dental and vision care. We will also provide clothing, hygiene supplies and other necessities for life.

Each team member will bring two suitcases packed full of supplies for the trip. Even though each of us will be taking nearly 100 pounds of supplies to Nicaragua, I know that the blessing we will receive won’t possibly fit in any suitcase! God is going to change our lives, the lives of people in Nicaragua, and I pray we come back with new eyes to care for those in need back here in Enumclaw.

I invite you to consider joining us on this trip! It is not too late to be involved in this life-changing experience. You don’t even have to be to Lutheran! Everyone is welcome to attend. We are in particular need of doctors, dentists, nurses and others with medical expertise to participate in this trip. Please contact me if you are interested or have any questions.

The Rev. Keith Marshall can be reached at pastorkeithmarshall@gmail.com.