Preparing for the Mission
As the time approached to leave on our first mission trip, we spent a lot of time in prayer. Noah and I were scheduled to leave with a group of 18 prayer warriors from our church. The plan was to fly to Belize City with a short layover in Texas. Jamey would be flying down to Belize with the next group which was the 1st skilled labor team. Another skilled labor team would arrive in Belize as we were heading home. It was a lot of people to coordinate!
Time to Go!
When we landed in Texas, most of the group went to eat together. I let Noah choose where we would eat since he wouldn’t have as many choices for the next couple of weeks. He chose Subway, so we ordered and sat down to enjoy a fresh sandwich. After lunch, we went to wait for our flight. From the moment we began preparing for this trip, there was a song that resonated with me: Psalm 23 by People & Songs. As we waited, I sat listening to this song on repeat.
I suddenly heard my name called over the speaker, asking Monica Scott to come to the desk. I was informed by the lady that they needed to see a copy of “The Letter” from Noah’s father giving him permission to travel with me. I had no idea what she was talking about!
The “Letter”
Only minutes before boarding was to begin I am told that I need a letter from Jamey stating that he gives permission for Noah to travel to Belize with me. And it has to be notarized. They won’t let us into the country without it, so they won’t let us board the plane. Noah and I are in Houston, Texas and Jamey is in Ooltewah, Tennessee.
I call Jamey to let him know what is going on. He prepares a letter and sets off to find someone to notarize and fax it to the airline. Meanwhile, the rest of the team has arrived at the gate to board the awaiting plane. I inform my pastor of the “letter” issue. He decides to stay with Noah and I until we get this problem sorted out. The rest of the team agrees to continue with boarding the plane. They join together to pray for a quick resolution.
Jamey has tried several places before finding a notary. Time is ticking away…
As I am waiting at the ticket counter, I overhear a young woman speaking to the flight attendant. Her travel partner has been delayed and she wants to change her flight to a later time. Because her bags are already on board, our international flight will now be delayed until they can remove her luggage.
Jamey has now faxed the notarized letter to the airline office at the Houston airport. I quickly informed the attendant at the ticket counter. Then she tells us the office is at the other end of the airport. We need her to go run the fax down so we can board the plane before it takes off. She is reluctant to go check, but with some persuasion from my pastor, she finally agrees.
Minute by minute, we are waiting for her return and praying that the plane will wait for us. It seems like an eternity. She finally arrives with the letter in hand. She stamps it, hands it over to us and we quickly board the plane. Cheers erupt as we walk onto the plane with our team! God answered our prayers indeed!
Guaranteed Opposition
Opposition comes in many ways. Only through experience do we learn that being called to do something will bring guaranteed opposition. I believed it was God’s will for us to go on this mission trip. And when all these “road blocks” came our way, I knew without a doubt I was doing the will of God. The enemy tried to keep us from going, but God made a way for us!
It was only the beginning of a trip filled with moments that would change our lives forever.
- 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV) However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him—
- Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Dream Central, Belize
If you would like to read more about the mission of Dream Central or would like to make a donation, visit https://dreamcentral.org/donations/. Projects are ongoing in every location so be sure to check it out at dreamcentral.org!
