Impact Trip Reflections: The Strain Family
Among some of our most steadfast ministry partners over the years are Pat and Mike Strain. From loyal support, to inviting friends into the Untold story, and encouraging our staff with intentional time together, Pat and Mike have been pillars of our Untold community. After Pat had the opportunity to go on an Impact Trip years ago, she knew this was something she would want her husband Mike to experience with her. This summer, the Strains, alongside a handful of their close friends, made their way to Kampala, Uganda to witness our ministry together. What they experienced was nothing short of transformative.
Pat and Mike pictured on the far right in the Kampala airport.
What set this trip apart from other trips you've gone on or been a part of?
PAT + MIKE: Our purpose for going on leading this impact trip was to connect to the people — both staff and clients — and not serving by giving material things, but through building relationships with affirmation and encouragement as we shared our stories.
Can you describe a moment on your trip where you felt especially connected to our clients or staff (or both)?
PAT + MIKE: We felt especially connected hearing their powerful testimonies to what God has done and continues to do, and while experiencing client hospitality as they invited us into their homes, and provided a delicious meal that we shared together with transparent tears of joy and laughter. Extended, unhurried, and intentional time with the staff playing games, singing, dancing and “swallowshipping” enriched our relationships.
Now that you've had time to settle in at home and reflect on your experience, what are your biggest takeaways from the trip? How has the trip impacted your relationship with yourself, God, others, and His creation?
PAT: The recommend pre-reading book, When Helping Hurts by Brian Fikkert and Steve Corbett, is foundational to understand the brokenness that we all experience as humans. Pride in my self and my experiences of gaining knowledge and wisdom in the American church and culture has fostered a subconscious sense of “god-complex” in me. As a young person, I thought the American way was the best for the world. Even the ways of American Christian evangelism and service was the better way for all people. It was not until I really studied the Word, and discovered the way Jesus did ministry, and looked at His heart for ALL people, that I understood He meets our needs of poverty in every area of our lives. Even though His Word is foundational to understand God’s ways in the world, in culture, and in the hearts of people, it was not until I experienced God working in the African culture that I began to see the deep rooted pride that still resides. There is still work to be done to lay down my pride in pleasing man and pleasing myself through achievement and efficiency. Desiring material comfort and pleasure that I know is a gift to enjoy and share, but I must ask the Lord to reveal to me when I love these things more than I love Him and others.
I have seen great delight in the African culture in praising our Lord through uninhibited song and dance. I have seen a humble and grateful equality experienced in diverse relationships. I have seen a revealing from the heart sin, sorrow and pain that has lead to amazing restoration, renewal, and, ultimately, hope in God. Practically, I’ve seen this through His Spirit-led people. I have seen these things through the telling of once untold stories that God desires to be told. Through seeing these things that only God could do, I have seen a glimpse of the Glory of God, and a glimpse of the good that He is doing in the hearts of His people. This has inspired me to remember more fervently the depths of the brokenness that He has brought me out of through His cross and resurrection, and sure hope of return. This has inspired me to gratefulness for who He is, and What He has done, and is still doing. I am inspired to boldness in sharing His gospel, and His love for the — in every sense of the word — according to the WORD. Luke 4:18-19; Isaiah 61:1-3. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, (Jesus) because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:21; “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
MIKE: It helped me see myself as truly more relationally broken in the sense of missing some of the joy that the clients experience in worship and the joy in their interpersonal relationships.
Since this was Mike's first Impact Trip, what advice would you give to someone considering an Impact Trip, but nervous about taking the first step?
MIKE: The trip was planned expertly, always with safety in mind. All aspects were considered and there were no loose ends. Even in the uncertain political times we're in, we never felt uncomfortable.
If you could describe your trip in just three words, which words would you pick?
PAT: Awe-inspiring: The visible and invisible work that God is always doing. Deeply-moving: Transformational in every aspect of my brokenness. Model: The Impact Trip models what the ministry is all about.
MIKE: Exceeded Every Expectation.