Calayan Mission Trip: The Right Kind of Risk

I like danger. Not because I want to be in  danger--I have few stitches in my body to demonstrate that it's not something your trifle with. But somehow being close to it gives a feeling of wonder and awe that you can't possibly experience if you're in your bed sleeping comfortably. Should you flirt with danger and throw caution to the wind and cross the street even if the light is red? Not at all. Life is full of dangers but not one danger can have the power to take away your life unless it is really time for you to die.

"I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.” 2 Corinthians 11:26

Isn’t it interesting how the Apostle Paul lived in such danger? I think it’s the do or die mindset of Philippians 1:21, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Whether he lives or dies, it will not be in vain because it is in Christ and for Christ to happen. This is the kind of life in danger that I hope to live. Thus, Calayan Island is one of my favorite places to go on short mission trips.

First boat from left was the boat we sailed in for 7 hours from Claveria, Cagayan.

In the island, there’s a community called Dibay. The travel to Dibay, Calayan begins with a 13-hour bus trip to Claveria, Cagayan and a 6-8 hour trip in an unpredictable open sea. The community doesn’t have electricity, cellphone signal, Internet or whatever technology that connects people all the time in the city. It’s probably a place that most people wouldn’t go to because all city comforts we’ve grown up with will be stripped off from you.

But being stripped off of known comforts is probably one of the most beautiful things that can happen to anyone. Being in Calayan always reminds me that Christ is always enough and what the world has to offer is nothing. To go there has always been a risk but I know that it’s the right kind of risk. It’s only Apostle Paul’s “in danger at sea” anyway.

Well, enough of my rambling. Here’s a video update when I served in Calayan a month ago for a kids’ camp.