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Spare Change - December 2019

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                   4 Reasons Everyone Should Go On a Mission Trip
(This is a reprint of an article I wrote in. I hope it encourages you that mission trips are possible for everyone!)

Have you ever thought about going on a mission trip? Many people have but, for one reason or another, they just don't go. Maybe you're too busy with work, family, church ministries, or social activities; maybe all of the above. Maybe you don't think it's financially within your grasp. Maybe you don't feel in shape enough or you have physical limitations. There are a lot of reasons why people don't go, but here are three reasons why you should go:

1. You Can Make a Difference!
There are so many people that need help; so many people that need to hear the gospel. I have been all over this country helping churches, church plants, ministries, disaster victims, inner city kids, homeless persons, etc. The common theme that runs through all the trips I have been on is that we make a difference. I may seem small, but often those small, seemingly insignificant, things are what matters most to people. I have seen people cry over drywall being put in their home. I sat and listened to a homeless man's story. I have been able to make a difference in these people's lives, all while sharing with them the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. You can make a difference. Don't make excuses for why you can't go, trust that God will use you in spike of your deficiencies. I will say it again, YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

2. It Will Change Your Life!
Inevitably, when people come back from a mission trip there is a marked change in their life. It happens every time! People go, see the needs, minister to others, and come home different. From time to time we need a drastic change in our lives. We get bogged down in the day-to-day doldrums and stresses of life. When we go on a mission trip, our perspective on life is reset. Our priorities are reoriented to the way God wants them to be. So, if you need a refresher in your spiritual life, or just need a break, go on a mission trip, it will change your life.

3. Jesus Commands You to Go!
The bottom line is that we are commanded to go to the ends of the earth to share the gospel and make disciples. Christians must go!  The great thing is you don’t have to be a full-time missionary to make a difference.  Our long-term partnerships create an ongoing relationship that benefits those on the mission field.  We cannot sit on the sidelines, Jesus commands us to get in the game and go!  Will you obey the command to go? (Bonus Reason, newly added!)

4. God Will Display His Faithfulness
Think you can’t go because you don’t have the money.  The scriptures tell us that God owns everything (Haggai 2:8)!  It also says that we are to ask God for what we desire according to his will (James 4:2-3; Matthew 7:7-11).  Raising money for a mission trip can seem daunting, however it provides an opportunity for God to show his faithfulness to you.  God will provide if you just trust him.  There are so many ways to raise funds for a mission trip, don’t let the financial burden hold you back.  Watch what God will do if you just ask and believe.

Upcoming Trips:
Adult & Student Mission Trip to Jamaica - July 25th - August 1st This trip will be a mix of construction and ministry.  We will be installing a playground at a rural school and doing a basketball camp with elements of VBS. For adults and high school age students. Approx. cost $1,800 (cost based on previous trip; subject to change) Contact Pastor Bryan at for more info.

 

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Spare Change - November 2019

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Jamaica Mission Trip Report

Jamaica is a gorgeous country.  It has crystal clear water, amazing beaches, lush jungles and beautiful mountains.  We went there to help one of the rural schools in the mountains.  We flew into Montego Bay, which is one of the big resort cities on the island.  It was a nice city with shopping and many “touristy” things to do.  We didn’t get to stay there long, however, we were actually staying in Mandeville, the largest town in Manchester Parrish, about 2 ½ hours away from Montego Bay; we had to travel over the mountains to get there.

Most every day we took about an hour journey on the curvy, windy roads into the mountains to Leicesterfield.  We worked with Leicesterfield Primary School and Leicesterfield Baptist Church.  Leicsterfield is a rural community in the mountains will very little infrastructure. The people have water delivered or collect water in big cisterns. Many work in the mountain fields harvesting various fruits and vegetables. Some do manual labor jobs like brick laying or other skilled trades. Others travel to the cities to work in businesses. Some even travel to work in the bauxite mines (bauxite is a key ingredient in aluminum). Even though they don’t have much, the people make the best of it.

The school is a charming three building structure.  Many of the teachers travel from other cities to Leicesterfield.  The teachers were amazing!  They really keep the focus on helping these kids get a good education.  The kids don’t have a lot and the school doesn’t have a lot of extra funds.  The only play area the kids have is the parking lot, which has a couple of basketball hoops.  Our goal was to provide a fun play area for the children.  We had to remove some old concrete pads and put down fresh gravel for a play surface.  We constructed a play dome and hired a local welder to make us a play structure that included some monkey bars, slide, and swings.  We had to set it in the ground with concrete.  We spent a total of three days working and playing with the children.  The kids were so happy to have some new play structures.  There is one video that we took of a little girl just standing on the play dome giggling and giggling.  It was those things that filled our hearts with joy.
 
We also were able to worship with Leicesterfield Baptist Church on Sunday.  Their worship was vibrant, and spirit filled.  They were so welcoming and allowed us to give a Bible study lesson for the adults, children, and even preach in worship.  It was so encouraging to be worshipping with other believers in another country.  The church recently put in a basketball court next to their church and hopes to host a mission team that would do a basketball camp next summer.  This might be a future mission opportunity, coupled with installing another play structure at another school.
 
Jamaicans are a proud people with a rich heritage.  Almost everyone born on the island has ancestors that were slaves brought to the island by Europeans.  While the country gained its independence in 1962, there is still much work to be done, especially in the area of missions.  There is a large contingency of Christians, however, not all are orthodox believers.  Many have been trapped by cults like the Seventh Day Adventists.  There really needs to be a bigger gospel presence, especially with teenagers and young adults.  Like America, the churches are not reaching this demographic.  The young people chase after worldly things and want nothing to do with the faith of their elders.  We need to be open to assisting the church in reaching the island of Jamaica for Christ.  Just a short distance from America but still so much need.  I pray that the Lord would bring more laborers into the harvest to reach Jamaica for His glory!

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