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Why Do You Go? by: Nathan Brandon
Having arrived with Craig Buffkin two days earlier, I had plenty of time to think more about the question Stuart Gordon asked our mission team. "Why do you go?" was all he asked at our meeting in November, but it had haunted me since, continuing throughout the nine days of our trip. After four years of coming to Jamaica, I thought my answer would come quicker than it did. Now as I drove the winding roads, dodging the occasional goat, chicken and yes, the occasional Jamaican, the answer came to me in a wave.
We as a church have come and supported the Battersea community for almost fifteen years. Every year we come to rekindle friendships and make new ones, but I believe we come back to continue the God's legacy to His people. Through Christ's leadership, we are doing great things in Mandeville and we are exemplifying Christ's love through our work and prayer.
Beyond the roofs we replace, the walls we build, or even the floors we pour, we are being used to better God's kingdom. I saw this on display as I watched Candace Clippard, Val Kikkert, and Jessica Campbell minister to the young girls of the in the community in the hope of breaking the cycle of teenage pregnancy. These Christ-led women developed and led classes that were designed to teach and counsel the young women of the community. Jamaica suffers from an illegitimacy rate that hovers close to 90%. This helps condemn these girls to a life of poverty and a world with little hope. Candace, Val, and Jessica have started a ministry whose ripples have yet to be felt.
I saw the female residents at the infirmary we visited delightfully surprised to receive hand massages from some of our women with the scented lotion that was donated by members of our congregation. These women gently turned their heads and smiled as they were sprayed with the perfumes brought along to remind them they are the aroma of Christ. Even those with diminished mental faculties seemed to sense this was something different than visitors had offered before and wanted to be a part of it.
I watched as Stuart Gordon, Darryl Thompson, Scott Kendrick and Mike McGuffin took time away from the physical work of putting on roofs to tenderly read to the children. They spent countless time having the kids read to them and even work math problems. It may not sound like much, but many of the sixth graders read close to kindergarten level. What love and patience these men showed the kids who are starved for a loving touch, a whisper of attention, and even a casual hello.
In closing, I have a question for you. Why should you go on a mission trip and continue God's legacy?
First, with God's lead, seize the day! Isaiah says in 40:8 "The grass withers, the flower fades: but the word of our God will stand forever." Our days are numbered and only God knows when they will end, so search out his will, you will be amazed at the great things God has in store for you. I have done more for God's kingdom in four trips to Jamaica than I did in the other thirty-six years of my life.
Secondly, never underestimate a solitary life given for God's glory. If think for a moment you have the desire to go on a mission trip, listen to the voice. God will reward more than you will know. Proverbs 3:5-6 says "Trust in the Lord with all you heart; lean not on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your ways." Trust me, He will.
Lastly, mission trips help center you on what is important in life. In this world of turmoil, we should endeavor to be missed for the right reasons. We should be missed for kind deeds, humor, happiness, compassion, a gentle touch, slow to anger, charity, patience, a kiss on the forehead, a smile, sharing a story, reading to child and a host of other reasons. God wants our portfolios filled with these. Through these actions we show God's love. As Matthew says in 5:16 "Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and give glory to your father who is in heaven." In Jamaica, our light is shining brightly and we always have room for a strong back!
"Yah Mon"
2009 Jamaica Mission Team : Nathan Brandon, Craig Buffkin, Jessica Campbell, Candace Clippard, Scooter Clippard, Allison Collier, Danny Dotson, Steve Dresch, Roy Flowers, Stuart Gordon, Scott Kendrick, Patricia Heim, Larry Kikkert, Val Kikkert, JT Martin, Mike McGuffin, Allen Roberts, Darryl Thompson, Tom Smith, Jim Wall, and John Wimberly |
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