Is it worth it all?

You are nearing the end of your mission trip and someone asks, "Are we really making difference?"  The question isn't a bad one.  It's great to evaluate and think about what worked and had the greatest impact.  But sometimes it's not so easy to answer with real tangible answers at the moment the question is asked.  

This question was ask by an adult of the recent team that left a week ago. And it's been asked by almost every team that didn't work in construction.  Yes, with construction, you can stand back and see what you accomplished.  There's a sense a pride - you worked hard through the heat, your body is tired but there it is - a new ______ that can be used for ministry.  But when a team comes and ministers relationally, it's often hard to see the results.

What do I mean by "relational ministry?"  It's ministry that focuses on evangelism and discipleship.  It focuses on the soul, the heart and mind.  By nature, it's hard to measure.  And really sometimes the immediate response doesn't necessarily show the real results.  But with steady and faithful ministry, the results become clear.  It just requires time to see them.  

Teams focused on relational ministry aren't here long enough to see the real results of their ministry.  With that in mind, let us share our perspective on the significance this recent team.  

We work in churches are that new.  They are filled with new believers who are discovering what a church is and how it can minister.  The Youth Team modeled some new or less common ideas.  Here are a few -

Prayer Walks through communities, even in the rain

Visiting homes with the simple purpose of praying for the people

Youth Rallies that aren't in the same format as a church service

Teaching on a topic and then having discussion groups

Equipping youth as leaders of the discussion groups

Drama

Separating guys and girls in small groups

Age specific events 

Going to the people, instead of "plan it and they will come" 

Many of these methods impacted the people at the time.  They also help the church discover new ways to minister and for that reason, have an impact in shaping these new churches and the way in which they minister.

We NEED teams to come and model ministry.  Yes, we have taught many of the ideas but there is nothing better then when Dominicans remember and say "Remember when that team did this?  I think we should do it too."  Or - "Remember when ____ on that team shared this?  And remember how God showed Himself faithful in that situation?"  This happens regularly after teams have come.  And it doesn't just happen in the following month.  They often refer to someone who was here years ago.

An Example - Calvary EFC in Rochester, MN started coming here in 1991.  A lady named Rebecca came on some of their first trips.  I have never met Rebecca but I can tell you, she had an impact in El Montana.  She get's mentioned every once and a while and of course, they ask "When will she come back?" Rebecca has no idea that people still talk about her visits.

If you go on a team with a heart to serve the Lord, you may be blessed to see the impact.  But I don't think you will get to see all of it.  That's saved for the BIG reunion in Heaven!  And remember, it's really God that makes the impact.  He calls people to Himself.  He guides us as we share.  He prepares people for His message.  It's God.  And so as we minister and serve, all glory goes to Him!

Be faithful in the little things.  You may not see how God uses it.  But the point is to be faithful.
  

Just a little fun...

A funny thing happened on the way to Boma...

We visit Boma every Wednesday morning.  It is a half hour motorcycle ride following the Yaque River literally to the end of the road and beyond.  

When we got to the point of walking through the river, there were cows mingling in the water and on the other shore.  Fortunately they are used to motorcycles so that when Rick drove through they didn’t freak out.  They stared at me as I waded through their coffee clutch.  

Then on the way home we rode past, I kid you not, a guy walking a boar on a rope.  Really.  A hairy, ugly boar was toddling along on a leash.  I wish I had my camera.  Then we drove through some cow dung and it splashed on the back of my calves.  I was sure glad to walk through the river again and wash the grossness off.  The cows were not still in the river.  I guess they had gone back to work: making cow pies on the dirt path.

My Little Buddies

“Dame chicle!” Often when I arrive in El Montaña, I hear this refrain sung out by sweet and smiley preschoolers.  “Give me gum!”  I often carry sugar-free gum to give out to the little ones because I adore them and value their teeth. 

So Tuesday night I rode out to “prayer meeting” (really it is a Bible study and fellowship, but let’s not get technical) with Damaso and a few other Dominicans from Hato Viejo. When we walked into the host’s home, two of my amigitos were there:  Adelis and Yondel.  I get such a kick out of them! But what are two preschoolers to do while the big kids and adults grow in their relationship with God?  Goof around as quietly as possible and then climb up in my chair and whisper, “Dame chicle.”

Hmmm, forgot to pack the gum and all I had is Ben’s “Dentyne Fire.”  So I whispered to them that I would look in my bag after we were done and see if I had anything for them, but I couldn’t promise gum.  That was good enough for them and they went back to quietly goofing off until they crawled under the table and got in trouble. 

So I took them outside and they began the chorus of “Dame chicle.”  I thanked them for playing  quietly during the study and then broke the news that the chicle I had was picante.  You English people know what picante is right?  It’s not Mexican hot sauce. It’s anything spicy.  Yondel said, “No,” but Adelis said, “I like picante!”  Of course, Yondel quickly changed his mind.  I gave them each a half piece and they popped them in their mouths.  Immediately their hands flew to their mouths, their eyes popped open, and they began to dance around.  Giggling, they refused my offer to spit the gum out and ran off to tell their moms, who were now finished with the study and getting out snacks.

Ready to Welcome Calvary EFC of Rochester, Minnesota!!

We have been working with partner churches to plan and prepare for the Youth Team from Calvary Evangelical Free Church in Rochester, Minnesota.  They arrive tomorrow night and will being doing activities with youth, some children's ministry and more!

If you would like to follow them on their blog, connect here:

http://cefchighschoolsummer.blogspot.com

We appreciate your prayers for fruitful work as well as safety and fun!