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.