Mission Minded

SHREVEPORT, LA. – I just returned from another mission trip; this time it was in Entre Rios, Bolivia where we completed the block work on a classroom. Some have asked me, “Why go on mission trips?” Jesus tells us to “go” into every nation and make disciples. In the local church, many times we focus on how to get other people to come to us rather than going to them. I have found that the best use of our effort is to go where the Spirit of God is working.

Some have asked me, “What happens when you go?” When you go, you become the hands and feet of Jesus. What does that look like? Well it can be different on each trip, but for many of the trips I have been on, it looks like Vacation Bible School in the local area with children who have very little in terms of material items but who have a great appreciation of your efforts to show them love. It can look like building cinder block structures that will serve as houses of worship and school classrooms or even clinics. It may even look like providing free medical or dental care. You are also able to participate in worship with some incredible believers in a different culture and often in a different language.

These trips will break down preconceived notions and prejudice. They help you realize that we are all in this together and the great big world seems a little smaller.

On these trips you leave more behind than a sturdy classroom or worship center, you leave a piece of your heart because as you minister to the needs of others, they in turn minister to a need you never knew you had.

The Arkansas-Louisiana Conference is planning a mission trip to Kanchanabuir, Thailand from Nov. 18 - Dec. 3, 2020.  We will work with an orphanage and do construction and evangelism. We will also be hosting eye and dental clinics and Vacation Bible School programs in local churches. If you are interested, you can register at ArkLac.org/Ministerial. The $2,500 cost includes airfare, lodging, ground transportation and part of the construction costs.

If you are wanting to organize a trip for your local church or join another mission group that is part of the Adventist system, you can visit Maranatha.org for information.

By Brandon Westgate