Going On A Mission
So, I am going on a mission trip. I, along with 15 or so others from my church, Genesis Metro Church in Frisco, am going to Nicaragua. We are departing on August 11 and returning August 18. We will be traveling by bus to a remote village several hours outside of the capital city of Managua. The work of the mission, in addition to spiritual ministry, will be provision of medial aid and supplies for the village. We will be accompanied by several doctors and nurses and providing dental care, vision exams, makeshift pharmacies, and even veterinary care for the men, women, children, and animals of the village.
There will be worship services and bible studies each day for the adults, and VBS-style day camps for the kids and I may have the opportunity to assist in the musical portion of the worship services.
In order to make this happen, I need to raise $1500. I have been raising my own money but have been encouraged to send support letters to friends and family. In addition, Genesis Metro Church is hosting a benefit golf tournament on June 23 to go towards the funding of all of us going on the trip. I would imagine that it goes without saying that prayer support will be required as well.
I guess I’m writing about this here, not only to make you folks aware, but just to kind of process my thoughts out loud. This is a first for me. I’ve never been on a mission trip where I am required to raise my own funding. I’ve been on 3-day house-building trips to Tijuana before when I was in Southern California…many years ago, but those were seemingly insignificant in comparison to what I am about to embark on. I wouldn’t have ever considered those true “missions” (although the I guess the folks that were blessed by a new house did). I have never traveled out of this country (unless you count Tijuana…I don’t), much less to a place where the sentiment towards American missionaries is less than fully cordial.
I have no idea what to expect. I am very excited about this opportunity but also very anxious…which I think is the prevailing feeling. As I prepare over the next few months, I am considering what I need to be thinking about, preparing myself spiritually and mentally, and getting the practical things taken care of.
For now, here’s some information for you:
If you are interested in reading my support letter and would like to considering supporting me, you can look at that here.
If you are interested in playing in the golf tournament, check out some more info about that here. Let me know if you will be signing up.
Thanks for reading this. I will post more thoughts, I’m sure, as the trip nears.
June 10th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Why do you people feel the need to hide your christian beliefs behind a medical aid trip?
I know whats happening: you “say” your going on a mission trip to help people medically but your true intent is to force your christian beliefs on people. Why? You’ll get down there and say “if you don’t get “born again” right now we are not going to treat you.” That is sooooooo wrong man. Why can’t you just go down without your “jesus” and treat the people without bringing religion in it? It is sickening. They don’t ask for religion so leave it alone.
June 10th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
joe…the comment is appreciated, regardless of your choice to use your belief system (or lack thereof) to bash mine. thanks for stopping by and being interested enough in what we’re doing to voice your misguided thoughts, albeit, anonymously.
i like how you’ve presupposed that you know exactly what our intentions are, even though you clearly don’t, and have arrived at some completely erroneous conclusions. but here’s the deal: we are not “hiding” behind anything. and furthermore, we are not going where we are not wanted. we have been invited and our presence is desired. go pick up a Bible. take notice of how jesus met material needs in addition to spiritual needs. following that example, we are going to build relationships, meet physical needs, a bring with us message of eternal hope. they know what they’re getting when they ask us to go there, so, that’s what we’re doing. i fail to see the problem. they have a need. we have the resources.
June 11th, 2007 at 10:58 pm
Joe,
How’d you know Patrick works for the dark side? I’ve been searching for years, and have yet to find the information.
June 12th, 2007 at 8:26 am
hah…well played.
June 26th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
I am very much looking forward to to the trip. Should be an incredible experience….for the receivers and the givers.
January 7th, 2009 at 4:50 am
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