Why International missions?

I am excited to be on the team that will be going in October to Costa Rica to help a Methodist congregation. This church has dreams of opening a maternity clinic for prenatal care for expectant mothers someday. They have a building that isn’t being used that they hope to remodel and provide housing for future missionaries to come. We will actually be helping them create a warm and welcoming worship space. We will be tiling the floor and building the chancel. (Outside the church they call this a stage.) These improvements will allow them to worship in this space and it will look like a sanctuary instead of just a big room. We will be building with all metal because of the environment and moisture issues on the island. This partnership has been nurtured by Todd O. and Ed G. They have met the pastor and his family and have seen the sight where we will be volunteering.

Another project we will be doing (that is less physical) is a VBS for the kids. We will be adapting the material that we have for the kids in Costa Rica. Luckily, we have several Spanish speaking folks who will be going on the trip with us. Even if we can not speak the language, we can smile and craft with the kids. Part of having a successful mission is being flexible and being able to adapt to very different circumstances. The most important characteristic of a missionary is to love people like Jesus loves us.

Often people ask “Why do we have to leave the country when there are people right here who need our help?” And this is true. There is a lot of need in Tulsa and Bixby. And I think that we do a pretty good job of responding to that need with the resources that we have. But what I have seen over and over again in my time of ministry is that people who step away from their daily lives and travel to an entirely different culture come home changed. Often they begin ministries right here in our community. But what is unique about going somewhere else on a mission trip is the bonding, the immersion into a different rhythm of life, and the thankfulness for all the ways that we are blessed. Sometimes it is the only way to reach someone’s soul. When we are caught up in our routines and “have to’s” we struggle to pause and allow the Holy to move our hearts and minds in new ways.

I give thanks for those who are planning this trip and the new relationships that will grow out of it. I am excited not to be in charge but getting to be a part of it. I look forward to being outside my office and regular pattern of life to be with my people as we serve in Jesus’ name together. And most of all, I cannot wait to see what God has planned for us and our time that is set apart. Please pray for this team and the work that we will be doing together.

I love you and God loves you,