By Russ Parker, Pastor of Administration & Missions
Before coming on staff here at Life Bible Fellowship Church, I worked in marketing for an office products manufacturer. We were a growing company and many employees (me included) had lots of great ideas for the future of our company. But the leaders were often slow to listen to the employees. Instead, the leaders – probably like lots of companies – loved to bring in outside consultants to advise on ideas and future direction. Nine times out of 10, it seemed the consultants recommended the same exact ideas the employees had already offered to our leaders. The difference? The company leaders actually listened to the outside consultants.
As frustrating as that experience was (and is if it happens to you), there’s the reality that sometimes an outsider has greater access and potential for impact than insiders have. Outsiders don’t bring in baggage, precedence, bias, or political agendas that insiders may carry with them. As a result, outsiders can be uniquely positioned to be powerful influencers.
...for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:13–15)
When we travel outside of our culture to share the Gospel, we embrace this great opportunity to influence and proclaim the risen Christ. Jesus celebrates our actions. How beautiful are our feet! We follow His example as He traveled into other cultures, preaching and proclaiming His coming. And we do so in partnership with God’s greater Church. Though we are outsiders, we partner with insiders – churches, missionaries, advocates and organizations – who have long-standing and ongoing work.
In 2014, LBF is sending out four international, short-term missions teams. We are heading to Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and China. We will be outsiders, partnering with insiders to serve the needs of people and proclaim the Good News of Jesus. Would you pray and consider joining one of our teams? I know for many the thought of traveling outside of the United States is terrifying. Add to that sharing your faith and it’s a deal-killer. Would you pray anyway? Perhaps this is exactly what God wants for you. He wants you to depend on Him daily. He wants you to follow Him – wherever He leads. He wants you to be weak so He can reveal His power. He wants you to grow in Him.
An informational meeting will be held on Sunday, January 19, at 10:45 a.m. (during third service) in The Garage. Register for the informational meeting here:
Honduras
Dates: May 3-10, 2014
Type of service: Ministry to Orphans
Partnering with: Emmanual Orphanage
Approximate cost: $1,200-2,000
Scriptural inspiration: “Although my father and mother have forsaken me, the Lord will take me up” (Psalms 27:10).
About: Emmanual Orphanage was founded in 1989 with a vision to evangelize and disciple children so that they may grow up to be living lights and good examples in the ways of God to their countrymen. Currently the orphanage is home to 550 children. Teams have the potential to serve in a variety of ways: VBS, arts and crafts, carpentry, farm work, school, music, painting, devotions, construction, maintenance, sports, and more. We’ll be working with the orphanage during our trip planning to meet the greatest needs they might have.
Nicaragua
Dates: May 11-17, 2014
Type of service: Drilling a clean water well and hygiene training
Partnering with: Living Water International (LWI)
Approximate cost: $2,500
Scriptural inspiration: “But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14).
About: LWI exists to demonstrate the love of God by helping communities acquire desperately needed clean water, and to experience “living water” – the gospel of Jesus Christ – which alone satisfies the deepest thirst. Our team will spend a week building friendships, educating, and working alongside a specific community that needs clean water. With the help of LWI’s local staff, we’ll drill a clean-water well and install a hand pump. We will educate the community on hygiene practices to help encourage sanitation and health. Throughout this process we will share our faith and the gospel message. Our team will be made up of eight “drillers” and four “hygiene,” for a total of 12 teammates. No previous drilling or hygiene experience is required. LWI’s local staff is there to guide and train you through it all.
Mexico
Dates: May 23-25, 2014 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Type of service: Building safe homes for those in need
Partnering with: Baja Christian Ministries (BCM)
Approximate cost: $500 (this includes funds to build the home)
Scriptural inspiration: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24-27).
About: Since October 1991, BCM has been serving the spiritual and physical needs of the poor through engaging short-term mission teams in Baja California, Mexico. Our team will spend a weekend with the opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and build a solid weather-proof home for a family in this poor community. Our team will consist of 15 individuals willing to step out of their comfort zone and allow God to use their hard work to bless a family in need. No home building experience required, however some comfort with tools and a willingness to follow instructions is preferred.
China
Dates: 10 days total. Late June/late July 2014.
Type of service: Teaching conversational English
Approximate cost: $2,500-3,500
Scriptural inspiration: “Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone” (Colossians 4:6).
About: Our English language provides Americans with a unique opportunity to build relationships with Chinese who desire to practice their conversational English language skills. Many Chinese have learned the nuts and bolts of our English Language, but do not have many opportunities to practice their language skills with a native speaker. And as you help students practice English through your “language practice conversations,” it’s amazing how God can direct your conversations into spiritually meaningful topics and experiences. Are you wondering if you’re qualified? Do you speak English? Are you willing to go, serve, and share your life? No previous teaching experience is necessary.
Nor do you need to speak Chinese (Mandarin). Our LBF Team Leaders happen to be fluent in Mandarin and you’ll be speaking English with your students!
