Hey All,
I checked my EM (Experience Mission) account this morning to find my total at $2300! How incredible! A $1,000 donation was made by Bethany Christian Church, where my grandparents are active members. That's actually--kind of, what this post is about. Let me explain.
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matt. 5:14-16
This Church is located in the small town of Burton, Texas. My grandparents are jokingly known as the "youth group," since the majority of the members are elderly, have great-grandchildren, etc. Their attendance may only be averaging 30 or so a week, some of them park their wheelchairs in the aisle, and some can't drive themselves to and from the small service. But don't let the description fool you, this community of believers supports more mission work than most larger Churches I've attended. They send kids (including myself over the years) to Sandy Creek Bible Camp by paying for the week(s) in full, sponsor Destino Del Reino (an orphanage and school in Honduras), and several other missionaries around the World. They pray for each, by name and circumstance, and constantly stay up to date with the lives of those in their community.
When people talk about living as a light that shines for Christ, these are the kind of people I think about. Not all missionaries have to cross oceans to serve the Lord, and we're all called to live as examples wherever we are. Their group of believers supports so many efforts to share the Gospel and puts a hurtin' on satan when he tries to get a hold on anyone they know!
They minister and do outreach in their own community, too. They host Bible studies, Women's conferences, and other events as well. While supporting missionaries around the world. While keeping up with family and friends, always offering to have you over for dinner or pray for you or help you in whatever way is needed. They think of others first, regardless of what health issues they may be having at the time. And they rarely (if ever) miss a Sunday service.
This is a small group of 50+ year old believers, doing work for the Lord in ways that most twentysomethings "don't have time for" or "don't have energy for". Imagine what we could do if we followed their example and actively served as missionaries in our own little spheres; our own little worlds. That's what Church is all about, and I'd argue they make a pretty good example of living their lives in the full understanding of the Gospel.
I am incredibly thankful for their example, support, prayers, and donation towards my trip. My only hope is that I could live my life in such a way that people undoubtedly see Christ through my actions, like they do. Doing mission work isn't just about building a Church in another country (though there's value in that), it's about building His kingdom wherever we are. We have to live it here and now. Serving Christ doesn't start when you get on a plane for South Africa, and it doesn't end when you get back. It's a lifestyle, a status of the heart, and what we're called to do.
213 days to go.
