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RENDEZVOUS

Come Again—Share What Resources?

by T. C. Richardson, Lone Rock Bible Church

So, have you ever thought about missions? The first images that come to mind when answering that question may be the dedicated missionary on a lonely foreign field who has spent a lifetime with illiterate natives. Or perhaps memories of a fund-raising missions conference you attended comes into view. But what about an actual trip to a mission field? Can you see yourself going on a short-term mission?

It's one thing to provide offerings for "missions" and another to actually go. An opportunity for just that will occur next year at Lone Rock Bible Church.

Goers put all the reasons "why not" on hold and meet the Mission in person. Last March 2004 we left our comfort zone, boarded a plane and headed to San Diego, California then drove by van to The Foundation for His Ministries Orphanage in Baja, Mexico.

I was ready for dirt floors and large signs reading, "Don't Drink the Water," so I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the Mission was located on a spring! Sleeping arrangements are much like a motel—with beds. And eating was cafeteria style, with 15 minutes per meal! (We pared that down to seven.) Work assignments were well organized and dovetailed individual talents and abilities. We even had a free evening to see the ocean or eat authentic Mexican food.

The mission's purpose is to "Glorify God by making disciples of Jesus." This is accomplished by sharing and demonstrating God's love by meeting basic spiritual, emotional, physical, and educational needs on the mission compound and in local neighborhoods surrounding the mission. The mission's work is such a lighthouse in spiritual darkness and the monetary poverty of that area. To come alongside the dedicated staff members and help them accomplish such ordinary tasks as scrubbing, sweeping, cooking, sewing, building, caring for the babies, and assisting in evangelical outreach is how we have been able to find personal joy while laying up treasures in heaven.

Every week of the year, except Christmas week, the mission is filled with people willing to be used by God for His glory. So rather than scurrying off to find some oblique scripture to pull out of context and apply like a band aid to your conscience, why not put shoes on those beautiful feet and be one who bears Good News? Three 2005 trips are offered in March—for Baja, Morelia, and Oaxaca, Mexico. Organizer John Wendt says, "We don't expect anything from you but a God-given desire to go. Let God work out the details. Just pray about it."

For more information call the Richardsons at (406) 777-1466.