Mission efforts will build on past experiences

On Sunday morning the Mission Mexico team was on the go again. Well at least a few of our members were. Pastor Michelle asked if anyone would be willing to attend services at Central baptist to share a few words about the experience. Mark Kane, Connie Jensen, Nancy Janco and Amanda Duntz went along to join Michelle and Merlynda.

Before worship began I got into the act by setting up our slide show for the Adult Sunday School class at CBC. They got a chance to talk to Michelle and ask her questions. Michelle and I talked about it during the week and we wanted to make sure that the whole congregation in both churches got a chance to celebrate what God was doing through us. This experience was not something for the team members alone to rejoice in. It was a ministry of both congregations.

The week before we got a chance to talk about the experience in worship at FBC. I preached and used several illustrations from or time in Mexico and Amanda Duntz offered the Children's moment. We also recognized the members of the team who were present in worship.

On Wednesday, May 14 at 6:00 p.m. we are going to have a strawberry shortcake social at Central Baptist and a slide show will offered to members of both congregations and members of the team will be on hand to share their experiences. The truth is that we are laying the ground work for the future right now. Talk has already begun in preparation for next year's trip.

In June or July we will begin preliminary plans for next year's trip and discuss everything from the timing of the trip, the number of participants we are looking for and how it will be financed. For the first two years we simply went on faith and raised the money without a real plan. Due to the generosity of the two congregations and some enthusiastic supporters we raised close to $9,000 each year. In the future we want to start earlier.

There has also been talk about doing even more. Some have suggested adding a mission trip to some place in the US. Suggested destinations have included the Murrow Indian Reservation to work with the tribe, or to travel to Biloxi, Mississippi for a Habitat for Humanity build. Of course these efforts will require funding. Some of the discussion over the next few months may center on a fundraiser to help defray expenses. In Wallingford they have an annual music and variety show. At Manchester, Southington and other churches they come up with other unique and interesting ways to fund their mission trips.

The best thing about this whole effort is that it allows members of our two congregations to work together to make a difference in the world. One thing is for certain. Whatever we do together in mission work will glorify God and bring his love to his people in need.