Minute for Mission, March 25, 2014

"That is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” —2 Corinthians 5:19-20
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Minute for Mission  Issue 20 March 25, 2014   Life change Thomas Lauer recently led a group to serve in the Haitian city of Cap-Haitien. He reflects on the group's experience: From February 1-8, a team of 23 people traveled to Haiti on a short-term mission trip. The trip was arranged and facilitated by the New Fairview Church of the Brethren in York, Pennsylvania, yet there were at least five denominations represented among our group. I know of no other experience that touches lives so deeply. Through the mission experience and the work of the Holy Spirit, there is dramatic and dynamic life change. After a week in Haiti, people are so excited to tell the stories of the trip, the relationships that developed, and the ways their eyes have been opened that I can only simply say, "Praise God!" I believe the church in the United States is so isolated, comfortable, and wealthy that it is nearly impossible to break through and connect the church with God’s heart for his people in all other places and situations. We are ignorant of the great need and sadly comfortable in our ignorance. A trip like this removes the isolation and lands people next to brothers and sisters who live out their faith daily in their struggle, literally, to survive. Sharing in the reality of the struggle, poverty, and marginal life, our unknowing becomes understanding and our comfort at home becomes unexpectedly very uncomfortable. We are immediately aware that neither we nor they decided where to be born or what situations we would experience as a normal life. The disparity is shocking, and even after days of rationalization, it is unexplainable. Here in their hometown, in their neighborhood, in their church, we are in their lives, and here God connects His overwhelming love for the oppressed with our hearts and our lives. It is life-changing! The Cap-Haitien congregation had purchased a property with a building that had been used for residences—this needed to be converted to a worship center. We also led three days of vacation Bible school for local children. A work project always draws many spectators, and this provides a great outreach opportunity to the community from the local church. On the second day of work, there were over 200 children taking part in the activities. From an American sense, we had a very successful work project. We did far more than anyone expected or imagined, and I suppose that's good. I know some people believe that is the full measure of the trip: "What needed to be done?" and "Did we get it done?" That answer is a resounding yes! I am convinced, however, that that measure is a narrow view of the purpose, and I personally measure success in terms of engagement of the local brothers and sisters through one-on-one interactions and relationships as well as mutual worship. Again, I say, "Praise God!" By each of these measures this trip was by far the most successful I have ever participated in. The congregation was excited to work with us—43 of their members teamed with us. They were dedicated, cooperative, and willing to both teach and learn as we worked side by side all day every day. Many people from our group continue to mention working together as a major highlight of the trip, probably second only to worshiping together. Worship is a high point of many trips. The enthusiasm, joy, and thanksgiving in worship are things that always stand out when compared to our worship at home. As teams participate in worship, their many reactions are refreshing and inspiring to me as part of the mission experience. We chose to participate in three worship services during the week. One service, which included communion, was in Croix-des-Bouquets with the local congregation at the Brethren guesthouse. It was a great time together and one that is mentioned often as people talk about our trip. We also were with the local congregation in Cap-Haitien two evenings for worship. Each experience was different, but all were rewarding and provided varied opportunities for our group to connect with our Haitian brothers and sisters. All three services are mentioned with joy often. I would gladly promote and lead another group like this. The spiritual impact is beyond explanation, and I would love to continue to be involved in this type of life change for as many people as possible. Haiti photos courtesy of Tom Lauer. Church of the Brethren Annual Conference July 2-6, 2014, in Columbus, Ohio We invite you to the Global Ministries dinner on Friday, July 4, at 5:00 p.m. The Brethren Volunteer Service luncheon (PDF) will take place the same day at 12:30 p.m. Other Global Mission and Service events at the Conference include several insight sessions: Thursday, July 3 9 p.m. BVS and Congregations: Models of Partnership Changing Times in Disaster Ministries Friday, July 4 9:00 p.m. Going to the Garden When Disaster Strikes: Serving Around the World Saturday, July 5 12:30 p.m. South Sudan : Building a Brethren Presence for Peace in a Country Familiar with War 9:00 p.m. 70 Years of Service: A Look at Heifer International’s Early Years Short-Term Mission Trips : The Good, the Bad, the Powerful Find descriptions of all insight sessions here. We hope to see you in Columbus! Calling all advocates: a special Annual Conference note for members of the Global Mission Advocate Network Please join us for a Global Mission Advocate gathering on Thursday, July 3, at 12:30 p.m. Hear from and share with other advocates about how global mission is being shared and promoted across the denomination. Global Mission and Service staff and personnel will be available for questions. We would love to have you join us at the Global Mission dinner on July 4! Contact mission@brethren.org for one complimentary ticket per advocate. Service opportunity Brethren Disaster Ministries is seeking new project leaders. A two-week training in August will give new leaders the tools needed to help manage the volunteer household, manage weekly volunteers, and support the construction projects. No specific skills are required, but some construction experience is very helpful. Project leaders stay on the work site for a month or more each year. Please contact Jane Yount at jyount@brethren.org or call 800-451-4407. Prayer requests Pray for the members of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN), the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, as they continue to fall victim to the violence and destruction of Boko Haram. Pray for God's presence as they gather for their annual conference, the Majalisa. Pray for peace to reign in Nigeria. Pray for Global Mission workers Robert and Linda Shank as they return to their service in North Korea. Pray for health and energy so they may focus on their teaching and supportive work. Pray for the thousands of displaced people in South Sudan who have fled their homes in search of safety. Pray for Global Mission worker Anthanasus Ungang as he manages the distribution of vital supplies to displaced people in the villages of Lohila and Lafon. To remember these and other prayer concerns, please print and distribute the April 2014 Global Prayer Guide.
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