MRBC mission trips bring enrichment, equipping

Want to refresh your spiritual life? Want to benefit from the joy of giving of yourself? Then go on a mission trip. Take time away to serve the Lord in a missions context.

The McDonough Road Baptist Church student ministry tried a different approach to mission trips this summer. Being on mission is front-burner emphasis at McDonough Road, and already this year eight adults have traveled to Hawaii to repair a missionary house severely damaged by termites. It was a major undertaking.

Then June 5-8, several of our students joined with other students from churches across Fayette County to participate in IMPACT, the local construction project sponsored by Square Foot Ministry. In addition, several MRBC members are serving in full-time Christian service this summer: one as a student ministry intern on a church staff in Modesto, Calif.; one on the Camp Winshape staff; two on the Camp Hawkins staff through the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home; and one on a church staff in Rome, Ga.

In July, two groups traveled to Alaska and Myrtle Beach on simultaneous trips. The Alaska team of 24 students and adults were assigned to do construction work in Nikiski, Alaska, about 3.5 hours south of Anchorage. They blessed the people living in this depressed area by replacing roofs, expanding living space, and doing general repairs. They inspired the residents with their hard work, willing spirit and genuine concern. Counting travel time, their trip lasted July 6-15.

The Myrtle Beach team was composed of seven high school students, six college students and five adults. To have this mix of college and youth was unique from previous MRBC mission trips.

Two teams worked two different day camps in the mornings, one at an RV park hosting vacationers and retirees, and the other at a mobile home community filled with Myrtle Beach residents. Both sites had their challenges, frustrations and blessings. The bottom line was a week of teaching the Bible through story, crafts and music, along with loving kids and letting kids know they are special to God.

The afternoons were filled with a variety of other assignments that included face-painting and balloon sculpting in two different settings, and with a ministry to hotel employees. Then after supper it was time to join with other groups for worship.

Our people came back physically exhausted, but changed, enriched, spiritually energized, and thankful for the experience. One lady shared, “I’ve gotten the bug now. Now I understand why people go on mission trips.”

I had the privilege of leading the Myrtle Beach trip, while our student minister, Paul Allen, led the Alaska trip. This was my first time to be totally responsible for a mission trip, and I enjoyed it tremendously. The trip was personally refreshing. I enjoyed being away with the group, serving in a mission setting, doing the work itself, and feeling the strength of the Lord carry us through the rugged schedule and hectic pace.

There was fellowship, frustrating moments, laughter, and good teamwork all rolled into one experience of learning, growing and serving. Future student leaders were equipped and many seeds were planted in this resort setting.