Jacksonville, TX 2011: Day 1

Anyone could tell that we were excited as we rode the van to the airport on our way to serve God with our mission to the to the  Father’s Love Ministry in Jacksonville, Texas.  This is my first missions trip and I couldn’t help but be struck by how different we were in background but how similar we were in heart.  Over our time spent in training and prayer in preparation for the trip, we came to a unified aim–simply put, to be a cup of cold water and to glorify God.  But God surely put together a diverse team to accomplish his good purpose!

Let’s take place of birth,  just to illustrate my point.  On our team of eight there was only one native New Yorker–Derik, our spirit-filled leader.  Enshil was born in South Korea; Godfridah, Zambia; Thomas,  Germany; Szilveszter, Romania (although of Hungarian descent);  Lisa, Congo;  Hugh, Jamaica; and I was born in Wyoming, in the U.S.  See what I mean?

Before we’d even gotten on the plane  we’d begun to bond even more as a group. Several had praise reports of God’s grace in making it possible to join the team and removing  daunting work-related obstacles  that threatened the trip at the last minute for one team member.

On the long ride we saw plenty of steer, and even a zebra!  The expanse of the place is something you know about intellectually but have to see to fully appreciate.

Turns out that we had our share of worship leaders who led us in songs of praise for most of the 2.5 hour trip from the Dallas/Fort Worth airport to our destination in Tyler, Texas.  Prayer,  and praise throughout the day had its effect in traveling mercies.   With  ease Lisa, our navigator,  led us to the hotel relying on the GPS of her Smartphone.  But the instant we pulled into the parking lot,  the battery died, having held on until it was no longer needed!

Before dinner Derik  put in perspective how different this trip was compared to many missions trips with respect to comforts (hotel accommodations, nearby Starbucks, Walmarts and what-have-you).

At dinner we were surprised  by Brett and Melissa,  of Father’s Love, driving 30 miles just to greet and welcome us. We learned that we will be working on  some of the homes of the young people who attend the program.  Despite Jacksonville being a small town,  it has a Texas  ‘hood and the challenges that kind of environment and poverty can breed.  Married three years, Melissa and Brett are funny, young, and full of love for God’s children. We left with a much better understanding of the need, what to pray for and how God can use us.

We were all pretty joyfully spent by day’s end and look forward to a good night’s sleep as we ready ourselves to offer our hands, heart and the light of Jesus as we look ahead to the coming days.