Mission Trip Report

I just returned from another adult mission trip. Six of us journeyed to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to help with the rebuilding from floods that happened in August of 2016. It is our second trip to this area. It looks much better than it did a year ago, but there is still much work to do. Approximately 100,000 homes were damaged or destroyed in the flood and it does make you wonder if the community will ever be back to “normal”. Of course, the damage in Baton Rouge is dwarfed by the destruction in Texas from Hurricane Harvey.

For people who have the means to prepare for a disaster with insurance, savings or some other method, the road to normalcy is a little easier than those who are not prepared. And then there is the issue of theft and fraud which unfortunately is fairly common in disaster zones and can ruin the chance of recovery for folks who thought they were prepared. That’s where organizations like Samaritan’s Purse come into play; they help those who have no other way to recover.

The experience of serving in this way really puts life into perspective. My experience is that being away from the comforts of home, away from television and other distractions and working and living with other believers leads to a stronger faith, an increased passion to serve, a greater compassion for those who are hurting and a greater gratitude for the everyday blessings in my life.
We’re already in the process of setting up an adult mission trip for next year and maybe this will be the time that God will move you to join us. The story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) gives a clear picture of God’s desire for us to help those in need wherever we find them. After describing how the Samaritan rescued a hurting man whom others had passed by, Jesus told His hearers, “Go and do likewise.”

I know that I talk often and openly about the value of service mission, but I don’t ever want this to be about me. Ministry should, without question, be about Jesus—first, last, and always. As the Apostle Paul said, “For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5, NIV).

In His Name,
Pastor Scott