Honey in the Rock

I would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you. Psalm 81:16

A group of us from FBC, Meridian went to Trinidad last week to work with our sisters and brothers at the Mohess Road Missionary Baptist Church. They love to sing a song down there titled Honey in the Rock. Their version is a little hotter than ours but I love singing anything in the West Indies. The song reminds us of God's best gifts. As I have reflected on our trip I have made a short list of things that I think are important gifts of grace.

1. When you go on a mission trip with other Christians you are forced into situations that strengthen the bonds of fellowship. Dr. Leake was my roomate and I am grateful for the time we had to get to know each other better. I have a deeper respect for him and I'm grateful for his leadership. I also am grateful for the chance to get to know the rest of our team better. FBC is filled with wonderful and interesting people.

2. Mission trips are fun if you do them right!

3. Mission trips allow you to learn from Christians in different contexts. The Mohess Road Missionary Baptist Church is growing. They attribute this to a John the Baptist methodology: Prepare the way - get out of the way. Our friends in Trinidad are wonderful people and we learned much from them.

4. The Holy Spirit and the word of God can be counted on. Mission trips are intense and focused. One is able to see God do powerful things in response to believing prayer. This increases our faith for ministry back home.

5. Mission trips offer life changing experiences for Christians.

6. Congregational partnerships illustrate the power of the gospel.

7. Sin is everywhere.

8. God's grace is sufficient.

etc., etc., etc.,

Please plan on giving some time to short term missions in the upcoming year. You may never be the same.