Mission Accomplished

It was our distinct pleasure to host a short-term mission team from Perkins, Oklahoma - our newest supporting congregation.  Monthly financial support is, obviously, an absolute necessity.  But we are especially grateful when Christians are able to come and visit the field, to gain first-hand knowledge of our work together.

Brady was my roommate for two years in college, and one of the best friends I have ever had and one of the most generous people I know.  He and his wife, Ashley, work closely with the youth in Perkins, and floated the idea of a summer mission trip to Vanuatu - they were all for it!  Travis, Cole, Rachel and Kalyn had never been out of the country, seen the ocean, or even been on a plane before, so this was sure to be quite an adventure.  Before I forget, let me also express my appreciation to the parents of these teens, as I know it would have been at least somewhat difficult to allow them to experience all those firsts without them.  Thank you for your sacrifice!

Each time a short-term mission team comes to visit us in Vanuatu, the goals are almost always the same.  The short-term workers will have their lives changed as a result of meeting their brethren from a developing nation.  We missionaries receive “a shot in the arm” of encouragement (and usually a few “goodies” from the US!).  The local Christians see the manifestation of brotherly love as Christians from half a world a way sacrifice time and money to get to know them - something that is highly respected in this culture.  And last but not least, non-Christians are positively affected by the love and good news of Christ.

In regard to these goals, I can confidently declare “mission accomplished.” 

From the moment these six Christians de-boarded the plane in Vanuatu, they were a great encouragement to our family.  Likewise, they almost immediately began being affected positively by the locals.  One such highlight was their opportunity to meet Eddie, one of the first Christians in the country, who invited us all to have tea and fruit, and sing hymns as we passed through his village of Eton.  After a whirl-wind day of buying supplies, we took to the skies once again (this time in a MUCH smaller plane than they were used to), destined for Malekula. 

Our two major activities for the 5 days in Malekula were the construction of a permanent meeting place for the church (during the day) and a gospel meeting (during the evening).  An underlying goal for both of these activities was to get to know and encourage the local Christians.  Together with the three local Christian men, we were able to complete the framing of the building and roof - no small task in less than three working days!  The teens used their talented singing voices each evening before and after the gospel meeting lessons to encourage and teach.  Travis led a great devotional during our regular Friday youth Bible study time.  Brady preached a very inspiring sermon on Sunday morning.  Everyone spent time getting know the local Christians and their customs, including a day of making laplap, Vanuatu’s national dish.  The mission team also enjoyed teaching a few American customs, including ultimate frisbee, the high-five, and flowered headbands.

I have no doubt that everyone involved in this experience, whether ni-Vanuatu or American (or those of us who are “somewhere in between”), will never forget our time together.  Most importantly, of course, I believe that God was glorified, and that His kingdom was positively impacted in a special and lasting way.