I remember my first mission trip with GPC in 2015. It was a group of men, some from the church, some not, going to Tijuana, MX, to build small houses for families in need in cooperation with a local organization.

 

It is not the type of work I normally do for my job, and I must admit that hauling 70lb shingles packs to the roof was a little harder than I thought.

 

But the family’s tears of joy when we handed them the keys to their new house made it all more than worth it. They had waited and saved for years to make this dream come true, and with our help, they did it. The satisfaction of being part of it is something I cannot describe. You must experience it.

 

See, this is the thing with Missions. In the end, you feel like you have much more than you give. You realize that helping others makes you feel really good. And it should not be a surprise; after all, this is the purpose for which God made us.

 

Plus, it helps you understand other people’s situations and gives you a new appreciation for all you have in your life—the good and the bad. Not everybody, however, has the time and inclination for this type of work, which involves building houses in Baja California. And that’s okay. There are many other ways to serve in Missions. 

 

This is why when the Missions Committee analyses ideas for new mission initiatives, two things are considered:

Some missions, like the one I just described, involve spending a whole week immersed in service work and, often, in another culture. Some will require you to go inside the walls of a prison and meet with inmates, like the one described in the previous entry of this blog. They are very rewarding, but they also demand quite a big commitment.

 

Other opportunities, however, take up only a few hours of your time, like our Annual Meal Packing event. Our Quarterly Blood Drives will take around 15 minutes. Signing up for the Prayer Banner of the “Residents Encounter Christ” mission or restocking the Little Free Pantry even less than that! Whatever your time availability, physical abilities, or inclinations, there is always an opportunity for you
to serve and grow as a Christian.

 

Check the weekly newsletter, connection cards, church calendar and the frequent Mission for Minutes that are part of
our services and join one mission project. I am very sure you will get hooked like I was.

 

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give
you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe
you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?

 

Fred Alves