There are varying theories as to if short term missions are “worth it.”  And there is the possibility of answering that with yes, or no.  After seeing a half spoof/half truth video recently about the purpose (or wasted purpose) of these trips, I really spent some time seeking God on this – again!  As a focus of our life and ministry, we have to continually seek God for HIS plan and direction – always making sure it’s His and not ours!  And so…I went.  Digging in to scriptures, prayer and seeking what others had found in their journey.  Here is what God showed me.

I have witnessed first hand too much “fruit” that happens in people’s lives who have gone on short term mission trips to think it’s not worth it.  It IS true – there ARE times, and circumstances, when using the money we would spend on going on a trip may be better used sending to full time missionaries.  HOWEVER, Jesus did not say, “Go (only those who will serve as a full time missionary) into ALL the World.”  This command was just after He had risen, and shown Himself to the disciples. Can you imagine what they were going through!  Shock, amazement, pure joy – and a little fear.  And Jesus  had a little time before He was going back to His Father.  So what He said at this time was obviously important.

Also, putting in to context, this was the beginning of The Church. This is how Jesus started the movement of believers.  After He had asked them to FOLLOW Him, and had been teaching them by words and by how he himself did ministry, He gave them the final teaching.  The disciples had an incredible message to share!  And Jesus said…YOU – GO EVERYWHERE!  And so they did.  In Mark 16:20, the last verse of Mark’s recount of Jesus, it says: “And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.”  They went!  They simply followed the command and God did the rest.

Therefore, when God puts an opportunity in front of us to GO into ALL the world, and has spoken the command to us (because He is a living God), then we simply follow it.  It COULD be that He is asking you to GO by financially supporting others who are physically going.  And it COULD be that He is asking you to GO for a short time, a long time…or anywhere in between.  We can’t judge which is right and which is wrong.  We just FOLLOW God!

The fruit we see from people experiencing short term missions is immeasurable.  It has included a change in worldview; the connection to now financially support a full time missionary they encountered; the seed being planted to eventually BE a full time missionary, go into full time ministry or be a part of an organization that works to teach people to get out of poverty; growing closer and stronger as a family focused on God; and hearts moved to put into perspective their lives and how they can serve God in their own communities.  Not to mention the people who received food, clothing, prayers and hope at JUST THE RIGHT MOMENT.  I could go on and on.  But I guarantee that NONE of those things are insignificant – to God OR the people they touched while on that trip.  And, another thing…when we are in tune with supporting the full time missionaries we go to help, those missionaries are encouraged and blessed by our time with them beyond what we can imagine.

Groundwork’s commitment is to provide an opportunity for those people who God is calling to physically GO.  SO THAT we preach the news of Jesus to ALL the world.  Groundwork supports full time missionaries…and they NEED us to bring people to them! And we believe this means GOING to our neighborhoods, states, U.S. and the entire world!

We pray for individuals to take the step of faith and GO.  And we pray for churches to allow, encourage and support the individuals in their congregations who God is asking to GO.  This is how we, The Church, work.

We are humbled and grateful for all God is doing.  From new mission partners and mission sites, to local partnerships, to the vision He has placed in front of us. It is an exciting time for sure, and we want to make sure we stop…and give glory to God, and thank those of you who have been part of this journey.  So…see you on Feb. 4th!

ORDER TICKETS ONLINE NOW! ($15/person – must be purchased in advance)

Email info@groundworkministries.org or call 602-391-6215 for more information or questions!

Groundwork Ministries is collecting NEW and GENTLY USED blankets and coats to help keep those less fortunate warm this winter!

The items will be given to families living at House of Refuge in Mesa, AZ (provides transitional housing and support to homeless) and families in Maneadero, Mexico (many of whom live in tin shanty’s, or homes with many holes/openings in “ceiling” and walls). We are also looking for any tarps for those in Mexico, to keep them dry.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

You, your family, church, youth group, class, school, Bible study group etc. can start collecting!  ALL SIZES of coats/jackets and blankets are accepted. Groundwork can schedule a pick up at your church/school/organization.

When dropping off, please put coats/blankets INSIDE a large trash bag if possible.

Drop off locations in San Tan Valley/Queen Creek area:

- Walmart on Hunt/Gary (inside Customer Service area)

-Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce - 22713 S. Ellsworth Rd in Queen Creek

-Power Postal – NEC Hunt/Bella Vista (behind Circle K)

-Lifepoint Church in Copper Basin (across from school/YMCA)

Make arrangements with Groundwork Ministries to pick up from other locations around the Phoenix area.

Donations accepted thru Wed., December 21st.

If you would like to be a part of delivering the donations to the needy families in Maneadero, Mexico, check out the Post-Christmas Family Mission Trip!

Christmas 2011 — Birth of a New Tradition   

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods — merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse ……that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It’s time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone — yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of putting down the Benjamin’s on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

Look around your community to find ways to make a difference – there are lots of them I promise! Groundwork has opportunities for you too. Maybe a mission trip?  Or get involved with our Coat and Blanket Drive – which will go to families in transitional housing (at House of Refuge in Mesa, AZ) AND those living in very poor conditions in Mexico (we will bring them to distribute on the Post-Christmas Mission Trip).  Contact us to make arrangements for you, your church or group to be involved!

Christmas Mission Experience and Other Mission Opportunities

So, what do we do with this heartbreak?  What I’d like to do is gather all the blankets, coats, tarps and materials to fix holes and head down there – NOW.  But it’s not really possible.  And I struggle with wondering if it’s REALLY not possible, or if it’s just not convenient for me.  There honestly isn’t enough money for gas to get there, let alone back.  And my son is having his tonsils out on Wednesday.  And we have jobs in order to make money to try to pay some bills.  But I also know that God is BIGGER than all of those “issues”…and I need to trust Him and listen to Him for the signal to go.

Until that time…we will prepare.  I think that’s something we can all do.  Be prepared to GO when God says go!  So that when that happens there are no excuses.  When there are real  people, who are actually cold, wet, hungry and need love and hope…it’s time to LISTEN and GO.  There are opportunities to respond all around us.

So, to prepare we will begin to gather blankets, coats, tarps and materials to fix holes.  Also will begin saving money to buy a couple (or as many as we can) heaters.  And we will pray for others to do the same, and to join Groundwork Ministries to GO and help these people.  Will you join us in doing the same?  Even if you are far away, you can gather these things and ship to us to deliver.  OR you can prepare yourselves to join us!  There is a mission trip planned for Dec. 27-30 and what a blessing it would be to bring gifts of warmth  - both physical and spiritual, for these families in Maneadero, Mexico!

If you want to know more, or let us know you are gathering items, please contact us here.

By this point, he and I were sitting on the couch. I’m not sure how it happened, but everyone else was upstairs playing some game in a bedroom (this losing control is NOT out of the ordinary for this over-extended mother!). He was doing his Bible work, using a curriculum we have. He’s been studying about God’s promises…and now moving to God’s reward (HEAVEN, of course!). All of the sudden he says, “MOM! I’ve got to go tell them about what this says, they need to hear it!” He reads me a list of rewards God gives us, then runs upstairs. “Guys, guys – you have to hear this!” As they ACTUALLY all listen to him he says, “Our life will be better and longer IF WE OBEY OUR PARENTS!”

Now, we have REPEATEDLY “studied” this verse/concept as a family (I mean what parents DON’T use that as one of the most important verses in the Bible!). But in this moment, with Isaac studying God’s inspired, and living, Word by himself, God spoke very clearly to him. And it became real – and important enough that he felt compelled to share it with others!

See, when we are IN the WORD of God ourselves…personally reading and praying…God WILL speak to you! While it’s very important, and valuable, to hear a message from a Pastor/leader/teacher, or even have someone else read scripture to you…it’s LIFE-CHANGING when you are personally in the Bible! AND the Holy Spirit will compel you to share things with others…you just have to!

Today, I am praying for all of you to simply read the Bible. Pick it up, open it randomly, or at the beginning or to a place you know…but READ IT. God is just waiting for you to hear what He has to say to you…and you’d be surprised how relevant it is to your situation when you do it each day!

One thing I have done, in an effort to read through the Bible in a year (which means I REALLY have to keep up with it!), is to use www.youversion.com and set up a reading plan. There are TONS of them! You can download an app for your phone (which is what I did – so I can read wherever I am) too!

-Robin
P.S. As I finish this, the 7 yr. old just announced to the 10 yr. old that “God’s rewards aren’t toys, you know!” Ahhhh…a whole other blog post!

UPDATE AND SUPPORT LETTER

You can also open the donation card that was sent along, and there is a link on there if you feel led to contribute to making it possible for more people to make a difference to those in need around the world!  THANK YOU!

DONATION CARD

FOR GROUPS OF 5 OR MORE: Customize your dates!

Mainly in Nairobi, we will have the opportunity to minister to street boys (thru a local ministry), assist a local ministry that trains women with skills to work/live (work projects, Bible study), minister with a boys choir in surrounding villages, and be a part of teaching kids.  And, of course, an overnight safari.  An experience of a LIFETIME!

PASSPORTS REQUIRED for everyone. Click here for information on applying for your passport

NOTE:  Once you have a date in mind, we can help arrange the airline tickets and you will have a better idea of total cost. Tickets can vary by up to $1000, depending on time of year, etc.

CLICK HERE to fill out form to receive more information!