A Hometown Mission Trip ... by Melissa Henderson

“Sign-up sheets are posted. More information is in the church newsletter and weekly bulletin. Hope to see you all on the next mission trip abroad.” Our pastor spoke about this wonderful opportunity to share the love of Christ and take needed supplies to other areas in the world.

Announcements regarding a special journey out of the country were being shared online, in print, and in person. A group of volunteers would visit a foreign land and help provide food, water, Bibles, and school supplies. Everyone able to travel was encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. They would follow proper protocol. Vaccinations and physical checkups were required.

I read the information list on the bulletin board in the church Fellowship Hall. In the background, the joy of people discussing the trip while they filled out the needed forms for travel was invigorating. Until I remembered I would not be able to go on the trip. I was happy for each person who could make the journey and help others. But, I was sad that I would not be able to travel and share the love of Christ in another country. Health issues would not allow me to travel. I needed to be near my doctors.

After the Sunday worship service, I returned home and prayed. Asking God to show me how to participate in a mission trip was part of the conversation. I thanked God for His blessings and for the people who would make the journey. I asked for God to cover each person with His hedge of protection. Finally, I asked how I could take part in sharing His love.

I waited for His answer. God’s timing is always best. His answers are always the best.

The next day was hot and humid. Sweat poured off my brow as I picked weeds from the flower bed. A delivery truck slowed and stopped in front of the house. Packages were being delivered to several homes close by. I watched as the delivery person gathered boxes and big envelopes out of the back of the truck. At a quick pace, the man placed each item at the front door of the house and rang the doorbell. Then, he rushed to the next home.

When the man reached our yard and handed me a box, I noticed the sweat on his brow.

“Hello. Sure is hot today. Would you like a bottle of water?” I asked.

“Thank you so much, ma’am. Yes, if you have one to spare, I could use some water. It’s a scorcher today.” He replied and paused to catch his breath.

I went inside the house and returned with two bottles of water for the delivery man.

“Thank you. You have truly helped me today.” He spoke and then opened a bottle and began drinking the cool water.

The next day was trash day. The cans had been emptied and sat waiting on driveways and sidewalks to be returned to their storage place until next time. As I brought our can to the garage, the neighbor’s trash can sat out on the edge of the street. Knowing the people were at work, I walked over and closed the lid on the can, and placed it next to their garage door. A simple act.

Another day, while taking a walk, I noticed an elderly woman sitting alone on her porch. She stared at the plants in her flower bed.

“Good morning. Your flowers are beautiful.” I walked closer to get a better view of the petunias and marigolds.

“Thank you so much. I can’t get out there to water them this morning. My back is hurting.” The kind woman spoke.

“I’ll be glad to water them for you,” I said with a smile.

“Oh, that would be wonderful. I appreciate you doing that for me.”

I turned on her garden hose and watered the flowers. The woman and I shared a lovely conversation while the water nourished each plant.

When I returned home, God reminded me that mission work can be done by traveling to a foreign country or by helping people here at home. Giving water to a thirsty delivery person, putting away a neighbor’s trash can, and watering flowers for a neighbor are all ways to show the love of Christ.

The mission field is not confined to other areas of the world. The mission field is here in our own community. As I realized what God was sharing through these experiences, I no longer felt sad about not being able to travel. I knew God was allowing me to show His love in various ways, right here at home.

Thank You, God.

Have you participated in a mission trip? Have you considered that mission trips can be in your community, too?

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12 NIV).

Blessings, Melissa Henderson

Melissa Henderson

Writer of inspirational messages. http://www.melissaghenderson.com

Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages laced with a bit of humor. With stories in books, magazines, devotionals and more, Melissa hopes to encourage readers. Melissa is the author of “Licky the Lizard” and “Grumpy the Gator”. Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon and Stephen Minister. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at https://www.facebook.com/melissa.henderson.9440