WEEKLY SCHEDULE Traditional Worship Experience Sundays at 8:15AM
This experience offers a variety of hymns and sacred songs.
Modern Worship Experience Sundays at 9:30AM
This experience has a more laid back atmosphere & guitar driven worship.
Blended Worship Experience Sundays at 10:45AM
This experience includes upbeat worship with a choir and orchestra.
Hispanic Worship Experience Sundays at 10:45AM
Go to the “Get Connected� section for more info.
This experience takes place out at The Connection and includes Spanish Worship and a message in Spanish from Pastor Kenny Garcia . Children and Youth can take part in what is happening on our main campus.
PM Worship Experience Sundays at 6:30PM
During this experience we come together as a whole to worship.
Wed. Traditional Worship Experience Wednesdays at 7:15PM
This experience offers a variety of hymns and messages from Kenneth McGee.
Drive Worship Experience Wednesdays at 7:30PM
This experience has a more laid back atmosphere & messages from Rob McClure.
Wed. Hispanic Worship Experience Wednesdays at 10:45AM
This experience takes place out at The Connection and includes Spanish Worship and a message in Spanish from Pastor Kenny Garcia . Children and Youth can take part in what is happening on our main campus.
Our trained nursery staff is available during all worship experiences. For a full list of other opportunities please check out the Get Connected section of Pulse.
commitment to support the men and
basis. It will be an incredible week, so
women who have dedicated their lives to
make plans for you and your family to
taking the Gospel everywhere. In 2012,
participate!
because of your faithfulness, we were able to give over $900,000 in support to
I love being your Pastor,
more than 70 individual missionaries as
Jim McNabb
well as missions projects all throughout the world! Missions is not only something that we Well, it’s no secret; the fall season
take seriously here at The Bridge, but
is here! This of course is good news,
it’s also something that we recognize
because it means that the weather will
as being a central part of our church’s
finally cool down, football season is
DNA. That said, I want to make sure that
upon us, and it marks the time for our
you don’t miss a minute of this year’s
church’s annual Mission’s Emphasis
Missions Emphasis week, held October
week! Every year around this time, we
6th-13th. Sunday and Wednesday night
make it a point at The Bridge to celebrate
services will be full of opportunities
the church’s continued support of
for you to be challenged spiritually by
missionaries both worldwide and here
our missionary guests and experience
in our very own backyard. Additionally,
first hand the variety of cultures our
it’s a time when we are able to renew our
missionaries are a part of on a daily
ARE YOU NEW TO
THE BRIDGE?
Here are some things that we think are imperative to your journey here, as you explore what The Bridge has to offer you and your family.
1 2 3 4
Need information? You can find it all in this magazine, on our website, or through our mobile app “MyBridge.” You can get details on all upcoming events, sign up for classes, and much more! Stop by Fresh Start after the service. Here you will find someone from our staff who would like to meet you and answer any questions you may have about our church. In a large church, the key to making friends and having community is joining a small group. We know you’re busy, so we offer small groups on Sundays at 9:30 and 10:45AM to make the most of your time here. We feel our students and kids experiences are some of the best around, so make sure your kids don’t miss out on the amazing things we have going on for them.
OCTOBER 6 AM / Norm Edwards Missionary to Eurasia PM / Tour of the World Missions Dinner OCTOBER 9 TRADITIONAL / Garo Nargiz Missionary to Brazil DRIVE / Bill Hicks Missionary to China OCTOBER 13 AM / Dean Galyen Missionary to Africa PM / Chet Caudill National STL Director
Blake & Katy Edgemon with the vehicle The Bridge supplied for them through Speed The Light.
BIGGER
MISSIONS I
MISSIONS IS BIGGER THAN A MISSIONARY. MISSIONS IS BIGGER THAN A CHURCH. IT’S BIGGER THAN A MAJOR DONATION, A MASSIVE BUILDING PROJECT OR EVEN A GIANT EVANGELISTIC OUTREACH. MISSIONS IS RELATIONSHIP.
grew up at The Bridge Assembly of God
the people of The Bridge Assembly of God give to missions
where my heart was constantly inspired and
through the church.
challenged by the passion our church has for missions. It was my upbringing at The Bridge
Through all that extraordinary generosity, I can tell you
that led me to fulfill God’s call on my life as a missionary. Katy
the greatest blessings we’ve received from The Bridge are
and I have been in Dublin, Ireland planting a college ministry
relationships. Knowing that we can celebrate and mourn
for 18 months and often find ourselves thinking of our home
with the same people who give and pray makes the physical
church and the amazing people who support us through
blessings exponentially more meaningful.
prayer and financial giving. I can relate to Paul’s feelings towards the church in Philippi We’ve been blessed with consistent monthly financial gifts,
when he writes, “I thank my God every time I remember you.
delivery of Bibles, missions teams sent to Ireland, and even a
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because
brand new Speed the Light vehicle! We’ve been able to secure
of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until
an apartment in an extremely accessible locality for students.
now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work
We’ve had opportunities to give students lifts around the city.
in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ
We’ve been able to give Bibles to non-Christian students as
Jesus.” (Philippians 1:3-6) It’s obvious that Paul had a close
well as resources to Christian students, and all of this because
relationship with the believers in Philippi. Only together
could Paul and the church in Philippi fulfill the mission God called them to accomplish. In the midst of all their gifts of sending finances, prayers and even people, the overwhelming gratitude we see from Paul is for their friendship. I believe this is a Biblical view of what the relationship between the local church and the missionary should look like. God’s plan for the redemption of the human race is the local church. Their hands reaching out through missionary efforts will allow them to complete the task that was given in the first moments of the Christian church’s existence. “… you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) In the very DNA of the local church, Jesus himself implanted a global priority for the Gospel.
very challenging statement by Dr. Alan Hirsch. In his article called “Defining says,
“A
proper
understanding of missional begins with recovering a missionary understanding of God. By His very nature God is a sent one who takes the initiative to redeem his creation. This doctrine, known as missio Dei - the sending of God - is causing many to redefine their understanding of the church. Because we are the ‘sent’ people of God, the church is the instrument of God’s mission in the world. As things stand, many people see it the other way around. They believe mission is an instrument of the church, a means by which the church is grown. Although we frequently say, ‘the church has a mission,’ according to missional theology, a more correct statement would be, ‘the mission has a church.’ (Alan Hirsch - 12/12/2008)
As the body of Christ, we make up the church. We are the church. Each and every individual believer is called to “go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19) The global call to spread the Gospel is not one for the missionary or the professional pastor. The Great Commission is a command given to each and every believer. Obviously, each person can’t go to every location on earth individually. As the body of Christ, we each play a particular role in this greater mission. As we were preparing to come to Ireland, I had an opportunity to lead worship at an Oklahoma Assemblies of God youth camp. Throughout the week, we were able to speak with students about missions and our ministry in Ireland.
I will go one step further and share a
Missional,” Hirsch
WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN FOR YOU AND ME?
Throughout the week student after student chose to give of what they had to invest in our ministry. Of the many gifts we received that week, one stood out among the rest. A young boy found me after the final service. I could tell by his red and puffy eyes that he had been crying. I shook his hand, and without a word he reached for his wallet. He pulled out every remaining dollar in
profound: God doesn’t want our money, He is simply asking for obedience. He has emphatically commanded us to go, to give, and to pray. When we do these things from an attitude of obedience, they don’t feel like sacrifice. Suddenly it’s not a sacrifice to give up a few days on our vacation in order to give a little more for missions. It’s not painful to lose a few channels on the TV to give a little bit more. When we have a heart and attitude determined to obey the Lord, it becomes a joy and privilege to participate in the mission of God. Our role in the mission of God is with university students in Dublin, Ireland. Our obedience led us to leave family, friends, and familiarity to go and make disciples. Even though we are called to go, we also feel convicted to give and to pray. For that reason, Katy and I give to missions through our church here in Dublin, Ireland. When we give and when we pray unified as a local church, we are participating in the greatest mission on earth. We are a part of something bigger than ourselves. We can participate in accomplishing something we could never do on our own. Missions is not just a responsibility, it is an honor.
his little Velcro billfold. As he handed me $11.25, I shared my appreciation. Still not speaking a single word he turned and walked back to his room. I’ll never know who that boy was, where he was from, or why he chose to give me that cash, but I do know that he gave me the greatest offering I have ever received. To say that I was humbled would be an understatement. I had never been so humbled in my life. That young man realized something very
by Blake Edgmon
@blakedge
e all have those moments growing up
Have you been attending The Bridge for a while, and are looking for the Go to next the “Get section for more info. step?Connected” Maybe its time for you to become a member of The Bridge. So what does that mean? Membership at The Bridge involves serving, giving and participating in Biblical community. In our membership class, you’ll learn the vision and values of The Bridge. At the end of the class you’ll have an opportunity to become a member of The Bridge. Membership Class is designed for 16 year olds and up. Sign up online, through our mobile app, or at one of the information center kiosks out in the lobby. This class is a requirement for membership. thebridgeag.org/membership
W
that we can’t live down. You know what I’m talking about. The memories that not only live on in your own mind but seem to be fresh in the minds of your
friends and family as well. The best, at least according to everyone but yourself, are the ones that you wish you could bury in the deepest, darkest recesses of your brain and never have brought up again. Unfortunately, I have more than my fair share of these moments haunting my memories. If you are reading this and thinking “what is she talking about?” that is probably because I have lived enough embarrassing moments for myself, you and the person next to you as well. That’s right...I’m that girl. When I show up to game night with my girlfriends in my pajamas they are all dressed up and looking cute. Far too often my mouth works faster than my brain, and I know I’m asking a silly question the moment it comes out of my mouth, one second too late, just in time to hear everyone around me laughing. Oh, and how could I forget the time I sneezed, whipped my head too far forward (and far too violently) hitting my forehead on the kitchen counter. Yep, it happened. I had a huge goose egg for hours. My parents still think it’s funny to tell that story at every holiday and to pretty much anyone willing to listen. There is one moment from my childhood, in particular, that I look back on with a deep sigh and blushing cheeks. This moment serves as a lesson to me as an adult. I was in elementary school. I don’t remember
As a little girl I was mortified that my friends and classmates were so confused by my costume. I was just as confused that they WOULDN’T know who I was as they were about who I was dressed as. That Halloween, so many years ago, I went to school dressed as Queen Esther from the Bible. I just knew that everyone would be impressed with my choice and wish they had thought of it
AN UNLIKLEY
MISSIONARY
first. Instead, I spent my entire school day greatly disappointed and explaining time and time again who Esther was. Now, as an adult looking back, I realize that while this moment in my life seemed so horrific and embarrassing at the time, it was actually a day that allowed me to share the Word of God with many of my friends and teachers. It
exactly what grade, I’ve tried to block
of my costume, and to be totally honest, I
most of it from my mind, but I was
was looking forward to the compliments.
probably seven or eight years old. It was
As my mom pulled up to my school, I
almost Halloween and my school was
hopped out of the van and didn’t look
having a dress up day! We were going to
back! I was going to blow everyone away!
do themed crafts and eat yummy treats all day long! I was so excited! I couldn’t
As I walked into the commons area of
wait to plan what I was going to wear!
my school, all eyes turned to me. That’s
My mom and I thought endlessly about
right people! Take it in! I was so proud.
what the perfect costume would be. I
I held my head high and literally glided
was the girly girl growing up who always
across the floor knowing that everyone
went trick-or-treating dressed up as a
was wondering how in the world I had
princess or Miss America but this year I
thought of such a unique costume idea.
wanted to raise the bar! I wanted to do
I made it almost to my classroom when
something really creative! Something no
my day took a sudden and unexpected
one else would think of! Well, let’s just
turn. First, I heard whispers. Then I
say I hit the nail on the head.
noticed the glances coming my way seemed less in awe and more confused,
After deep thought, much discussion
and then it happened. One of my
and many late nights working on the
friends approached me and said the
perfect costume, I woke up on the day of
six words every kid dreads hearing on
my school’s Halloween party so excited
Halloween...”Who are you supposed to
I could hardly contain myself. I got
be?” My heart dropped into my stomach,
dressed, taking great care in smoothing
my mouth went immediately dry and
out my long gown. My crown was
my palms began to sweat. What? This
beautiful and my mom even let me wear
couldn’t be happening! Of course they
a little bit of lip gloss! What girl wouldn’t
knew who I was, right? I laughed off the
be happy? I climbed into my mom’s
question only to be approached again,
minivan eager to get to school and see
again and again. The same question
how all my friends would be dressed. I
asked of me each time.
just knew that everyone would be in awe
wasn’t much, and I was only eight, but I can only hope now that it planted a seed. I can’t help but ask myself how those we come in contact with every day view us? Do we proudly live out God’s word everywhere we go, or do we hide it and hope for moments of sharing to come to us? We can approach life and our witness to others with the same attitude I did that day as I pranced through my school hallways wearing a homemade Esther costume. We can hold our heads high and be proud! Unashamed! Unafraid! Bold! When you walk through life looking different than everyone around you, people will be curious. They will want to know what you have that they are missing. If that means wearing an Esther costume to work, so be it! (Although I wouldn’t recommend that.) Instead, wear your Bible character costume in your attitude, in your reactions and in your outlook. People will notice. I promise!
by Erika Knight
@knightgoddess
GET CONNECTED
We believe it is vital that everyone who comes through our doors feel welcomed, connected with God, and connected with great people to do life with! So here we have a ton of avenues available for you to be a part of: small groups, special events, volunteer teams and more. We want to create ample opportunities for you to build incredibly fun, healthy friendships as well as help you flourish in your relationship with God! Your life is valuable! Get yourself connected today!
SMALL GROUPS SUNDAY’S AT 9:30AM “Angels” Join us as we lift the veil between the visible and the invisible world and look at eye-opening accounts of these behind-the-scenes agents. Ages: 30’s thru 50’s Leader: Kenny McGee Room: 201
“Running with Giants” Come and find inspiration and encouragement from the lives of Old Testament personalities. Ages: 30’s thru 50’s Leader: Roy Peck Room: 203
“Importance of Community” Join us as we dive into what role Community should play in our lives as followers of Jesus. Ages: 40’s thru 60’s Leader: Elaine Arnold Room: 104
“America’s Godly Heritage” Join us as we look at what was intended for America by the Founders and what can be done to return America to its original guiding philosophy. Ages: 40’s thru 60’s Leader: Ed Damron Room: 202
“Miracles of Jesus” Come and learn what the Bible holds about the miracles of Jesus. Ages: 40’s thru 60’s Leader: Kathleen Wilcoxson Room: 105
“Psalms” We are taking an in depth look into the Psalms and discovering what they mean for us today. Ages: 50’s and up Leader: Kenneth McGee Room: 100
“Hindsight Which Leads to Foresight” We are looking at lessons from the Old Testament that teach principles useable today. Ages: 50’s and up Leader: Ken Isom Room: Chapel
SUNDAY’S AT 10:45AM “How to Ruin Your Life By Thirty” Join us for this discussion based small group designed for young adults aged 18-25. Ages: Young Adults Leader: Doug & Brittanie Wyatt Room: 204
“Gods at War” Join us as we try to recognize that there are false gods at war within each of us, battling for control in our lives, which keep us from truly following Jesus. Ages: Young Marrieds Leader: Ryan Summers Room: 205
“Books of John, & Peter” This is a verse by verse walk through of the Bible and how to apply it to our lives. Ages: All Ages Leader: Rob McClure Room: 105
WEDNESDAY’S AT 7:15PM
GriefShare Wednesdays at 7:15PM
Foundations of Freedom
Join a caring group of people who will walk along side you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Leader: Jerry & Liz Rich Room: 102
Come join us on a journey to become the person God has created you to be. Ages: All Ages Leader: Linda M. & Terry W. Room: 202
NEXT STEPS Fresh Start November 10 6:30PM in The Commons Have you recently started attending The Bridge? We want to meet you! Come and meet Pastor McNabb and get to know a little bit more about how we do church.
HIS 24/7 Bible Discipleship Sundays at 10:45AM Come discover the basic spiritual disciplines to help you grow in your relationship with God. ie. how to use and study the Bible, pray, and witness. Ages: All Ages Leader: Louis Rose & Ken Isom Room: 100
Corporate Prayer Sundays at 6:00PM Tuesdays at 9:00AM Join us in the Chapel every week for a time of prayer.
HOPE & HEALING Divorce Care Wednesdays at 7:15PM Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. The journey is not easy, so come and let us walk with you. Leader: Donny Hilbern Room: 104
Living Free Addiction Recovery Wednesdays at 7:15PM Come and let us help you on the road to overcoming addictions and breaking free from life controlling issues. Leader: Ken Isom Room: End Zone
Financial Peace Wednesdays at 7:15PM Do you struggle financially? Come and learn how to handle money God’s way. Leader: Chet & Andrea Horn Room: 100
MEN Men’s Breakfast October 12 7:30AM in The Venue Come and hang out with guys and enjoy a man-sized breakfast.
Jay Dillard Memorial Golf Tournament October 25 8:00AM at Surrey Hills Join us for a 4-man scramble golf tournament in memory of Jay Dillard to benefit Speed the Light. The cost is $60 per player and includes all green fees, cart fees, and lunch. To sign up or for more info, please visit www.thebridgeag.org/golf
Main Event Men’s Retreat October 25-26 Leave church at 4:00PM
Yellow Rose Dinner Theater October 1 at 6:30PM
Join us for the Main Event at Sparks Camp. There will be a golf tournament, fishing, skeet shooting, and more! Cost is $60. You can sign up online or through our mobile app.
This District Heritage event includes the show, meal, and gratuity for $42.00. You must RSVP by September 17th.
WOMEN
Bridge Kids Sundays at 8:15/9:30/10:45AM
“Gideon” Bible Study Wednesdays at 7:15PM
Join us for exciting worship, fun games, and Biblical lessons every week!
Join us as we learn how our weakness is God’s strength. Leader: Dorcas Schroeder Room: 105
“Law of Love” Bible Study Tuesdays at 9:30AM Join us as we take an in depth look and discover the pages of Deuteronomy. Leader: Carole Harrell Room: 202
“Our Covenant God” MOM’s Class Tuesdays at 9:30AM Come spend some time with the ladies, while we take care of your kids. It’s just the break you’re looking for. Leader: Kathy McGee Room: 104
Purse Auction October 10 7:00PM in The Venue Ladies, come & enjoy a fun time at our Purse Auction. You will earn play money & then use it to get the purse you want. Bring your favorite soup or salad and a new or nearly new purse. Childcare is provided.
SENIOR ADULTS Primetime Tuesdays at 9:30AM Join us for Bible teaching and a variety of activities & events to energize the soul. Leader: Ken Isom & Mary Lou Miley Room: Venue
KIDS
Boys & Girls Clubs Wednesdays at 7:15PM We offer fun filled programs every week for boys (Royal Ranger) and girls (mPact) that help them grow in their walk with God.
BGMC Buddy Bike Run October 19 8:30AM in West Parking Lot Cost is $30 per biker/$50 per couple. Event will start at 9AM and end at noon with a cookout style lunch and giveaways.
BGMC Dinner October 23 6:00PM in The Venue Come enjoy fellowship, catch a quick meal before service, and support missions.
Candyland Fall Festival October 31 6:30PM in The Venue Join us for a night of candy, games, prizes, and fun! Bring your friends and family! You won’t want to miss it!
STUDENTS New! Bridge 5.6 Sundays at 10:45AM Bridge 5.6 will be able to provide a relaxed atmosphere for 5th and 6th grade students so that they can begin to find their place in the youth group. They will have the opportunity to be a part of a full service and small
group time specifically designed around them in the Bridge Student’s building. For more information go to thebridgeag.org/students
Bridge Students Wednesdays at 7:15PM Join us for our weekly worship experience in the Bridge Students building.
Sunday Small Groups Sundays at 10:45AM Get connected in a weekly small group! This is a great way to learn more on specific topics throughout the Bible. 7th-8th Grade: Room 203 9th-11th Grade: Room 201 12th Grade: Room 204
Family Groups Monday’s at 7:00PM Family Groups provide a fun and relaxed atmosphere for students to discuss relevant and practical topics under the guidance of Bridge Students’ adult leaders. More information on the different locations can be found at thebridgeag.org/ students
Corn Maze October 4 5:00PM at Bridge Students We will leave at 5:00PM to drive to P-Bar Farms in Hydro, OK. We will get to walk through the corn maze, go on a hayride, grill hot dogs, and roast s’mores. The cost is only $12 and includes all activities and dinner.
Convergence October 18 Leave church at 5:00PM OYM Convergence is a twoday youth event at Crossroads Church and includes services with worship leader, Kristene DiMarco (Jesus Culture), and an incredible line-up of speakers including Chad Veach and Scotty Gibbons. The cost is $65. A $25 deposit is due October 9th.
YOUNG ADULT Friday Gathering Fridays at 7:00PM Come enjoy food, fun, and discussion with other young adults. Contact Doug for more info at (405) 204.4569 Leader: Doug & Brittanie Wyatt
SERVE Serving is not just about helping others. What you’ll find out when you serve is that serving others is also the best way to grow in your relationship with God. For a full listing of all the different ways you can get involved here in the church and out in our community visit thebridgeag.org/serve
ALL CHURCH Taste of Missions October 6 6:30PM in The Venue Come take a trip through a food market and taste dishes from all over the globe. Also, you will enjoy fellowship and hear from several of our missionaries.
For more information on all these events and more just go to our website www.thebridgeag.org
Q&A
A LIFESTYLE OF MISSIONS
his month Pastor Ken
trip will involve providing local women
KEN: A short term missions trip is kind
Isom will be leading a
with sewing machines. In fact, we’ll be
of like commando group, we go in to an
team from our church to
taking 23 sewing machines to Haiti to
area and help motivate, encourage, and
serve the people of Haiti.
give to the ladies in the community.
offer tools to assist in the daily routines
While Ken may be excited about the
Members of our team will then teach
of the people who live there.
opportunity to lead others on this week
them how to use them with hopes that
long trip to another country, when you
they will be able to make uniforms for
PULSE:
spend a little time with him, you realize
school children and eventually create
missions trip benefit those being
that he believes there is much more
business opportunities for themselves.
served?
to missions than just going on a trip.
It’s about starting a micro-industry that
KEN: It serves as an encouragement
It’s easy to tell that his involvement in
can continue after we’re gone!
that the Body of Christ is bigger than
T
missions has become a lifestyle. We sat
How does a “short-term”
what they may have been exposed to.
down with Ken for a few minutes and let
PULSE: When you go on a missions
When they realize that there are other
him share his heart about why missions
trip like this, what are you hoping to
believers, it encourages them to know
is such a big deal!
accomplish?
that they are not alone in their faith.
KEN: Every short-term missions trip has
This is important because many of the
PULSE: Ken, talk about the upcoming
its own set of goals. On this particular
areas where missions work takes place
missions trip to Haiti.
trip, we’d really like to help establish
is largely un-churched and un-Christian.
KEN: Well, we’ve got a team of 16 going
a micro-industry, a source of income,
with us on October 12-19th. Once we
for the local women. Additionally, I’d
It also benefits them by teaching new
are in Haiti, we’ll be partnering with
really like to see a fire ignited within our
ways to do ministry. Methods that have
Christian Cares (a part of Latin American
own team. I’d love to see them develop
been common to us in the U.S. aren’t
Child Care, lacc4hope.org). Part of our
even more compassion for people and
common for them. They are then able to
team will be doing Child Evangelism,
see them carve out their own ministry
use these new methods to reach people
while others will be building desks
opportunities here at The Bridge and in
in their community. Also, a short-term
for the local schools, which they need
our community.
missions trip can raise the profile of the
desperately.
Others will be welding
local church. Having an American team
benches together to fill the churches
PULSE: You use the term “short-term”
there to serve can help the “exposure” of
that are currently being built in the
missions trip, how would you define
their local church. Additionally, we often
area. Additionally, a large part of our
that?
find that a short-term missions trip can
“Missions represents one of the last things that Jesus told us to do, to go and share the Gospel everywhere. It wasn’t just a suggestion; it was a command.” investment into the church in Puebla,
to go and share His love, despite the cost.
Mexico (Amigos de Fe). We’ve been able to watch their growth from infant
PULSE: What do you think stops us
beginnings to where they are today. They
from taking on a more active role in
currently have thousands of members,
missions?
several churches in the city, TV and radio
KEN: I’d say that it is several things. It’s
programs, a Christian school, feeding
busyness, priorities in the wrong spot
programs, and over 700 small groups! It’s
and fear of the unknown. Missions
not that we’ve had so much to do with it,
definitely requires one to get out of their
but that we’ve been able to be a part of it.
comfort zones! Finally, and probably saddest of all, sometimes we count the
be more important and life changing to those who go on the trip than for the people for whom we are there to minister. PULSE: How can it benefit those who go on the trip? KEN: It is through ministry like this that we are pushed to get out of our comfort zones and really fulfill the great commission by telling people about Jesus. Materialism is a big thing for Americans, and short-term missions trips give us an opportunity to really examine ourselves and prioritize our lives. Also, whenever older and younger people serve together on a short-term missions trip, it really blends and unifies the team and the relationship of all who go. This unity is then brought back to the local church and is further facilitated through serving opportunities here on a local level. PULSE: Out of curiosity, how many “short-term” missions trips have you taken? Which has been your favorite? KEN: Since coming to The Bridge, I’ve been on nearly 30 of them! The one that stands out most to me is our consistent
PULSE: You’ve been on more than 30
cost of getting involved in missions, and
short-term mission’s trips, why is this
we just aren’t willing to pay the price.
so important to you? KEN: For me, it’s because as a kid I heard
PULSE: With that in mind, what are
a missionary speak at my church, and
some practical ways our church can
from that point I always felt “called”
make missions more a part of their
to missions. Missions in my mind has
daily lives?
always been the pinnacle of ministry.
KEN: First, make an effort to become acquainted with a missionary. Subscribe
PULSE: Why should we care about
to their newsletters, visit their blogs
missions?
and ask to receive their monthly emails.
KEN: Missions represents one of the last
Get to know what they are doing, and
things that Jesus told us to do, to go and
learn ways you can become strategically
share the Gospel everywhere. It wasn’t
involved in supporting them. Then make
just a suggestion; it was a command.
it a priority to keep up with current
This means that we have a responsibility
events by reading the newspaper or
to bloom where we are planted. We have
watching the news. It’s important to
to realize that we need to be a missionary
understand what kind of circumstances
right where we are. This is why I always
our
encourage people who are going on our
we have to be willing to commit to
missions trips to make sure that they
consistently pray for them and support
are involved locally in ministry, because
them financially.
we need to be a missionary wherever we
decision to get involved in whatever
are first. Sometimes it means we need to
your local mission field may need.
serve those near us, like our neighbors, which we often find difficult. In fact, David Wilkerson said once, “It’s easier to love the whole world than to wipe the sweat off your neighbors brow.” Sometimes it’s hard to be motivated to help those around you, but I am challenged by Jesus who commanded us
missionaries
are
facing.
Next,
Finally, make the