It takes a village to send a missionary
TORONTO, ON—You're never too young or too old to participate in international missionary work. Anyone can do it— even to reach somewhere as remote as Siberia.
In less than a month, I'm going on a medical missions trip with Agape Unlimited Canada. We will be flying to Moscow and then on to Eastern Siberia. Working in conjunction with the local churches there, I will help to bring medical aid and reading glasses to remote areas. We'll be sharing the gospel with the patients we see, not only addressing their physical needs, but their spiritual needs, as well.
One thing is certain; this is a group effort. Although our team is small, we will not be alone. We will take our prayer partners with us in our hearts. During my trip, there will be someone who has taken responsibility for praying for us each day. This kind of support is vital.
In addition to prayer support, my home church has helped me by making 300 gospel bracelets to hand out to the people in remote villages. These communities live far away from medical care and could not afford it even if it was accessible.
Our ladies ministry used a coffee-hour event as an outreach to the community and invited friends, neighbours and community members to join with us in the making of gospel bracelets. My children, ages seven and nine, made bracelets alongside me.
Joanna Grace, a guest who attended the event, said, "I am really excited about Melony's trip to Siberia. I think that what she is doing is fantastic. These bracelets are such a great idea. Each bead symbolizes something that shows her faith in God and how she wants to bring medical supplies to this community."
The ladies provided me with a pair of extreme-weather socks. With the sub-zero temperatures expected to be close to -40C, these socks will be well used! The ladies also volunteered to make muffins for my children's school lunches as well as provide some meals for my family while I am away. Some have offered help with childcare. The fact that I can leave my family with such a wonderful support group alleviates much of my concern as a mother.
With everyone working together, the gospel will indeed be taken to the ends of the earth, one mission trip at a time.
Dear Readers:
ChristianWeek relies on your generous support. please take a minute and donate to help give voice to stories that inform, encourage and inspire.
Donations of $20 or more will receive a charitable receipt.Thank you, from Christianweek.
