When The Mission Team Leaves 7/21/2019

Good Morning,

I am writing today a little later than normal. My cup is steaming with Door County Silver Reserve Coffee and I am now fully awake.

Matthew 10:40-42 English Standard Version (ESV)

Rewards

⁴⁰ “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. ⁴¹ The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward. ⁴² And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

Very early this morning our short term mission team for 2019 was sent off to serve God for a week in Puerto Rico. Half of the team stayed in our home last night and the other half stayed close by. It was our assignment of love to house them, wake them up, feed them a light breakfast, and get all of them to the airport on time. My wife and good friend picked up the other half of the group, and brought them to our house at 3:AM so they could all eat together.

A breakfast of fresh fruit, pastry, as well as biscuits and gravy was served. They were all given a bottle of water, some juice and coffee to ease the pain of getting up so early. They have a long day ahead of them and a busy week to come.

Rene has been doing this for quite a few years now. It was her idea to serve breakfast and launch a team as she says "in the right way" many years ago. Her reasons are plain.

1. It is easier to have three people responsible for getting them awake, fed and off to the airport on time. This does not allow for anyone being late and holding up the group.

2. It allows for a last minute supply check. Today it was a missing deodorant that someone forgot to pack that was supplied.

3. It is important to let them know they are loved and respected for their calling and it is out of obedience to God that the team needs to be cared for.

Rene can be a little slow in the mornings from time to time. But when the alarm went off today she was full speed ahead and in no time flat the three of us had the coffee brewed, breakfast was hot or cold, whichever was appropriate for the dish and the water was chilled.

The team ate and not too much later they were shuttled off to the airport, prayed for and sent on their way. It is our goal to meet them at the airport on their return. We will hear some of the stories of how God did something amazing. We will bring them a cold drink and a snack to munch on for their ride home. They will be welcomed home.

We did not go on the trip, but we feel we are part of God's work with them. Our calling is just different from theirs.

Friends, not everyone is a missionary and not all are called to minister in other parts of the world. But you can be a part of the team if you want to help. Are you volunteering at church? Who can you help directly or indirectly with their calling? Be part of the team no matter how menial it seems. What you can do is always needed.

Have a great day.

Marty