mission:Africa ~ Putting Feet to my Faith

"For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!' [Romans 10:12-15]

It's been said, "Why should we send a mission team to Africa when we have unchurched people in our own community?" Being born and raised in the United States' "Bible Belt," with television evangelists on every Sunday, a church on nearly every street -- I would have to say, people need to take a certain personal responsibility in their walk of faith. In the United States, if you want to go to church, there are plenty of choices to be had. If you don't want to go to church, there's that option as well. In the United States, that still has a semblance of freedom of religion, citizens do not have the excuse that there are no churches nearby. In a country full of rights -- citizens must take the responsibility for those rights.

The church still has the responsibility, though, to reach out to the unchurched in the community...in the city...in the state...Jesus did not lay down any geographic barriers when He said "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” [Matthew 28:19-20].

Zambia, Africa, like many other regions on that continent, plays host to a deadly foe: the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The victims of this are not only men and women, but more often than not, children. Children who are left orphaned -- either losing one parent, or both. Children of all ages are left without someone to care for them, hug them, kiss them goodnight. Children of all ages die not knowing Christ. Children, men and women of all ages in Africa die without hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

And they don't have the luxury of a church on every corner.

Paul wrote, "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" His emotional call to mission leaves me heart-heavy. How can these orphans hear about Jesus if Jesus' followers disobey Christ's Commission to us? How can the widows and widowers hear about Jesus? How can they have the Hope of Heaven if it is not shared to them?

Friends, we are called to preach and teach the Word. We are commanded to share Jesus to others -- "others" including the lady beside you in the dentist waiting room, the man behind you in the check-out line in the grocery store, the housemother raising five orphaned children, of whom none are her biological children.

This October, my church, Flint Groves Baptist Church in Gastonia, NC, is leading a mission team to go to the Village of Hope in Zambia and minister orphans and housemothers alongside the missionary organization All Kids Can Learn International. The team will be providing training and encouragement to nearby church pastors, provide discipleship opportunities to children, youth and housemothers, staff a medical clinic, and just love on them --- and share Jesus with them.

The Book of James states that we are to put Feet (action) to our Faith. What does Paul say when we do that? “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

We want to bring the children new red t-shirts (a semblance of a school uniform), children's vitamins, Lincoln Logs, and curriculum for Bible School. But to do this, and do fund the mission trip, I need your help. My husband and I are struggling financially as we all are. We have four kids who have grown fond of eating. Yet, the fact remains that the Lord has called me personally to serve on this mission trip to Zambia. So, I'm asking for your prayerfully-considered donations to fund this trip.

To make that easy for everyone, please go to this link: http://www.youcaring.com/mission-trip-fundraiser/missionafrica-putting-feet-to-my-faith/63517 and donate using PayPal. Any donation is appreciated. Any funds left over from paying for the necessary mission trip expenditures (airfare, in-country costs, etc) will pay for t-shirts, vitamins, toys, and curriculum. If there are any funds left over, they will be given to the Village of Hope as a mission gift.

For more info on All Kids Can Learn International and the Village of Hope, please go to http://www.akcli-voh.org/.

Please .... help me be the Hands and Feet that brings the Good News to the people of Zambia. May God richly bless you.

In Christ,
Terrie

(C) 2013 Terrie McKee