Iglesia de Cristo

Last week, 32 members of the Karns congregation boarded a plane in Knoxville and arrived in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.  These Christians left the comfort of their homes to endure the Honduran heat, the torrential rain storms, the relentless mosquitoes, all the while sleeping on the ground in tents.  There is a singular reason for all these people to make these sacrifices, and it was stated by Jesus long ago, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature…” (Mark 16:15).

There are two ways that one can do mission work; He can go in “person” or he can go in “purse.”  While the later is sometimes the only way that mission work can be done, the former is often more productive for all involved.  It enables more workers to be in the field, more studies to be conducted, and it also builds the faith and increases the zeal in those who go.  Several years ago, the Karns congregation decided to make a shift from going in “purse” to going in “person,” and what a great decision this has been!  Nearly 1/10 of the congregation went on this trip.

What did these people do during the week?

• They went door to door conducting Bible studies.
• They helped on the construction of the church building at Villa de San Francisco.
• They helped treat various medical needs by conducting a free clinic.
• They encouraged and strengthened the local brethren.

Some of the lessons I was reminded of during this mission trip?

• We take too much for granted.  We don’t know how good we have it.
• There are still people who are hungering and thirsting for the word of God.
• We are rich!
• Christianity has no borders.
• Doing good for others does yourself good.

Don’t ignore the great commission of Jesus.  Make it a priority whether we’re talking about teaching in another country or down the street, for whether we take the gospel in “purse” or in “person,” it is the only hope for man.

Some lessons learned (on the lighter side).

• The outhouse was a new experience.
• A 6’6″ person shouldn’t try to spend a week in a pup tent.
• Roosters don’t just crow at dawn.  They crow at midnight, 2:00 a.m., 3:00 a.m., and 4:00 a.m…well, whenever they want.
• I don’t think I like outhouses.
• Be careful what you eat!
• Everyone in Honduras owns a machete.
• I really don’t like outhouses.
• Re-fried beans on a hotdog bun is not very appetizing.
• 30 people can fit on a 15 passenger bus.
• Passing in the wrong lane, on a blind curve, is no big deal in Honduras.
• I fear outhouses.