by Brian McKee
Why Do We Have to Reach Out and Help Others?
This is a good question in a world that seems occupied with what they can get for themselves; however, this is not the command we read in the Bible -
" 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and mind'. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it, 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' All the Laws and Prophets hang on these two commandments." - Matthew Ch22 v 37 says
If we love someone it is not enough to say it, we will also want to show it. True faith is more than an intellectual agreement with Christian teaching. The Bible faith transforms our conduct as well as our thinking, and gives us a genuine desire to serve.
"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him 'Go I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." - James Ch2 v14
Why Go To another Land to Serve?
The world is getting smaller all the time with improved communication and travel so our "neighbours" are not as far away as they used to be. As a church we are to love all our neighbours, this does not mean that everyone is being called to use their gifts to serve in another land, as there is always a lot of help needed locally. However, God also calls some of us to serve overseas, and to be obedient if we hear that call.
Vision For Short Term Mission
Within the church there have been individuals and groups who have gone out to serve in various countries on short term trips and it was the vision of the Kirk Session to give the opportunity to all individuals within the church who had this call on their heart, the opportunity to go. In August 2003 it was my pleasure to lead a 20 strong team of enthusiastic volunteers to take part in a Habitat for Humanity house building programme in Csurgo in Hungary, which will be the start of other Short Term Mission Trips.
Habitat for Humanity Trip to Csurgo in Hungary 2003
We decided to go on this first trip in Partnership with Habitat for Humanity as they are a well-established Christian organisation working to eliminate poor housing conditions throughout the world including Northern Ireland. They do this by helping individuals to build their own home by working as communities and supported by visitors like us, and it is done as a hand-up rather than a handout. If you are interested in finding out more information on Habitat for Humanity please check out their web site www.habitat.org. This particular build was in Csurgo in Hungary and was a great opportunity to bring the love of Christ in a practical way into the heart of a community. We worked hard!! And enjoyed every minute of it !! Our team were of varying abilities and experiences with ages ranging from 15 to 50+, but without a doubt we all had something to contribute both to the team and to the people of Csurgo.
We learned many things; most of us learned new practical skills with hammers & nails, drills, saws and more hammers & nails. We also saw the effect a team of willing individuals can make if they are determined to serve; we learned teamwork, mutual respect and how to love in all circumstances. We got to share with the local church by taking part in the Sunday Service and with local community in special events and outings. The trip however involved more people from our church than actually went, as there was great support during the fundraising and the prayers offered, giving many people the opportunity to use their gifts.
Trying to express what effect on a person a trip like this can make is difficult, therefore below are some comments taken from some of the evaluation sheets from the members of this trip who were asked for their reflections.
"It is now two days since we stood and prayed together in one of the houses that we worked on and words cannot describe the emotion I felt and still feel as I reflect on the whole experience and I thank God for the privilege of being able to make my small contribution to the project. It seems the more I gave during the week the more I received."
"Had a great time and really enjoyed myself, some of the people were the nicest I've seen and I loved banging in nails and eating"
"An experience I will never forget"
"I know now why God put the desire to join the Global Village Team in my heart - It has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I hope the seeds of God's love that we have planted will flourish and grow in the lives of the homeowners and our fellowship with the church and people of Csurgo"
"You just need to do it !"
What Next?
It is the vision of the Kirk Session to continue to offer this opportunity to serve, the next trip being in 2005. We are keen to make the opportunity available to all who feel called, and feel it is important that members of all ages, gifts, and financial ability are able to go, it is not all about building as there are many ways to serve.
If you are feeling the tug to go please talk to me - Brian McKee - Tel 028 9756 0739 or to Liz Stuart 028 9756 2874 |
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Photos of the trip
Rwanda 2003
Romania 2003
Edge Trip to Romania 2004
Tanzania 2004
RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Habitat for Humanity
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