Local Churches On Mission
By Phil Lineberger
Pastor, Williams Trace Baptist Church Sugar Land, TX

The November 2002 Missions Fair at Williams Trace Baptist Church featured fourteen of the church’s different mission projects. These projects required a commitment of time, energy, and money from over three hundred church members. It was during this time that I challenged every member to participate in at least one mission project that would take them out of their comfort zone to minister to those in need.

Two years ago, fifty-three adults and youth traveled to Bulgaria to live and work among the orphans of that country. The project was coordinated by former IMB missionaries to Bulgaria, Paul and Judy Ridgway, who continue to work in that country. It was quite an experience for adults and youth from affluent Sugar Land, Texas, to actually live for a week with young people who survive on forty cents a day. While there, our youth painted and helped refurbish an orphanage and conducted Bible studies at two orphanages and one Gypsy village. One of our members, a dentist, took four of his staff, plus several lockers of supplies, and set up a dental office in the orphanage. He began by giving each child a toothbrush and toothpaste. Then his assistants would teach the children how to brush their teeth. This was a first for many of the children. Every day the dentist would work with the children, pulling teeth, filling teeth, treating gum disease, etc. The one request of every child was that the dentist make their front teeth pretty. They wanted a pretty smile.

We financed the trip several ways. Our church collects a World Mission Offering every year. We used some of that money. Our adults and youth had a garage sale and we used some of that money. Finally, each participant paid part of their expenses.

This year, we will conduct three mission trips to Mexico to do construction work on churches, medical clinics and parsonages. Some of our people will also participate in medical missions in Mexico. Gloria Al Padre Executive Director Billy Ray Parmer coordinates these projects. On the Local Churches On Mission trip just completed, we worked on dormitories connected to a medical clinic and spoke in churches in Chihuahua and Aldama. Ten people came to know Christ during the work at the medical clinic.

Closer to home, our people work each week feeding the homeless in downtown Houston, working in a small church in Beasley, TX., working at the local food pantry, teaching literacy classes, providing school supplies and clothes for needy students, traveling with and witnessing to motorcyclists, etc.

Doing mission work from the local church, involving church members, changes lives more effectively than any mission literature, slide show, or testimony. Church members experience mission work personally rather than through someone else. Their lives are changed forever. They become more generous in supporting, not only mission work, but all the work of the local church. They generate an enthusiasm and love throughout the church. All you need to get started in your own hands-on mission work is a group of willing members and someone to get you connected with the needs of the world.

June 2003