See related Team Leader Report
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues,
preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and
sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they
were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to
his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the
Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
-- Matthew 9:35-38
Verse 35 summarizes the heart of Jesus' Galilean ministry and prepares us
for the new phase of mission via the Twelve. Like the Lord in the Old
Testament (see Ezekiel 34), Jesus showed compassion on the shepherdless
crowds. Not only are we told again of the extensiveness of Jesus' labors,
but we learn that the work was so great that many workers were needed. The
reality is that today there are people all around us that need to know
JESUS - The Good Shepherd.
Last week I was privileged to be a team member on the eleventh Medical
Mission Team that West-Ark has sent to Guyana, South America. We saw 1,997
patients and had 49 baptisms. A detailed report is posted at:
WOW! Words can't express all that I'm feeling right now as I reflect upon the experiences of our week in Guyana. Our Team began preparations for this mission trip many months before our departure so that when we arrived we would be ready to be effective and productive for the Lord. This was my third year to participate in this mission trip, so although I knew generally what to expect, I went into the week with an open heart and an attitude of willingness to be used by the Lord any way He would choose fit for me.
This verse from Acts 20:35b was continually on my mind throughout the week. I'd like to share it with you: ... remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said: "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
When a person goes on a mission trip, we prepare to give of our time, talents, and energy to the task ahead of us. With that said, we can never be fully prepared for how God will bless us if we simply allow Him to use us for His service. My life has been blessed beyond measure because of the experiences that He gave me in Guyana.
Next Sunday night, July 1, make plans to be at West-Ark during our evening service at 6:00 p.m. as we give our annual report on our Medical Mission Trip to Guyana.
See you in Bible Class!
See related Team Leader Report
Read Every Day For Serving God by Mike Baker
Link to Ted Edwards Home Page
