The Call to the Mission Field

Why am I interested in a Mission experience?

Many of us did not welcome an invitation to do mission work; in fact, some of us actively fought to avoid the experience. Missions involve poverty, danger, expense and traveling way outside of our comfort zone. I personally believe the Lord speaks to us all the time, but we are too busy to listen and respond. “Sorry God, I have too many important things to accomplish, to do what you want me to do.” It is only through reflection and prayer that we are strengthened to respond affirmatively.

As I read the scripture, my mission foundation comes from the end to the Gospel of Mark. At this time, Jesus has suffered, died, rose from the dead, and He has spent 40 days with his apostles to complete their instruction. Just before his Ascension, he had the opportunity to give them His final words. Certainly, in this context, He would not waste time with casual conversation.

“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.’"

This profound message was not meant to be heard by only 11 men. This is the Great Commission; as Christians, we all have an obligation to spread the Good News. In the Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren clearly spells out our Christian responsibility to do ministry (work at home) and mission (work in far-away lands).

Eight years ago, I learned the most powerful prayer I know - only two words, only five letters. It is God, “Use Me.” In a sense of obedience, if you are bold enough to pray this prayer, step back and get out of the way, because your life is about to change in the most marvelous of ways.

If you are reading this message, you have been called. Are you bold enough to respond?


What do I do next?

Feel free to contact us; we want to help you to assist our impoverished brethren in Haiti. When I speak about mission trips, I always hear the same question, “You are a doctor; you have skills to contribute. I am an ordinary American. What can I do?” My response is always the same, “In a Third World country, where most are illiterate, we are like gods, with so many talents which we take for granted.”

Here is how you get started:

You will need a Passport; apply early through the Post Office. It may take several months.
Obtain the recommended immunizations. Go to CDC.GOV to find out what you will need. In our area, it is recommended to make an appointment to obtain them through the County Health Department. This will take a few weeks. The earlier you are immunized the more effective it will be. They are good for 10 years. The cost is approximately $150.
Do some financial planning. We normally go for a week, Saturday to Saturday. We stay at the Visa Lodge in the capital of Port au Prince. It is like a Motel 9 complete with safe water, air conditioning, a pool, restaurant and bar. Transportation is thru Spirit Air or American Airlines. In total, the trip costs roughly $1,000. Sounds like a lot of money. Do not let this figure deter you. If you are meant to go, the money is NEVER a problem.
Add your name to our database. We recognize that only a few of our missionary hopefuls will be able to go on a particular trip. Everything must “fit:” financing, family support, time away from work, health, etc. We send a mass email before each trip to candidates. Then we leave it up to God to choose the team.

If you are bold enough to say “YES,” I guarantee an adventure you will never forget. Many return knowing that have encountered Our Lord through their interaction with some of the most financially impoverished, but spiritually rich people on the planet. Jesus spoke about the experience shortly before he suffered in Matthew 25:31-46. Help us tend to the least of our brethren.

Dr. Bill Greene