By Bill Nylund, Lead Pastor, Milwaukie Covenant Church
This past July, a group from Milwaukie Covenant traveled to Tijuana for a multi-generational mission trip. Our goal was to construct a small house for a family whose present living structure was literally falling apart. Upon arriving at the construction site we found a pile of lumber sitting on a simple slab foundation. It was exciting to see this stack of wood transform into a functional living structure in under a week. However, the most meaningful part was when we handed the parents the keys to their new home. Although there was a language barrier between us, the deep appreciation and satisfaction shared between us was unmistakable.
We have shared in this type of experience numerous times since 2006 when we made Building and Disaster Relief trips a part of our mission outreach. It all began when a girl who grew up in our church shared about her efforts in helping in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. Eight months following her presentation, we found ourselves involved in Relief work. Since then we have been blessed to work in multiple settings around the U.S. and Mexico. In the years that we have shared in Disaster Relief and Building Mission Trips, I have seen young kids and senior citizens, skilled trades people, white and blue-collar individuals, and people who knew very little about swinging a hammer come together to be used of God to help a person/family in need.
Prior to 2006 we had only heard about people helping, but now we can look back at the many projects that we have participated in. Although a specific trip might include five to eighteen workers, each project has been a complete team effort. Through fund raising, scheduling, and prayer this has been our Church’s ministry. It has been a blessing lending assistance in each case. I remember one building contractor who came on his first Disaster Relief trip in Houston saying, “This is where we are suppose to be”. Since then he has participated in several.
I would highly encourage everyone to consider expanding both you and your church’s involvement to include some type of Mission/Disaster Relief Trip. We are presently planning another Building Trip this summer, however there have been several times that an opportunity arises following some natural disaster. It is in these cases that “readiness” is of significant benefit. We have been able to mobilize a group within a few weeks. Taking the first step of inquiry can seem like a daunting task. We have used Dale Lusk with Merge Ministies (dale.lusk@covchurch.org) a Covenant group based in Texas to help us arrange a few trips. If I can be of assistance, contact me at pastorbill@milwaukiecovenant.org.
Thirteen years ago we heard about the relief efforts underway in New Orleans. I am thankful that we took action and ventured into assisting in such a ministry, it has been a blessing.
[Click Here] to visit the PacNWC Disaster Relief web page for more info on how to connect with opportunities around the world.