What’s next?
This is the question a small group of us (Truth Evangelistic Team) have been pondering for some time.
As doors continued to be closed to Haiti, Cal (Griffin) suggested we seek God’s guidance through bible study. So, we began by focusing on God’s word with a study of David Platt’s book “Something has to change.” Before we knew it God was opening other doors, for me the next door opened was Puerto Rico (PR). This was a step back in time trip for this old-timer who went on his first World Changer trip with the youth in 1998 (Rock Hill, SC). God pulled me into the youth group as the 36-year-old father of five daughters, two of which were in the youth group.
We all have gifts, given to us from God. The question is, will we glorify man or God with our gifts? Many years ago, with the help of a Jesus loving mother, my gift of service began to be nurtured. However, I know at the youthful age of 60+, there is still room for growth.
So off to Puerto Rico we went with a hand full of teenagers and young adults from my home church, FBC Walterboro. We joined a group of ~120 for a Mission Serve construction project.
The week was hot and tiring, something I expected. Our numbers were divided to make up ten Squads, six going to one site and four to the other. We partnered with local minister teams to help finish projects needed to make available facilities that will serve as Christian Schools and churches. Our work included completing significant painting projects, repairs, and general construction “finish” work. Some of the groups helped with community outreach working with the local pastors.
A Heart Warming Throwback
For me it was truly a “throwback” week as I was asked to lead a squad. But I knew before I arrived in PR that God had already burdened me through His Holy Spirit to help other young adults from my church “step up” as the next gen leaders needed in the youth group. A pastor cannot do it alone. He needs a good, dedicated group of young adults, like Quinn from my church. God put Quinn on my heart and low and behold guess who went to PR? Quinn! This was Quinn’s first re-engage with the youth group since he went many years ago as a high school student. I might be mistaken, but Quinn is that 36-year-old guy that I was some 24+ years back. God is not the God of coincidence. God is the Master of all order and I know He ordained us to be there together.
This is What it is All About!
Blessed beyond all measure, I witnessed the baptism of two young ladies in the Caribbean Sea. They surrendered their life to Jesus this week. The physical work completed was secondary to the spiritual work God accomplished.
To God be the Glory for great things He is doing!
John Barnes
John’s Team worked on a Church built from a Quonset Hut. They use this type of building to help resist Hurricanes.
