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Mission Trips
. . . in all things, love.
. . . in all things, love.
Watertown Moravian Church
| Mission Trip to Alaska June 16-July 5, 2009 |
| "Our greatest fulfillment lies in giving ourselves to others." Henri Nouwen |
"The Moravian Church is a mission
movement…we send people." Board of
World Mission of the Moravian Church
movement…we send people." Board of
World Mission of the Moravian Church
2008 Mission Trip Reflections by Ed Dehnert
What a fast summer! It is so hard to believe that fall is right around the corner
and I am wondering why I feel so empty. I know my wife understands as we talk
about it a lot and for good or bad she feels the same way. It is related to the very
powerful call we both feel for missions.
Six years ago I would not have believed I would have participated in a mission
trip, much less that I would feel this way after I returned home. My two trips this
year were again very moving for me and they continue to clarify my need to do
more. When I think about my time with the children in Alaska and California,
words like revitalizing, inspiring, refreshing, enlightening and extraordinarily
rewarding come to mind. I thought I had a meaningful job, but it pales in
comparison with what I have been able to be a part of on these trips.
The trips this year were special in that we went with many new people,
including partnering with Moravians and others from different churches. Having
the opportunity to get to know different folks in a very different way is both
rewarding and challenging. Some folks I got to know very well and some I didn’t,
many of them made a significant and lasting effect on me. All played a part in my
faith journey and growth and God did a wonderful job of making all that possible. I
believe everyone on the trips was moved by the children, adults and the
environment that we were put in. It doesn’t matter which place you discuss, the
underlying issues are the same regardless of the economic condition of the
community. The lifestyles are different from what we are accustom to and are at
both ends of the economic spectrum. Interestingly, whether poor or rich the kids
all struggle with abuse and neglect, especially emotionally. They absolutely crave
attention, often in very negative ways. They just want to be loved. Not always
easy when they act out, but this is the main purpose for our being there. We are
sent to teach them Christ’s love and try to help them see and learn a healthy
purpose for their lives. In my clumsy effort to do this I am blessed repeatedly with
their smiles and laughter and willingness to let me become a part of their life.
Morongo has been special for me because I have been able to return and
build on relationships over the past six years. Watching these kids grow up has
been a joy that I never would have expected when I was bluntly asked by a
member six years ago; why are you here? They know why I am there now. They
know my answer of six years ago, to share my faith with you and help teach your
children about Christ’s love, was honest and from my heart. We have been
blessed with many powerful friendships that continue to grow. This has developed
into a partnership to help take VBS to the villages of Alaska. We still are hoping
that some day that will include members from Morongo joining us in Alaska. There
is hope, God is at work. When I was first called to California I did not believe I had
anything to offer and really didn’t know what I was doing on the trip. I really did
have to let go and let God and when I did that wonderful things happened. I
seldom really know what it is that I am supposed to do on these trips but God has
a way of opening my eyes and directing me to do what he wants me to do. Things
go well as long as I look for God’s direction and then follow it. Prayer and faith,
without them every trip I have been a part of would have failed. Rough times on
any of the trips have always been when I have fallen away from prayer and tried
to force my will. It is amazing how quickly God gets your attention when you are
out of your normal element.
That is the real blessing of going on a trip. Mission trips put you in an
environment where you need to rely on God. You have to focus on your purpose
for being there, to share your faith and love for Jesus Christ. Going with any
other motive and you will not enjoy the experience. You can not expect to change
their world in the few days you are there. You certainly can build a friendship
based on Christ’s love and plant seeds for future change, but trust comes first.
The reality is that there is nothing wrong with their world. The same problems
exist here; we are just very good at ignoring them.
We are building the same relationships in Alaska as we returned this year to
the village of Kipnuk. It was wonderful to have the children and adults remember
us and we got into things so much quicker because the trust was already there.
We had seventy kids come to VBS and our team consisted of six people. We
bonded as a group and together we made a difference in many young lives. I
believe our faith grew considerably here and we were ready to take on the world.
Then we returned to Bethel. As we regrouped our team, half were in other
villages, we began to feel a spiritual attach. We didn’t really recognize it until a
few days later but clearly dark forces were at work trying to disrupt the powerful,
positive things that we were accomplishing. Pastor Conrad helped us refocus
through prayer and we did get back on track and we did continue to serve kids
and preach God’s love. This spiritual attack may sound a bit unbelievable but it is
just so much easier in Alaska to see it at work. It is just as evident here, but we
are not able to recognize it. I think the whole team came back a bit shaken but
firmly committed to returning again next year to continue the work.
God’s call to serve is powerful, yet very subtle. I know that I fought it for years
thinking that I had little if anything to offer on a mission trip. Does that sound like
thoughts you may have? This congregation is blessed with talent and resources
to answer God’s call to serve. Don’t let fear get in your way! If you feel called to
serve, try to act on it. We are actively planning next year’s trip and would love to
have more folks come with us. We are trying to plan both a Work Team and a
VBS Team, as both are needed. Pick the one you are called to serve on and go.
From a cost perspective, early booking is a huge cost saver. Booking soon, we
can book at hundreds of dollars less than we flew for this past summer!! Watch
the bulletin for a notice about an organizational meeting in October.
Have you figured out yet why I feel so empty? Could it be the pull of the
phenomenal children and their need for what I can offer? Perhaps it’s the
wonderful, lasting relationships in Morongo and Alaska I now have and miss; or is
it the opportunity to work with and get to know other powerful Christians? Maybe it’
s a sign for me to listen to God’s call to do the work I am meant to do. I think my
answer is Yes, Yes, Yes, and oh Yes.
I praise God for the opportunities I have been given and thanks to all of you
for your prayers and support. Blessings, ED
What a fast summer! It is so hard to believe that fall is right around the corner
and I am wondering why I feel so empty. I know my wife understands as we talk
about it a lot and for good or bad she feels the same way. It is related to the very
powerful call we both feel for missions.
Six years ago I would not have believed I would have participated in a mission
trip, much less that I would feel this way after I returned home. My two trips this
year were again very moving for me and they continue to clarify my need to do
more. When I think about my time with the children in Alaska and California,
words like revitalizing, inspiring, refreshing, enlightening and extraordinarily
rewarding come to mind. I thought I had a meaningful job, but it pales in
comparison with what I have been able to be a part of on these trips.
The trips this year were special in that we went with many new people,
including partnering with Moravians and others from different churches. Having
the opportunity to get to know different folks in a very different way is both
rewarding and challenging. Some folks I got to know very well and some I didn’t,
many of them made a significant and lasting effect on me. All played a part in my
faith journey and growth and God did a wonderful job of making all that possible. I
believe everyone on the trips was moved by the children, adults and the
environment that we were put in. It doesn’t matter which place you discuss, the
underlying issues are the same regardless of the economic condition of the
community. The lifestyles are different from what we are accustom to and are at
both ends of the economic spectrum. Interestingly, whether poor or rich the kids
all struggle with abuse and neglect, especially emotionally. They absolutely crave
attention, often in very negative ways. They just want to be loved. Not always
easy when they act out, but this is the main purpose for our being there. We are
sent to teach them Christ’s love and try to help them see and learn a healthy
purpose for their lives. In my clumsy effort to do this I am blessed repeatedly with
their smiles and laughter and willingness to let me become a part of their life.
Morongo has been special for me because I have been able to return and
build on relationships over the past six years. Watching these kids grow up has
been a joy that I never would have expected when I was bluntly asked by a
member six years ago; why are you here? They know why I am there now. They
know my answer of six years ago, to share my faith with you and help teach your
children about Christ’s love, was honest and from my heart. We have been
blessed with many powerful friendships that continue to grow. This has developed
into a partnership to help take VBS to the villages of Alaska. We still are hoping
that some day that will include members from Morongo joining us in Alaska. There
is hope, God is at work. When I was first called to California I did not believe I had
anything to offer and really didn’t know what I was doing on the trip. I really did
have to let go and let God and when I did that wonderful things happened. I
seldom really know what it is that I am supposed to do on these trips but God has
a way of opening my eyes and directing me to do what he wants me to do. Things
go well as long as I look for God’s direction and then follow it. Prayer and faith,
without them every trip I have been a part of would have failed. Rough times on
any of the trips have always been when I have fallen away from prayer and tried
to force my will. It is amazing how quickly God gets your attention when you are
out of your normal element.
That is the real blessing of going on a trip. Mission trips put you in an
environment where you need to rely on God. You have to focus on your purpose
for being there, to share your faith and love for Jesus Christ. Going with any
other motive and you will not enjoy the experience. You can not expect to change
their world in the few days you are there. You certainly can build a friendship
based on Christ’s love and plant seeds for future change, but trust comes first.
The reality is that there is nothing wrong with their world. The same problems
exist here; we are just very good at ignoring them.
We are building the same relationships in Alaska as we returned this year to
the village of Kipnuk. It was wonderful to have the children and adults remember
us and we got into things so much quicker because the trust was already there.
We had seventy kids come to VBS and our team consisted of six people. We
bonded as a group and together we made a difference in many young lives. I
believe our faith grew considerably here and we were ready to take on the world.
Then we returned to Bethel. As we regrouped our team, half were in other
villages, we began to feel a spiritual attach. We didn’t really recognize it until a
few days later but clearly dark forces were at work trying to disrupt the powerful,
positive things that we were accomplishing. Pastor Conrad helped us refocus
through prayer and we did get back on track and we did continue to serve kids
and preach God’s love. This spiritual attack may sound a bit unbelievable but it is
just so much easier in Alaska to see it at work. It is just as evident here, but we
are not able to recognize it. I think the whole team came back a bit shaken but
firmly committed to returning again next year to continue the work.
God’s call to serve is powerful, yet very subtle. I know that I fought it for years
thinking that I had little if anything to offer on a mission trip. Does that sound like
thoughts you may have? This congregation is blessed with talent and resources
to answer God’s call to serve. Don’t let fear get in your way! If you feel called to
serve, try to act on it. We are actively planning next year’s trip and would love to
have more folks come with us. We are trying to plan both a Work Team and a
VBS Team, as both are needed. Pick the one you are called to serve on and go.
From a cost perspective, early booking is a huge cost saver. Booking soon, we
can book at hundreds of dollars less than we flew for this past summer!! Watch
the bulletin for a notice about an organizational meeting in October.
Have you figured out yet why I feel so empty? Could it be the pull of the
phenomenal children and their need for what I can offer? Perhaps it’s the
wonderful, lasting relationships in Morongo and Alaska I now have and miss; or is
it the opportunity to work with and get to know other powerful Christians? Maybe it’
s a sign for me to listen to God’s call to do the work I am meant to do. I think my
answer is Yes, Yes, Yes, and oh Yes.
I praise God for the opportunities I have been given and thanks to all of you
for your prayers and support. Blessings, ED
| Mission Trips to Morongo, California, and Villages in the Bethel, Alaska, Area Summer 2008 (Trips Scheduled for 2009) |