Summary

  1. Train for mission work at https://iwm.adventist.org/
  2. Understand the purpose of mission work.
  3. Transform the lives of others into knowledge and relationship with Christ. Matthew 28:19
  4. Share and demonstrate God’s love by humbly caring for the needs and interests of others. Philippians 2:4
  5. Pick a skill to learn

Training ourselves

  • Many missionaries prepare for mission work by attending the three-week training from the Institute of World Mission. https://iwm.adventist.org/If your schedule does not allow this, other training options are available on their web site.
  • Read the book published by the SDA Institute of World Mission “Passport to Mission”. The principles described in this essential text will enlighten and prepare you for successful outreach. This can be applied to foreign missions or to our mission to reach our neighbors wherever we live.

Goals

  • The purpose of mission work is not to travel to a distant land and enjoy an adventure. It is not a vacation. We must be motivated to truly be used by God in any way he asks us. Our goals are in two areas.
  • Share our faith and transform the lives of others into knowledge and relationship with Christ. Matthew 28:19. This can be accomplished by having morning and evening worship, bible study, church services, evangelistic meetings, etc. It is very important that we do not require or force people to attend these activities.[i]
  •  Share and demonstrate God’s love by humbly caring for the needs and interests of others.

Philippians 2:4.

ADRA serves as a great example for us. This goal motivates by giving food, clothing, clean water, money, churches and other valuables to the people in need. This type of care should only be provided as a temporary measure, however. People are looking for ways to be more self-sufficient so they can also help others as well.

We must listen to the interests expressed by the people we are trying to help. These individuals do not wish to become beggars. They have a desire, just like us, to be able to provide for others.

To accomplish this goal we must try to empower the people we go to serve with the ability to be self-sufficient and to be a witness and inspiration to their families and friends.

Teaching others life skills

Our OIH (Orphans International Helpline) mission trip will include a time to train the workers there in the following areas. These skills are the ones most urgently needed. Remember we are not there to do all the work ourselves. We are going to share and work together with the local people. They will be left with the task of maintaining this project and it is our goal to empower them. This is their hospital, orphanage, school, etc. not ours.

Anyone interested in helping our mission project should pick from one of the following skills. We have been provided with the opportunity to learn these skills through the Lansing Church Air Conditioning and Solar project. The installation of these systems here in Lansing will prepare us for our trip to Haiti.

Beware of Culture

The local people we meet will have different habits, attitudes, ways to greet, ways to work, ways to behave, and different priorities. We are outsiders or aliens. It is important that we try to conform to these different methods.

This is also true when performing construction, mechanics, cooking, cleaning and other work. If you know of a better way to do something you will have to be tactful in helping them make changes.

Skills Needed

Information about these things can be obtained online. See Stephen Blosser ([email protected]) for details.

  1. Worship service in French Creole
  2. Bible study in French Creole
  3. Video and photography recording to document our work and to publish via the www.oihonline.org web site, 3ABN, newspapers, newsletter, etc.
  4. Cooking meals using local food (see list of available foods online)
  5. Cooking with charcoal or wood fires.
  6. Air conditioner installation  https://mrcool.com/#homevid
  7. 48-volt connectors and circuit breakers
  8. Solar power safety
  9. Solar panel mounting bracket  installation (see attached description)
  10. Solar panel wiring
  11. PVC conduit cutting and installation
  12. Solar panel optimizers (these units are connected to each panel and report the performance of the panels)
  13. Solar inverters (our church is grid-tied while the OIH hospital is not)
  14. Solar charge controllers for 48-volt batteries.
  15. Navigation across Haiti
  16. Installation of satellite internet service in Haiti (Michael Smith has been working on this)
  17. Tire repair (travel on Haiti roads causes many flat tires typically one every 50 miles)
  18. Medical emergency preparedness
  19. Mosquito repellant choices
  20. Malaria and other disease vaccinations
  21. Seasickness prevention (the road trip is violently bumpy)
  22. Children gifts (it is best to buy these things here where costs are low)
  23. Knowledge of money exchange rates (Haitian dollars and gourdes)
  24. Hospital equipment ( this is a long list including x-ray, lab microscopes, sterilizers, etc.) ( this equipment needs to be inexpensive and powered by the battery.

Resources

Jason Sliger gave an inspiring presentation Friday morning June 21, 2019, at the Michigan SDA camp meeting. A similar presentation of his can be heard at https://www.audioverse.org/english/sermons/recordings/20021/the-need-for-missions.html


[i] At the SDA Child Impact schools India they have morning and evening worship services. They sing songs, pray, tell stories, read the bible, etc. Attendence is not required, however everyone wants to come because it is a joy. I presented my faith and told stories at an evening worship in Jeypore. It was attended by most students as well as many families from the community. There were over 1000 people mostly Hindu.

Subscribe ToOurNewsletter

Subscribe ToOurNewsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from the Lansing Church.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This