There we were, on the road again, 13 hour drive from Deland, FL to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It was Spring break 2017 and I was headed to the state of Louisiana on a mission trip for the second time in my college career. As I sat in the back of the van, reading the road signs, eating my road snacks, I couldn’t help but think about the fact that this was my last mission trip with my BCF family. Often-times when asked why I chose to graduate in the Spring semester instead of the Fall, I say I chose the Spring so I could walk the stage with the rest of my friends. However, it was mainly because of the Spring break mission trip I looked forward to each school year.
Baptist Collegiate Fellowship (BCF) was a student organization I had been a part of since my freshman year at Stetson University. From the moment I joined, I knew it would be a group I would stick with through graduation. Other than the weekly free dinners, various small groups, fun-loving members, and awesome director, the missions small group and mission trip is what led me to hold tight. I have always found joy in serving others. My church and high school back home always provided opportunities for me to volunteer and give of my time. Moving away for college made me wonder what I’d do with my time, seeing that I knew not a single person in that town. However, not far into the school year, I was introduced to BCF and found my place there.
Spring break 2013, the crew took me to New Orleans, Louisiana on my first mission trip. We drove to a local church where we’d camp for the week. Due to a hurricane that had driven through the city, a lot of housing damage had been caused. So we brought our hands to see how we could be of help. I expected us help build homes habitat for humanity style, but before a damaged house can be built up, it must first come down.
That week I remember breaking walls, tearing carpet, and bringing the roof down. We completed many other small tasks here and there, but according to the people of the town, what we did was not small. In their eyes, we were of great help and they couldn’t be more thankful. I never before imagined bringing tears to a person’s eyes for sweeping a church garage. But seeing them happy and bringing glory to God is why each year I sign up for the mission trip and excitedly jump into the van ready for a road trip. If carrying 50 chairs from one building to another is what it takes to get a church running, I’m at your service.
Spring break 2017 may have been my last mission trip with my BCF family, but it definitely was not my last mission trip. Those four mission trips I took throughout college were only training sessions for what lies ahead. I’ve been of service in my local community, I’ve been of service in neighboring states. Now it’s time to go out into the world and share the gospel. Time to go out to places unreached and tell the people of God’s love. Not only tell it, but show it. One small act of kindness is all it takes.
In the comments please share how you share God’s love in your community?
