Ted and Penny looked forward...
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Ted and Penny looked forward to their first short-term mission trip to Haiti. Penny had been involved with the mission program for a couple of years. Once Ted retired he, too, became involved. They asked church members to donate old suitcases that they would fill with clothing, medical supplies, and anything else they could take with them. The congregation responded with glad and generous hearts.
As their departure date approached Ted and Penny were filled with apprehension not knowing what to expect. It would be the first time either one of them had traveled outside of the United States.
An open-air church would be the place where they would minister to the people. On the first night, members of the team were leading a worship service. Ted was standing outside when a local sheriff stopped. He asked Ted what was being taught inside. Ted replied, "The word of God." "Well, that's all right then," the sheriff replied.
The sheriff noticed a bracelet Ted had on his wrist. He asked the significance of the beads. Ted explained that the bracelets were made to teach the children about God and Jesus. The first bead represents our human sin, the next how Jesus forgives us, the next how God is the creator of all the world. On his first night in Haiti Ted had an opportunity to teach about God's love in Jesus Christ that is available to all.
Later that night Ted realized the potential danger he placed himself in while sharing his faith. He spoke from his heart. The rest of the week was rewarding for Penny and Ted. Once back at their church they told of their experience and showed pictures. What stood out in every picture was Penny's big smile.
The apostle Philip seized an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus. The Ethiopian eunuch was reading the prophet Isaiah when Philip engaged him in conversation that led to him accepting Jesus. "Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus."
As their departure date approached Ted and Penny were filled with apprehension not knowing what to expect. It would be the first time either one of them had traveled outside of the United States.
An open-air church would be the place where they would minister to the people. On the first night, members of the team were leading a worship service. Ted was standing outside when a local sheriff stopped. He asked Ted what was being taught inside. Ted replied, "The word of God." "Well, that's all right then," the sheriff replied.
The sheriff noticed a bracelet Ted had on his wrist. He asked the significance of the beads. Ted explained that the bracelets were made to teach the children about God and Jesus. The first bead represents our human sin, the next how Jesus forgives us, the next how God is the creator of all the world. On his first night in Haiti Ted had an opportunity to teach about God's love in Jesus Christ that is available to all.
Later that night Ted realized the potential danger he placed himself in while sharing his faith. He spoke from his heart. The rest of the week was rewarding for Penny and Ted. Once back at their church they told of their experience and showed pictures. What stood out in every picture was Penny's big smile.
The apostle Philip seized an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus. The Ethiopian eunuch was reading the prophet Isaiah when Philip engaged him in conversation that led to him accepting Jesus. "Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus."
