“It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect…”
Psalm 18:32
Over 40 men, decked out in a motley array of POWER t-shirts and arriving from all corners of the US, assembled in a parking lot in San Antonio. Some are bedraggled from long and early flights, others are ecstatic over the week to come, and first year attendees are feeling a bit of trepidation mixed with excitement. However, all have come dedicated to serve the greatest mission of all, to help others find and follow Jesus Christ.
As for this writer, we left the cold and ice of Cleveland, Ohio for the unusual coolness of San Antonio, Texas at a most unGodly early hour. I’m convinced, having done many mission trips, that all such trips must begin so early due to Biblical command, despite no such verse actually existing. Nonetheless, the cold could not dampen the fire in our hearts, fueled by the sheer joy of a week of service to the one and only Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It certainly didn’t affect Pastor Buncher, who wore only a t-shirt for most of the day.
The Cleveland group arrived a bit early and joined the Iowa group for lunch on the river walk and a quick trip to the Alamo. You can’t forget that place, of course. Then, we rejoined the rest of the group in the aforementioned parking lot. It was a joyous time to reconnect with old friends, comrades in Christ, and catch up with those we have missed for the past year. Much may have changed in our individual lives, but the mission reunited us as though we had only been apart for a short time.
Before dinner at Chopsticks Buffet and a long drive to Del Rio, we were debriefed and received our nametags from the ever faithful, yet dramatic, Marty Read. During that time, the verse mentioned above ran through my mind. It is a verse that was preached to me on my first trip by the fiery preacher Dave Burkett. Before undertaking any mission or endeavor for God, we have to gird ourselves with His strength, much like David would for battle. After our arrival at Faith Mission in Del Rio, we found our bunks and had a short meeting. As I write this entry, I see men girding themselves for the week ahead. Some do work on their laptops to have it done, lest it interfere with the greater mission. The worship crew is rehearsing, the food crew is planning, while other men read their Bibles or join late night prayer group. Regardless, we are all girding our hearts for a week of worship and service, dedicated solely to Him alone. Rest well men, for tomorrow the work begins.
Prayers: Pray for unity amongst the teams during the week and for good health during the trip.