How’d that happen?

Our first-ever Medical Mission to the Dominican Republic

What a great first experience! A team of twenty-six just returned from launching an international medical missions ministry, serving Jesus in our partnership neighborhood of Barrio George, in La Romana, Dominican Republic. The stories of how God moved in and through this team are still unfolding. Check out the “GO” blog to read about the team’s experiences.

As this team begins to debrief by asking themselves the questions, “Now what?” and “What are my next steps of faith?”, I am beginning to process and pray about questions of my own: How’d it all happen? How in the world did this team ‘pull off’ such a successful start-up ministry?

Here is some of what I’m learning:

1. It starts with vision and leadership teams. These teams unrelentingly remind us that Covenant Church has been given a clear mandate by the Lord to intentionally follow Jesus. Jesus has led us to focus the majority of our international mission work in Barrio George. Branson, the staff, Seedcasters and Mission Advisory teams have all been relentlessly driving this focused vision.

2. It’s okay to dream. Back in February of 2009, someone asked, “What would it look like if the medical community from Covenant mobilized in a unified effort in the DR?” That dream must have been aligned with God’s will, because several people felt led to get behind it, and a leadership team was effortlessly birthed.

3. Prudence, prayer, planning and preparation pay off. I had the privilege to be a part of the scouting team that traveled to the DR back in November of 2009 to check out the logistics of this start-up medical ministry. This small group of medical professionals, together with local ministry leaders, prayed for the Spirit’s direction. Once they received affirmation, the planning and preparation began. The ministry leaders began to plan and prepare for this initial trip seven months in advance. A ministry this complicated and intentional cannot be rushed. I am reminded of Matt 10:16, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”

4. Unashamedly invite others into ministry based on gifts, abilities and passions. The question the leadership team was asking the most was, “Who will go?” Then, they went out and intentionally invited people based on gifting, passion and experience. Twenty six people enthusiastically responded!

5. Equipping and team building are paramount. As a ministry, we’ve been learning more and more about the balance between equipping, training and team-building. I believe we’ve found the “sweet spot”. The last few teams that have traveled to the DR have gone as amazingly cohesive units – the body of Christ in action – with Christ as the head, of course.

6. “Going” is the easy part. I confess that I used to be a ‘missions snob.’ You would hear me say things like “Just go!” or “Why does it have to be so involved?” I am praising God for teaching me that intentionally following Jesus doesn’t always mean, “just go.” It’s more about following the ministry model that Jesus exemplifies. Jesus NEVER asks us to be reckless.

So, now what? I am anxiously anticipating where Jesus asks Covenant to “go” next. I am thankful for His clarity of vision for Covenant Church. I appreciate the leadership of this church, who partner with the Lord to drive His vision. I value the joy that comes as a result of following not only Jesus’ message, but His method as well.

Learning from the King,
Walter Strathy, Director of Outreach