As you read this on Sunday, June 12th, the mission team is already on the ground in St. Croix. Even with the hard work, long hours, and very warm temperatures, I enjoy being a part of this wonderful group. It brings me pleasure to work with Clancy and the dynamic team from Karns, laboring together to further the cause of Christ. We have this opportunity to work toward the Master’s commission in a setting that is not “void” of the teachings of Christ, but nonetheless very weak, resulting in a difficult work. Some of the results are immediate, as evidenced by the baptism in the sea while we were there one year. Another immediate result is the appreciation the island folk have for our efforts in working on their houses or fences. However, the long term results cannot be measured and only the Lord knows the full impact.
Our efforts this year will again fit into three categories: Evangelism, Maintenance, and VBS. The evangelism team will concentrate on individual contacts by handing out literature and offering opportunities for Bible studies. We mainly target store entrances where we have permission to greet customers. The maintenance team will provide workers to perform various improvements to residences’ homes who otherwise would not have the resources to make the improvements. One of the unique tasks this year is we will paint the gymnasium of the local public elementary school. The VBS team will again teach children in their public school, something that would not occur here. By offering VBS in the public schools, we are able to share the Word of God and the Love of God with children of various ages.
I want to thank those who made the choice to go and work hard this week. There are others who began preparing and working many months ago for the success of this trip, and I would like to express sincere appreciation: Gregg and Sherrye Woodall for all their effort in developing the various aspects of this trip, Sue Benner for her help with VBS materials, and Chris Pegg for his efforts on travel arrangements.
Please continue to pray for our success, safety here and our return trip.
The St. Croix Mission Team: Brad Alsup, Evelyn Apple, Samuel Cox, Steve Higginbotham, Kathryn & Mary Lindner, Amanda & Jeremiah McCarver, Katie Pruett, Dae Roff, Molly Shaw, John & Mary Beth Seibel, Candy, Jeff, Marilyn & Samantha Snyder, Bennie Williams, Tony Williams, Gregg & Sherry Woodall.
For the elders, Tony Williams