Short-term missions don’t necessarily demand a passport or spending a couple of weeks in Mexico. Here is a wonderful example.
Twenty-three members from five CB churches invested 48 hours of the weekend following Mother’s Day in making the 16th Hispanic Family Camp a success.
Members of Evangel Baptist in Portland taught children ages six through 11 for the third consecutive year. A couple from Newport led a fast-moving activity time, and two ladies from Sonrise Church in Hillsboro led craft time.
Teams from Gladstone First Baptist provided a program for two dozen preschoolers while another cared for as many infants. A team of nine with ties to Cannon Beach Bible Church prepared six meals, feeding up to 400 campers and staff. With the leading edge of Chef John Newman of Stephanie Inn of Cannon Beach, meals were abundant and on time.
A young man from Cannon Beach served as lifeguard for the many who wanted to use the canoes.
Most of the volunteers spoke little or no Spanish, yet none of them found any difficulty relating to their Spanish-speaking friends. Many of these workers are already making plans to return next year, but there will be a need to fill a number of places since some will not be able to return.
Not only did these volunteers allow more of our Latin brethren to attend the teaching sessions, they had the opportunity to become more familiar with the hispanic culture. Additionally, it broke down prejudices on both sides.
Everyone who served left tired but very fulfilled. We would love to work with anyone willing to take a similar challenge.
