TBC Missions
Costa Rica Mission Trip, April 7-17, 2010
The World Health Organization says that 80% of all sickness in the world is attributable to unsafe water and inadequate sanitation.
UNICEF says a child dies every fifteen seconds from disease due to unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation and hygiene. These statistics tell any concerned Christian that something needs to be done to alleviate this problem; therefore our team will train and pray and ask for your support as they try to make a difference in the lives of Costa Ricans.
Americans have become aware of the needs in Haiti since the earthquake brought Haitians into our living rooms every night on television. Everyone realizes their needs are great, but basic human needs are not confined to Haiti. Worldwide 884 million people live without clean water; preventable diseases caused by unsafe water and inadequate sanitation occupy half of the hospital beds in the developing world, and if no human action is taken, as many as 135,000,000 will die from waterrelated diseases by the year 2020.
These facts cannot be ignored by those who have read the words of Jesus in Matthew 25: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink...Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?...The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Notice that this admonition does not ask us to care for others, does not suggest that we care for others, but mandates that we follow His instructions to meet the needs of His people.
Without a doubt, clean water is one of the most basic of human needs. That’s why our Costa Rica team members will pray and train and give their time and money to carry out the instructions Matthew 25 makes so clear. They will not only install equipment to make clean water available, but also teach Costa Ricans about hand-washing with soap which is the single most effective intervention that would cut diarrhea deaths in half.
What a noble goal for a TBC mission endeavor! Not everyone can go on this trip, but all of us can have a part in providing safe water and principles of hygiene.
Ghana Mission Trip, June 28-July 9, 2010
Although 14 people have already committed to go to Africa, others are asking, “Why Ghana?”
As we learned last fall when Emmanuel Mustapha visited our church, Ghana is already so well organized in spreading Christianity, they are ready to put our mission team to work. The leadership is in place, and communication is easy since English is the spoken language. It is also one of the safest places to go in Africa because currently the country’s government is a sustained democracy.
Dr. Mustapha told us about the many churches that have already been planted which underlines the fact that people are spiritually receptive. However, there is also great spiritual need since 40-50% of the people are Muslim. Best of all, this is sustainable mission work where we can continue to partner and make a difference year after year.
What Will We Do?
The needs which will be met on this mission trip depend on the gifts of those who are willing to go. These needs include: medical and dental care, VBS for children and youth, Bible study for adults, teaching ESL, leadership development, introduction of micro business, construction (roof for church), and water purification project. If you have gifts to share, please call Denise Bruchmiller to discuss the possibility of your joining this dedicated group.
What is the Cost?
Total cost of the trip is approximately $3,200. which includes flight, lodging, and all your expenses plus three days of sightseeing on the way home: safari, waterfall, castle, and canopy tours. So, you can be a part of God’s plan for ministry in Ghana and see the beauty of Africa as well as form bonds with other team members who desire to meet needs and share the gospel with the people of the Yendi Northern Region of Ghana. What could be more exciting or rewarding?
If you would like to make a contribution, please make your check payable to Trinity Baptist Church and mark the memo line “Ghana Mission Project”.
If you have questions, or would like to designate your contribution to a specific area or individual, please call Mel Pankey @ 738-7717.