More than 60 volunteers, from ages 5 to 77, traveled from seven states to minister in 10 churches and four ministries in Baltimore during this summer’s FamilyFEST, a hands-on missions opportunity for families sponsored by national Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU).
In June, several people participated in construction and beautification projects, Vacation Bible Schools (VBS), block parties and prayerwalking in the Baltimore area. Melanie Hart of Pittsburgh was WMU’s onsite coordinator and Maria Sigmon from Embrace Baltimore coordinated the missions sites.
Dave and Alison Bode of Nanjemoy, Md., brought their seven children to do missions work in Baltimore. They helped clear out a basement in Seventh Baptist Church’s rowhome.
The family removed old pews and personal items and later handed out postcard invitations to a block party sponsored by Seventh Church.
Five-year-old Brynna Bode understood the point of the trip.
“We have to tell people about Jesus,” she said. “That’s what one does on a missions trip.”
This was the first family missions trip for Kevin and Gretchen Smith of Bardstown, Ky., and their children, Spencer, 15, and Riley, 13.
For Spencer, the missions experience heightened his awareness of ministry. “At home, we have so many things to do. Everyday life is not 100 percent missions work, but here it is,” he said. “But then we realize we should be like this at home, too.”
At Hazelwood Baptist Church, 12 women from South Carolina and a couple from Louisiana finished 28 of 30 beautification projects on Pastor Ed Reese’s list. Joining them were four men from Missouri who were visiting Baltimore on a baseball stadium tour who heard about the missions opportunity and joined in.
“Baseball is great but a chance to do missions is the ultimate,” Nolen West said.
Tony Rivers, pastor of Grace Church in Wilson, N.C., led his team at Catonsville Church, where 142 people came to a block party. Forty-four adults and children accepted Christ, reported Bob Lilly, Catonville’s pastor.
Rivers said he is convinced that families going on missions trips is ideal. He credits WMU for the right missions opportunity.
“I looked at WMU for their history of thoroughness and track record for careful planning,” he said. “WMU has it all right there for you. It’s so easy.”
“This is a lot better than a vacation,” shared Katie Lucas, who brought along her 11-year-old daughter, Mackenzie.
They handed out water bottles and information from Grace Life Church and participated in a Patterson Park Church-sponsored “Dog Party,” handing out dog biscuits to pet owners.
David Lee, executive director of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D), commended parents for involving their children, noting there is “no way to measure that impact.”
Gayla Parker, BCM/D missionary for missions customization and missions innovator for WMU, agreed. For two years, she has prayed for FamilyFEST to be in Baltimore.
“It was awesome to finally see the faces of the people I had been praying for,” she said. “Even more incredible was seeing how God used them to bring more than 50 people to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, plant hundreds of seeds for others to one day harvest, and encourage their brothers and sisters in Christ who serve here daily.”
For more information, visit www.wmu.com. (WMU)
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