Small-town ministry isn’t a stepping-stone; it’s a destination. – Donnie Griggs
I recently read a blog that hit something I’ve been trying to communicate over the past decade. (and learning about myself) But I first began to ponder home-town ministry when my brother, Kevin and I were having a conversation in 2006 about Don and I going into missions. Now, that was a long time ago and it’s safe to say neither of us could tell you exactly how the conversation went. But it was thought provoking.
We talked about growing up in Bolivia, the pros and the cons. What it means to be a missionary internationally and domestically. We discussed how different things are since the 70’s and earlier when individuals went into missions – saying goodbye and not knowing the next time you’d return or see a loved one. But mostly, we talked about support raising and business as missions, or for most – what living missional looks like and why more Christians don’t live this way.
At the time my brother and his wife, we ministering to many who were sick and in need of a support community. As he shared about what they were doing, I realized that his call was no different than mine. To the ends of the earth… Share the gospel everywhere. While all along, I had the misconception that a “real” missionary sold everything and lived in a poor country with a different language…and risked lice for the sake of the gospel.
Don and I joined Adventures in Missions in early 2007, lived here in the US, raised $40,000 a year support, trained leaders, recruited HS age participants for short term mission trips, lead and debriefed…and repeated year after year. It wasn’t glamorous, but our focus was just that. In the slower seasons, I would lead adult short term trips… sometimes more than 1 a month. God was present and the Holy Spirit moved.
But…
When I would return to Gainesville, I was empty…drained…exhausted. I felt as if the expectation was to keep leading as much as possible. And then, while teaching about “it’s all about relationships, the greater commandment – loving one another (your neighbor)” it dawned on me! I couldn’t tell you much about my neighbors other than their names. I set a goal to learn more about Dee/Don, who lived to our left and Art, who lived to our right. We were there Dee had cancer and later when her husband Don died. We were there when Art fell. We’d share a glass of wine at Art’s and talk about life, death and the gospel. We learned more and more about people, places and businesses in our community. And we fell in love..with the people of small-town Gainesville, GA.
Small-town ministry isn’t a stepping-stone; it’s a destination. – Donnie Griggs
It’s Donnie’s article that I’d like you to read – https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/god-calling-you-go-home/
Over many years, friends and strangers would often say or imply that they wanted to be involved in missions. Each time, I respond by saying – you are already involved. You live in a community that needs what you have to offer. You don’t need to move. You don’t have to be poor. Raise money or have lice. Is it possible that God wants you to stay put at your current job or town? Yes, it is true…he may also want you to do something different. But ask, don’t assume. There is so much that needs to be done here.
So, we continue to live missionally here in Gainesville. Our relationships span from our “Urban campers” (homeless) and beyond.
A example… When we first opened Purchase Effect, a met a gentleman who had come in the building to use the bathroom. We began chatting. I quickly discovered, he was homeless but had some carpentry skills. I hired him to help tear apart pallets etc. Soon he became a friend of ours and we would talk often. He loved the Lord but had some unhealthy habits that made a fresh start difficult. Over the years (almost 5 now) he’s been in and out of the hospital, shelters etc. As a last resort, he admitted himself in a place in Alabama. We hadn’t heard from him in about 6 months. Not knowing if that was a good or bad sign… we continued to hope/pray that he was well. Out of the blue, he called. He would be in town for a court hearing. Could he come by and visit. “I want to share about what the Lord is doing”. The next week, he showed up – a new man. With tears rolling down his face, he proudly showed pictures of his diploma, his new apartment, his first home cooked meal that he made. The road won’t be easy, but… he is joyful and full of hope! We are grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of his journey along with others in this community.
Again, to all who have read, prayed and supported us over the years, thank you. We continue this journey with you and because of you.
The Rocks,
