Posted: 4/01/05
Couple's example inspires church
By John Hall
Texas Baptist Communications
WACO–Pastor Jay Swoveland said his congregation is learning what it means to be “missional,” and now Meadowbrook Baptist Church in Waco has an example to follow in the form of two of its members.
A husband and wife from the church recently flew to South Asia, where they will supervise a home that will house Christian mission teams from around the globe. They are taking time off their jobs to serve for several months. The couple's names and place of service are being withheld to protect their ministry.
This service opportunity is one of the first results of field work in the region by WorldconneX, the Baptist General Convention of Texas-related missions network. A staff member is traversing the area, making contacts, determining where ministry is needed and developing a systematic way of addressing needs. This work is creating opportunities for Texas Baptists to become more involved in South Asia relief ministry.
Since the couple's commitment, the congregation has increased prayer for the region, the pastor said. Members are trying to discern if God is calling them to supervise the South Asia home for the next 14 months.
This follows the congregation's Royal Ambassadors donating about $90 in pennies to the Texas Baptist Men South Asia relief ministry. The church now has been involved in nearly every aspect of ministering in South Asia.
And members now see two of their fellow believers using their vacation to serve God. Swoveland said this will have a long-term effect on the church.
“I think it brought affirmation that there is a difference between being missional and being missions-minded,” Swoveland said.
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