I may not be a smart man . . .

"But I know what love is."

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I'm sure you recognize that line from one of my favorite all time movies, Forrest Gump.  Forrest's love for Jenny is pure; it is proven by his devotion to her, even when his love isn't returned. 

As we served on mission in New York City there were many struggles we had  overcome, not the least of which was the
five flights of stairs to our rooms in the NY Baptist Association Mission House that we traveled multiple times per day.   At first glance, the exhaustion from standing on the streets for hours in the NY City heat, additional stairs to and from the subways, and walking long city blocks,  doesn't appear to be very smart.  But watching the gallant effort of our TVCC team to persevere, one soon realizes that this is the full expression of "knowing what love is."   

At one point, in an effort to offer relief, I suggested that some of our team take a day off and rest.  One struggling servant replied, "That would be cheating - I'll be fine."  Another who was in tremendous pain said, "I want to be involved - I don't want to miss this."

It may not have seemed smart but I can tell you, they "know what love is."  There was no quit in your team, TVCC.  Each person expressed the love of Christ.  And even when passed by and rejected many, many times, they continued to offer a simple granola bar and an invitation to The Journey Church in NY.  There they will hear the Good News of Jesus Christ, and many will receive Him as Lord.    

And even though you may not have been on the trip physically, your giving, prayers, and support of the ministry of TVCC are every bit as necessary as those who went.  It's all about the Kingdom of God and your involvement, in whatever form it takes, is the most important thing you'll ever do in this life.  Over the past nine years since The Journey Church was planted, 30% of their baptisms have been a direct result of these servant evangelism projects.  This month they will exceed 1,000 baptisms since beginning in 2002!  Our team gave away over 22,000 granola bars and invitations but the entire body of Christ at TVCC was involved.  Only eternity will tell the results of this labor of love.  This we know for sure:

For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink (or a granola bar!) because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward. Mark 9:41 (ESV)

Thanks TVCC, for being the great church and witness you are.  Whether in Townsend, NY City, Haiti, or Paris, TN, God will bless and use those who are willing to be on mission with Him.