For over half of my life I have been doing mission projects with Mission Serve and World Changers.

Sometimes the name of the group changed but the purpose and calling seemed to remain the same. I have been known to do up to three projects in the summer months. I have led projects from Montana to the southern most part of Texas. As far west as Oklahoma and as far east as the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

Internationally I have led projects in Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. I have recently added Peru to the list. It has been a great journey and if I had it all to do over I would do the same. Some have asked why commit over half of your like to such projects.

First, God called me to pastor and early in my ministry revealed to me that I would be placing a lot of emphasis on youth–especially those who were different than most. These types of mission projects have allowed me to stayed focused on that particular calling.

Second, I use to attend denominational meetings every summer. I attended one where the reading of the Bible was ruled out of order and that got my attention. I discovered that, for me, it was far more rewarding to practice what the Bible said than to argue about what it meant. I replaced going to denominational meetings with mission projects–a great choice for me.

Third, I enjoy seeing what God does year after year. I have witnessed what I thought was the impossible. I have seen lives changed. I have baptized the forgotten ones in Buckhorn Lake. Year after year I see the impact that these projects have on those we take from North River. Many have found their calling in teaching, with emphasis on special needs. Some have gone on to serve as youth pastors, pastors, and missionaries. Just this week we welcomed home one from Uganda.

This is not my attempt at boasting. It is my testimony that God can do great things with our lives, even mine, when we are committed to following His calling.

This is my story…