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Ministering in Tonga: Bells, Beagles, and Porch Talk December 17, 2007 By Martin Schmaltz Okay, I'm weird. My wife has always told me I think different.
So, I like the airport thing, the bigger the
better--especially the international terminals. Where else can you see a
microcosm of the world's cultures? The adventure of a mission trip does not
start when you land in country; it begins as you leave your home country. This
was so apparent on my recent trip to a leadership conference on Apostolic
Authority in
the Kingdom of Tonga,
sponsored by
Apostolic Missions,
Inc. Air travel is wonderful, I think? Security screening can
either bring out the best or worst in us. Thankfully, this trip I saw only the
good. As I was unpacking my computer and electronic equipment to be scanned, I
commented to the man behind me, “the joy of flying.” He responded casually, “It is what it is.” As he passed
through after me, I heard the ominous beeping of the machine. As the TSA began
to search him, I wondered if he would still have the same to say. While waiting for my luggage in New Zealand, I was busy
watching people. My attention was caught by the security dog used to sniff the
various suitcases. It was a cute happy-go-lucky beagle. I watched this little
bundle of energy walk over to a young lady's carry-on bag and begin to paw at
it. I could only imagine the terror running through her mind. As the handler
began to politely search her bag, I watched as two more security personnel were
slowly-but-deliberately converging from opposite directions to this scene. Was
it about to get exciting? Was I about to witness the bust of an international
drug ring? Nope. Fortunately, everything worked out okay for all. However, the
handler did take the beagle to the back after that; I hope he was all right. Missions on the Porch The most interesting part of missions work is the interaction
with people. Now I am not speaking just of the churches or events you minister
at, I mean those you meet as you go about traveling. This trip I stayed in a
guest house which is like a bed and breakfast in the States. By their very
nature, the walls of isolation begin to drop and you meet some of the most
interesting people. There are individuals like the Aussie who injured his leg
and is attempting to find a doctor; the expatriate from the UK who is a mother
hen; there is the Austrian/German who walks from the shower down the hall with
only a towel wrapped around him; there is the partying Australian lady and her
son; then me--the preacher. Yet due to the common ground of the guest house, we sit on the
porch exchanging travel stories: some, even the woes of their life. Should this
not be what the church is like? Individuals of different backgrounds,
experiences and situations of life coming together in a common ground of
acceptance and belonging as we make our way on the journey of this life to
eternal life in Jesus Christ. It is amusing how we view a new environment based on our
existing beliefs. One morning about 5 a.m. I was awakened by the pealing of
church bells. My attention was drawn to the window as lightening flashed,
followed by the ominous roll of thunder as this massive dark cloud bank
approached. Standing at the window, I noticed the occupants of the house behind
us come out and jump into their van and drive away. My mind began to race. Many
US cities have severe weather sirens. Was this what these bells were for? Was it
a thunderstorm? A hurricane? Were these individuals leaving to find a safe
place? Should I go? Where would I go? These thoughts raced rampant through my
mind. So I did the only thing I could do--pray! Later that morning I found out
that one of the church organizations had early morning prayer and the bells were
calling the people to pray. Well they got me to pray! Oh yeah - the missions trip! The conference was wonderfully
visited by the Lord as He ministered to the leaders. There were times of
revelation, impartation, encouragement, strengthening, and healing. It is
wonderful to be a part of the greatest thing that eternity has ever known--the
Kingdom of Heaven. © 2007, Martin Schmaltz ---------- Martin Schmaltz has pastored for 11+ years, first in
Missouri and currently in Albany, Ga. He is the author of Apostolic
Authority, Every Believer's Privilege and executive director of
Apostolic Missions
Inc. His most creative times are experienced while working from his Starbucks
“office.” |
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