With Chris Zoephel | It Takes A Church To Raise A Village

YAMIA is the youth and student ministries arm of the Anglican Mission in the Americas.

Is the title of a book. I like the idea.

Just got back from Buff Bay, Jamaica. There is about 37,000 people who have access to one doctor! Otherwise they have a 45 minute drive (no ambulance) to get to the next towns hospital. This is not good.

So, in response to this our team is now in the beginning stages of starting a hospital there. In addition, we are also starting a corporation that will build affordable 1 and 2 room pre-fab homes for the Buff Bay residents. Both projects are ambitious but tenable. WHAT AN AMAZING GOD WE SERVE!

Which leads me to my point/question.

While in Buff Bay we did some street ministry, our students led daily devotions at a school of 200 kids and preached and spoke to a quarter million people on a radio program. Sounds like a successful mission trip eh?

However, I do not think that equals a successful mission trip. I think that stuff makes me feel good but I am a bit skeptical about some of it...the street ministry part in particular. I know God's Word has power but apparently it is very common for Jamaicans to be "led to Christ". Mission Teams come back excited but the Jamaicans remain in the same state they were in. Why is this? What I have come to understand is that to lead a Jamaican in the sinners pray is great but to get them to commit to baptism is a whole different story.

Jamaicans tend to see baptism as a whole life commitment to Christ. A total break from the past and a true commitment to following Jesus as Lord and Savior (at least in Buff Bay). For them, this is conversion. So they will pray with you, tell you they are Christian and politely listen to you but to commit to baptism...that ain't happenin. For that you need a more holistic and long term plan that includes follow up etc...

That is why I am most excited about the community development part.. We have an opportunity to care for the whole person and help, by God's grace, to transform the culture of Buff Bay. Starting a faith based hospital...employing people in a new business that will love on folks by giving them affordable housing...supplying the local Christian school...now I am looking for someone who is called to start a church that can help follow up on all those who hear about and meet the Lord...Pray for all of this.

Now, what about here in America? I am wondering what we can do in our own communities...

Labels: Community Development, Mission Trips

Involved in Youth Ministry for over 10 years, Rev Chris Zoephel has worked with junior highers, senior highers and those who act like these folks both as a paid staff member and as a volunteer in churches and para church organizations. These days most of his time is spent chasing his son around, keeping his office somewhat organized and trying to point others toward Christ. Currently Chris is on staff at Immanuel Anglican Church in Destin, FL as the Pastor of Discipleship (which includes being a youth pastor). Chris also serves as Director of YAMIA for the Anglican Mission in the Americas.