Josh Dye: Beyond baptisms and buildings
Mission trips should definitely be more than just about baptisms and buildings (“Beyond baptisms and buildings,” Connections Vol 25 No 1)—they’re important, but to maintain these, and to even grow from these beginnings, follow up is essential.
The long-term success of any mission trip depends on what happens after baptism and building. The activities and programs you and your team implemented in the Solomon Islands are valuable in connecting with people, in building, maintaining and growing relationships.
We’re relational beings. It’s amazing the difference it makes when we know we’re not alone, particularly if we’re experiencing pain and suffering in our lives.
Being a Christian does not guarantee a life free from pain and suffering. Instead, it equips and strengthens us to face pain and suffering and to stop and prevent further pain and suffering. Being a Christian is following Christ’s example. His primary mission while on earth: connecting with people, healing and teaching to build, maintain and grow His relationship with others and their relationships with each other.
Isel Rante
www.avondale.edu.au/connections
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Ella Boyd Hall
The article about the story behind the naming of Ella Boyd Hall (“Missionary zeal,” Connections Vol 24 No 24) describes a scene at Avondale similar to mine—I am a teacher who graduated from the Normal Course in 1941. We were given similar travelling advice and adhered to similar “home regulations” for strolling around campus and for “boisterous deportment” in the halls. Life at Avondale has changed. I don’t know when, but it certainly hadn’t in my time.
Iris Scragg-Adderton (Victor Harbor, SA)
Tags: Correspondence