Michigan Mission Trip 2009

by Alisa Howard

Before leaving for Michigan, Satan began his attacks. I was having health issues and it seemed the team was having difficulty getting along. However, once the trip began, everything seemed to start falling into place. My health issues subsided and the team appeared to be in unity. We began to work together for the Lord, rather than battle for control of certain issues surrounding the team. Satan did take shots at us, but with prayer, we all started working together for the common good. This unity became stronger with each day.

On our first day, Linda Turner had a spirit lifting devotional on the names of God, Jehovah Nissi (the Lord is our banner), Jehovah Girah (the Lord that provides) and Jehovah Adonai (the Lord is our master). She gave testimony regarding her son, who several years ago, became ill while serving in the military. Randall Kidd gave out new testaments, which we were asked to give out by the end of the day. Our first stop, in Scottsville, Indiana, was at Jeeves and Company, for a wonderful lunch in a private dining room. Mark Kearley led us in prayer and we discussed the next day’s activities, which would include prayer walking. Our day finished up at Wendy’s in South Bend, IN, where we relaxed and hammed it up for the camera.

After breakfast the next day, we presented three young girls from England their own personal New Testament. Their father would not allow them to accept the gifts unless they promised to read from them every day. It was wonderful to see the young girls eyes light up when they received their Bible. At 8:45 am, Alan Pope began our morning devotional. With only one pit stop before lunch, we made our way closer to Bellaire, MI, our first “mission” stop. We arrived at the hotel in Bellaire, MI, around 3:45 pm, and left at 4:45 pm to head out to First Baptist of Bellaire. The Village of Bellaire, MI, has a population of approximately 1500 people, of which only 14% are churched. There are seven golf courses, so I can guess how most people here spend their Sundays. The service began at 6:00 pm with a quick message, and then our first puppet number. Anne Davies gave her testimony, followed by our only skit. Brian Manus gave his testimony and rapped a song called “Gratitude” from his newest CD. After the service we ate and fellowshipped with members of the congregation. Kathy Mashburn, Breanna Brackin, and I went prayer walking back to the motel.

After breakfast on our third day, we traveled to First Baptist to prepare bags for a day of evangelizing. Mark Kearley gave our inspiring devotional, and we divided into five (5) groups of three (3) people each. The pastor assigned each group to a different area of the Village. We delivered packets of information about First Baptist of Bellaire, passed out “Jesus” DVD’s, New Testaments, Brian Manus’ CD’s, adult and children’s salvation tracts. Debbie and Randy Kidd had the honor of leading a woman in the prayer of salvation. After several hours of prayer walking and delivering tracts, we split into two groups for lunch. With full stomachs, we went back to the church to make plans for a second walk that afternoon. We delivered the remaining bags of flyers and other items until about 4:30 pm. Later that evening, we visited “Coyote Bill’s” ranch for a barbecue and marshmallow roast.

We departed Bellaire and headed for Petoskey around 9 am. Along the way, we stopped at a cherry orchard called Friske Orchards, located in Charlevoix, MI. Upon arrival at Petoskey, MI, I gave the devotional on Psalm 62:5 – “Find rest, oh my soul, in God alone, my hope comes from him,” and Bryan Martin led us in prayer. We learned that delayed answers to prayer are not only trials of faith, but they give us opportunities of honoring God by our steadfast confidence in Him under apparent repulses. After a quick lunch at Kentucky Fried Chicken/Taco Bell, we went straight to a local waterfront park to distribute flyers, prayer requests, “Jesus” DVD’s, and the Christian rap CD’s by Christian rapper, Brian Manus. We invited all to the service on Wednesday, to VBS scheduled for next week, and to the gathering by the lake/bay scheduled for July 11. After our walk, we returned to the church for some delicious Mexican cuisine. We then went downtown to begin prayer walking in the area where we would be distributing evangelism packets on Wednesday morning. After about two hours, our walk was complete and we headed back to the hotel.

On the fifth day, we departed the motel around 8:00 am. We arrived at Agape Baptist Church shortly thereafter, and had an inspirational devotional message by Ross Covington with prayer by Brian Manus. After receiving our prayer/distribution materials, and team assignments, we began walking in our designated areas. Lunch break came at 12:00 pm, and after more packet distribution, we went on a short trip to the beach until about 3:00 pm, and then returned to the motel. At 4:45 pm, we departed the motel and arrived at the Agape Baptist Church for a fellowship meal and service led by our team. A dessert fellowship followed at 7:30 pm. I not only had the privilege of walking and praying with Pastor Karl, but also distributing packet and sharing the plan of salvation with many unbelievers in the community. Particularly interesting was the man who practiced a religion out of Germany. He was a local “blacksmith” who made weaponry, and cooked for the local “bed and breakfast” (the local jail). After spending some time with this man, I offered him a packet, which he gladly accepted.

On day six, we had an early breakfast, and devotional, given by Josiah Pavlik and Debbie Kidd from a book by Kay Arthur, followed by a prayer by Linda Turner. We checked out of the motel at 8:00 am, departed Petoskey, and arrived at Pellston at 9:00 am, where we immediately began setting up for the block party. Pellston’s Children Day Festival began promptly at 10:00 am. The response was tremendous. According to the interim pastor, Pastor Darren, the turnout was much bigger than last year. We began breaking down and putting away of the block party equipment at 2:00 pm, and departed for Mackinaw City shortly thereafter. After arriving in Mackinaw City at 3:00 pm, we had a short break and then left for an excursion to the Upper Peninsula at 4:00 pm. We had dinner, and then witnessed to people at the lighthouse just behind the restaurant. No one came to know the Lord, however seeds were planted in their hearts.

After our morning devotional on Friday, given by Maeve and Breanna Brackin, we departed the motel around 9:00 am. We arrived at Grace Community Church, at 9:15 am, to receive our daily assignments. After receiving our assigned areas and teams, we began our door-to-door distribution of VBS material and Jesus DVD’s. We finished distribution of packets in our designated areas after lunch, and then departed Pellston at 3:00 pm; only stopping for dinner in Lansing, MI, at 9:00 pm, where we would also spent the night. Our day ended at a pizza buffet, where Josiah and Brian Manus challenged each other to a pizza-eating contest. At twenty-two pieces each, they called it a draw. It was a nice release from the week’s schedule.

On our final day, we departed Lansing, Mi, at approximately 8:00 am (Eastern) and stopped within the first hour or so to refuel. After driving another couple of hours, we stopped for an early lunch. During our ride home, it was apparent that many were in great need of sleep. At one point, Alan Pope began “writing” rap lyrics. We met Josiah’s family in Bowling Green, KY. His family headed to a theme park in Santa Claus, KY, called Holiday World. After several more hours traveling, we arrived in Huntsville at about 6:45 pm (Central) and quickly unloaded our personal luggage. I, and probably many, went straight home to bed.

Our trip to Michigan was very successful. There were (7) salvations in the three (3) cities we visited. Many of us ventured out of our comfort zone. I am personally glad I had the opportunity to go door-to-door delivering packets and sharing the gospel. I cannot wait to return to these communities next year to see how God has blessed them and built their flocks.