NEWS

Fields United Methodist Volunteers in Mission to Joplin, Missouri July 17-22.

As the nine of us piled into the van after devotions and Holy Communion at the church, excitement for doing God’s work was overflowing.  Some have had mission experience and others, well this for them was a test of faith.  God’s Word that we wore on our hearts, and on our shirts was Paul’s words from his letter to the church at Philippi:

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)  

As we neared the First United Methodist Church of Joplin where we would be spending our nights, we drove through a small portion of the debris field and those words were tested.  Suddenly the laughter and fellowship silenced, whispered prayers filled the void.  Just as Jesus’ Disciples complained that they had nothing more than a few loaves and two fish to feed the multitude, our minds cried out, “Lord, we only have a few shovels and a couple of rakes.”  The devastation was immense, where once heavily wooded yards, homes, and businesses stood, now only crushed buildings, dead trees, and shattered lives remained.  What can so few do with so little, for so many? 

Once settled in the church, we ventured out and visited Ameri-Corp, the coordinator of the work crews in the debris field.  Our task was to separate combustibles from non-combustibles as well as search for personal belongings of homeowners and lay them on the foundation where their homes once rested.

Part of our team worked at the Family Worship Center Church separating and distributing clothes.  The Croc’s Shoe Company donated 5,000 pairs of shoes so some of us helped those in need of shoes. 

After a time of natural disaster, all of God’s creatures are affected, and the Joplin tornado disaster was no exception.  Our team spent a day at the Humane Society where at one time 1600 orphaned pets were housed.  All but 60 were adopted so we gave comfort to the remaining animals and unloaded a semi-trailer of dog biscuits, blankets, and animal toys to be distributed to those families with pets.

For those who lament the demise of The United Methodist Church, take heart.  Our Connection is alive and well doing the work of Jesus Christ in the world and certainly with the people of Joplin.  We did not feel we were staying in someone else’s church, we were staying in our church, the Cross and Flame a symbol of refuge, hope, and faith.  United Methodist and other churches were making a difference in the lives of so many.  As it turned out, Paul was right; we can do all things through Christ.  We touched lives and realized that when all things seem to be lost, much more is found.  We witnessed God’s miracles in the eyes of the people, in their stories, and through their hope.  They affirmed that nothing will separate them from the love of God through Christ Jesus their Lord. 

But there was something else, something that was unanticipated; we were transformed by God’s redeeming grace and the witness of the faithful in Joplin.  We saw God work mightily through thousands of volunteers; we were changed with the witness of hope even in those with only three shirts and a new pair of Crocs to their name. 

One of the members of First Church Joplin, after we shared Holy Communion together on the morning before we left for home, did not ask for prayers for herself but rather asked that we pray for the people of Joplin to have faith and hope as they begin to rebuild their lives. 

Our team left Joplin different people.  Truly, we “can do all things through him who strengthens us.” The miracles of God are seen when the work of Christ is done. Maybe, just maybe, we needed to be the hands of Christ in Joplin as much as the people of Joplin needed us.

Keep the people of Joplin in your prayers as we rebuild together, keeping the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ that he will be with “us always, even to the end of the age.”  By the way, our church will be returning to Joplin next year to continue God’s work.

Dr. Tom Joyce, pastor
Fields United Methodist Church