Since 2001 the Mt. Airy Presbyterian Church Missions and Outreach Committee has offered a short-term missions opportunity at Fairmont, West Virginia for our congregation. This is a 7-day missions trip offered every summer through Mission To The World (MTW), the PCA's world missions organization, emphasizing family and youth outreach by relational evangelism and service to the members of that community. During each winter and spring, the MAPC project team leader challenges the members of MAPC to prayerfully consider whether the Lord would have them serve on the Fairmont Missions Team. The team meets regularly throughout the spring, growing in unity and enthusiasm for the upcoming tasks and developing construction skills to be used on the upcoming summer's projects. Plans are developed for offering a week-long Vacation Bible School in the Fairmont WV area during the week on location. The Lord provides the needed funds through individual support raising and through other fundraising activities sponsored by the church and the Fairmont missions team. In early May, the MAPC project leader and construction leaders go to Fairmont for the Project Orientation Trip. At this meeting, the MAPC project leaders meet the families whose homes will be repaired, look over the needed construction work, and visit the VBS location to gather information that will help the team complete the planning process. The MAPC Fairmont Missions Team usually goes to the Fairmont area during late July or early August. It is a wonderful opportunity to serve Christ, spread the Gospel through evangelism, and minister to the wonderful folks in the Fairmont area. Typically, MAPC sends a team of 25 to 35 people. Whole families are encouraged to come, as well as singles, teens, and adults committed to deepening their walks with Christ and selflessly serving in His name. Begin praying NOW and seeking God's will in YOUR life regarding participating in this exciting opportunity in short-term missions! You will never be the same! The Lord will change you more than you can ask or imagine!! |