Standing together and representing three generations of missions are back row, from left: Diane Hooper, Brooke Evans, Oaklee Evans; front row from left: Wiley Evans, and Tanner Evans
BROWNSVILLE — It isn’t unusual for a Baptist church to plan and go on a short-term mission trip but when three generations from the same family go together—they set an example for others.
Woodland Baptist Church near Brownsville, TN in Haywood County joined with other Tennessee Baptist Churches to work with Send Relief, a project supported by the North American Mission Board (NAMB).
Diane Hooper, a retire d grandmother and former director of an assisted living center, her daughter and son-in-law, Brooke and Buddy Evans and their three children Oakley 16, Tanner 14, and Wiley 10 joined a group of 14 people, in late March, for a 10-hour bus ride to the Dallas, Texas area. Buddy Evans, an experienced driver drove the church bus.
However, helping others and being involved in missions in nothing new for this family. Diane’s grandmother, Irene Ellington, her Aunt Geniva, her father, Ray Ellington and now Diane and her daughter and grandchildren make 5 generations that have given time and talents to serve both God and others.
Data shows that when children are involved in missions when young, they are very likely to continue participating and supporting mission activities when grown…with families of their own. It’s like a circle without an end…it just keeps going and giving.
Randy Kellough, pastor of Woodland Baptist Church has a “heart” for missions. Believing in the great commission, to go and tell others, Kellough leads by example. When approached by Brooke Evans, concerning the Serve Tour, Kellough was ready to turn this dream into a reality. “Missions are what the Lord has called us to do,” says Kellough. “It is rewarding as an individual, yet when a family participates together it becomes more so. Seeing families do missions builds a legacy that encourages churches. Small churches can support and encourage through giving, praying and teaching missions. By providing in this way, it brings opportunity to celebrate and to unify the church to fulfill the mission God has appointed.”
Jesus commands his followers in Matthew 28: 19-20, “Therefore go and made disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Another thing that makes this mission trip unique is that Woodland Baptist is a healthy, but small rural church. Established 200-years ago, records indicate the church always was mission minded. Averaging about 50 in Sunday school since the pandemic, 14 people went on the Serve Relief tour to Dallas. That is 28% of those in Sunday school. So, when 28% of your Sunday attendance go on a mission trip, this says something about their love for the Lord and a love for missions. If a church this size can plan and go on a mission trip, all churches, regardless of size, can also.
Preparing for a mission trip
About a year ago, Brooke Evans started searching for a short-term or weekend mission trip where she and her husband could take their family. After much prayer, she was led to Send Relief in Dallas, Texas.
Those attending had to go through a background check and supply their Social Security Number.
As this was a new experience for their children, many questions arose. Such as “How do I tell people about the love of Jesus?” Brooke would say, “Look in the mirror and practice what you will tell the people you meet. Tell them about John 3:16.”
Jobs accomplished
Send Relief was highly organized. Nine states were represented; 49 churches. Forty-eight jobs were completed in 2 days. Driving 521 miles on Thursday, work on Friday and Saturday and return home on Sunday—this was a short mission trip but one that accomplished so much.
There were many needs to be met. Volunteers were reminded of their mission by this plaque, “You don’t have to have everything, but do something.” It was unique to see so many people coming to Dallas to serve.
Jobs were available for all ages. Fourteen-year-old Tanner sored school supplies. Sixteen-year-old Oaklee organized art supplies, to be used for Back-Yard Bible Clubs. And Wiley, age 10, matched donated shoes. Wiley got to experience what it feels like to be barefoot and walk across rocks. Many children in Mexico, Peru, and Ethiopia do not have shoes. Four companies that make shoes in the U.S. donated boxes of shoes that had to be matched by using rubber bands. The children wrote notes expressing their appreciate for this donation.
Drive-through block party gives food, prayer, and Bibles
The mission team worked in areas near Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church where two congregations meet in a small church. One is Hispanic and the other African-American. Companies have sent canned food and staples to help the homeless in the Dallas area. Here, the team worked in the food pantry, stacked the products on selves and made boxes ready for distribution and pick-up where food is insecure in the community. Although this wasn’t always interesting work, yet the team was helping those who work at the church.
Another job they participated in was opening boxes and organizing returns from big box stores, such as Amazon.
At the Block-Party, each family left with a Bible, a prayer about Jesus, and a box of food. Each family was given a pamphlet, about the plan of salvation. One side was printed in English—the other in Spanish. To converse with parents, you had to go through their children, as the children spoke English.
Sometimes we are so accustomed to having more than we need, this church was without running water. A pipe had burst, but they continued cooking food in the kitchen and meeting for worship services. This was a lesson for the children that we can “do without” and use what you have, and still worship and tell people about the love of Jesus.
That day, 13 or 14 decisions were made to accept Christ. Going on a mission trip is a lot of work…but fun! Everyone felt blessed to be part of the group and carrying out the Great Commission. We all need this evangelistic spirit! B&R — Tomlin, who lives in Jackson, writes for the Christian magazine market and teaches the Jackson Christian Writers Fellowship.
