My Day off in Canandaigua, NY

I am working on a DVD for Mike & Tina Hook, yesterday while we were recording the narration for the video (3 hours = 2 minutes and 10 seconds of usable audio) they asked if I would like to go with them so I could get video footage.  Having already set up someone else to run sound at church I jumped at the opportunity and went.

So early this morning I showed up to their house in order to go for a missionary ride-along.  There I got to witness my friends do their thing.  It was fun, interesting and very tiring.  We drove for just over an hour to arrive in Canandaigua.  Calvary Assembly of God is a pretty church in this very small town.  Including me, around 14 people got to listen to these two give their vision for what God has called them to do. 

It seems that almost every church they have hit so far are small churches like this.  Churches that want to participate in reaching the world for Christ.  Unfortunately these churches are not able to pledge monthly, but they are generous to them when they come and visit.

If anything it was a bit of an eye-opener for me.  I have known these people for years, and even have the privilege of knowing of this call and seeing how God has worked through them to bring them to this point.  However, I've never watched as they shared their hearts with people they have never met.  Revealing God's vision in their hearts to people, asking only that people would give toward missions and pray.  Sharing how by sharing in prayer and giving, the ones that stay get the missionaries reward as well.  Yet, not once did they ask for money for themselves.  They know God has provided and they are now beating the pavement in faith that His promise is true.

I went to help them out for this video, getting footage I maybe able to use.  I ended up being blessed by them once again.  Seeing the hard work they put in, trying to connect with a group of strangers and bringing them into their vision. 

My prayer is that everyone gets the opportunity to be friends with people who are called into missions.  You will learn how hard it is for them to raise funds to support God's vision on their lives.  You will get to learn a little bit about the disappointments when churches refuse to let them come, not alone support them.  You will also get to hear the excitement when God moves in their lives and ministry.  If you, like me, are not meant to become a long-term missionary (not everyone can go, people need to stay and support), become close friends with a missionary so that you can get an idea of what it is like for them.  You may find yourself opening your wallet a bit more for missionaries.

Today was a very fun day, and I am blessed beyond belief that I got to be a small part of their journey.