Overseas Mission: Awesome Privilege

By Alan Bennett

In the heart of the Hunter Valley, NSW, sixteen kilometres from Singleton lies Camberwell, a small village surrounded by coalmines. There’s not much in the way of scenery unless you like moonscapes and dust. This is where I live.

I work in the Singleton Post Office and spend my free time playing bass guitar at Grace Community Church, and enjoying motorcycles and computers. My goal is to remain on this earth until I can no longer help my fellow inhabitants in this wonderful place that God has created.

After learning about the persecution of fellow believers in China, I felt God awaken a desire in me. I set myself to prayer and wanted to help. Two years later, I had an answer to my prayers. Peter Fuller came to speak at Grace Community Church. This paved the way for a ten-year journey with MMM in overseas mission. I’m not a tradesman but I was still able to help the brick layers, electricians and plumbers.

I developed skills in painting, sanding and fitting doors. I also have a supportive network of people that make my mission work possible.

My postal co-workers cover my shifts so I can take leave and my church family offer prayer and financial support.

Overseas mission is an awesome privilege of serving. The input greatly outweighs the output and you’re blessed spiritually and physically. On return, the memories formed
and the friends made are priceless.

During one trip, I worked for a handicapped children’s refuge. There was a fish farm nearby and an abandoned farmhouse in the background with no sign of life.

I took three photographs of the pond. It wasn’t until once I had the photos printed, I could see there were hundreds of fish below the surface. These photographs are a reminder to me that things aren’t always as they seem. This was a moment of insight, as at times I tend to judge when I don’t have all the facts. I hope that if I look at these photos often enough these judgmental tendencies will fade away.

I believe we should try our utmost to emulate the passion and demeanour that Jesus shows us in the Bible, and I believe that God provides all that we need. If we are doing His will, He will provide. I have learned to trust His wisdom far beyond mine because I know I am human and fallible. I’ve learned acceptance of the things that I cannot change, but can see the possibilities in the things that I can change.

At the moment, I’m trying to get fit again after a heart attack stopped me from going on Mission this year. This is a minor setback and I trust God that I will be there with my brothers, sisters and new friends in China 2010!