What gives more comfort than a box of chocolates?  What is even more beautiful than a dozen roses?  What lasts even longer than diamonds? If you know the answers to these questions, it could be because you have been on a mission trip. 

During February, we are surrounded by chubby angels, hearts and arrows.  We attempt inventive, and not so inventive, ways to express our feelings to people we love.  Sometimes it means that we spend a huge amount of money for an extravagant dinner.  Or it may mean that we give a handmade “treasure” to the one who holds our heart.  But there is always some gift involved.

I want to share with you some people who have given and received the “The Perfect Gift” recently. 

What is more exciting than a Vacation Bible School?  Did you know that you allow over 600 children in NE India to better know the Lord each year?  You also sponsor training workshops for teachers of Vacation Bible School and Sunday Schools around the country. 

It is a tradition in many village churches in South India to have a community celebration of prayer for couples on their anniversary.  The service includes hymns, praise songs, scripture and a sermon.  Sometimes the entire village will take part in the worship.  

White Cross offerings make much needed supplies available to hospitals and clinics throughout India.  Yes, rolled bandages are still used, but you also supply; linens, uniforms, medicine, monitoring equipment, soap, towels, eye and ear drops, and other supplies that are used by the patients and the staff. 

One of the projects that I referred to this year as I traveled in the US was the Christian Meiti School  in Wangjing, Manipur.  The school started in 2009 with about 60 students.  They now serve over 300 students, and only 6 of the children are Christian.  What a blessing to their community!! 

Recently, a team came to NE India to share a program with the churches and associations.  “Celebrate Recovery” was developed by Rick Warren and associates.  The program encourages individuals to overcome their “hurts, habits, and hang-ups” with the help of Christ through Christian friends.  This church is making plans to train several groups and begin the program here in India. 

Now, you might recognize some of the people in this picture.  It was taken in Maine while I was there last fall.  It is impossible to continue sharing God’s love for mankind around the world without sharing in our own communities.  Each of you as individuals and as a church group is important to spreading the Word of God, around the world and also in your own communities. 

As we dodge, or succumb to, the “slings and arrows” of Cupid on this Valentine’s Day, consider making a commitment to discover the “Mission Ministry” that God has placed in your heart.

Contact one of your missionaries or development workers and see where you and your talents can make a difference.

Change your Life, as you Change your World.  Give the Perfect Gift.