"For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For also by one Spirit we were baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were made to drink of one Spirit. For also the body is not one member, but many. If the foot says, 'Because I am not a hand, I am not part of the body,' it is not for this reason any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, 'Because I am not an eye, I am not part of the body,' it is for this reason any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But God has appointed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. And if they were all one member, where would the body be?" 1 Corinthians 12:12-19
God's design for our bodies is truly extraordinary- 206 bones, 640 muscles, and over 37.6 billion celss all functioning perfectly in harmony. This underscores the significance of every member of Christ's body, with no one more or less important. Imagine how ineffective a church would be if everyone tried to serve as the pastor- lacking helpers, encouragers, or adminstrators- and if our connection through the Holy Spirit was only local. When one of us isn't functioning in our God-given gifts, others feel the effects. In contrast, when we each serve in the way God has blessed us, we see the Spirit working in ways that might go unnoticed. This is similar for our team, made up of many members from across the United States and the Dominican Republic, with most or all of God's spiritual gifts present. It is a blessing to see how God unites us each year, encouraging growth and preparing us to share the gospel with bold confidence.
There are 78 days left until our travel day to Santo Domingo, and we are heavy in the prayer and preparation stage. The search for airline tickets will begin to ensure we obtain the best available price. We need to ensure that we have everyone's correct legal name, including middle name, on our travel team. Please let us know by Saturday, November 1, if our spelling of your name is correct as it appears on your passport. Additionally, confirm whether you will be traveling with us from Chicago to Santo Domingo on January 17, 2026, and returning from Santo Domingo to Chicago on January 24, 2026.
If you are looking to extend your arrival or departure date, we will need to know this and the dates before Saturday, November 1, to ensure accurate and better pricing. Please also let me know if you have an allergies or diet restrictions so we can ensure the guest house is aware and prepared.
Our next short-term mission team meeting/potluck is on November 16, we will go over how to register on the Solid Rock International website and some other resources at this meeting.
"There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all who is over all and throguh all and in all." Ephesians 4:4-6
No comments:
Post a Comment