There was a time in my life when I had a fire for outreach that, in time, faded out. But in December 2012, Cruise With a Mission rekindled my passion. Going in, I did not know what to expect. I understood our mission trip would be at various ports, but I did not realize it would include worship on board.
In Jamaica, some of us went to a Christian school, where I was given a class of 50 three-year-olds. I told and retold the story of Baby Jesus then got them to sing songs. When snack time arrived, the kids gobbled up their food. I was famished and dizzy from the heat, and a boy offered me a plantain chip with his dirty hands. I graciously ate it. Then, one after another, students lined up, giving me their food. All this time I was talking God to them, yet their giving showed me that they were walking God. As I said goodbye, I crouched down and told each one, “Jesus loves you. Never forget that.”
Back on the ship, a fire started to burn within me. There was a young adult, Paul, not associated with our group, whom I had met earlier. I prayed that I would see him again. Indeed I did see him and invited him to church on Sabbath. I was shocked when he sat next to me. During the sermon appeal to “get out of the boat,” Paul dedicated his life to God. With tears in my eyes, I joined him.
My mission has not ended. My fire continues to burn. Watch out! A wildfire may be headed your way!—Ricardo Bacchus serves as editorial assistant for the CQ Bible study guide, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.
