May is Mission Month. Throughout my ministry, I have participated and/or led at least fifteen mission trips. Most of them were youth trips when I was serving First UMC in Ann Arbor, MI. We helped camps prepare for the summer season in North Carolina, Colorado, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Kentucky. We volunteered with the Appalachia Service Project and Mountain Top in Tennessee.

While serving a church in Anchorage, I was the Conference Secretary for the General Board of Global Ministries and spent a week in Moscow learning about our churches in Russia and another week visiting churches in Bulgaria in order to interpret their ministries to churches in the Western Jurisdiction.

While serving at St. John UMC in Anchorage, I was involved in hosting mission teams that came to Alaska from the Lower 48, many of them from Oklahoma. Because of our proximity to the airport and the fact that we had two sets of showers in the restrooms, many of the teams stayed at our church. It gave me an opportunity to experience mission teams from both the giving and receiving perspectives.

In 2007, I participated with a team from our church in Kribi, Cameroon, Africa. We refurbished a dorm and school building, but more importantly, we learned more about the culture and the many needs for that area. After moving to Epworth, I went back to Alaska with a team from Church of the Servant to lead a Bible School at a small church in Anchorage.

Even after all that experience with mission, my most impactful effect was upon my retirement when, in honor of my 48 years of ministry, the church raised $14,000 to build two freshwater wells for villages in Cameroon that had NEVER had fresh water. Had I known what a difference I could make, I may have retired sooner!

Opportunities to be in mission don’t come to an end when we retire. The Religious Life Committee has lined up several ways for us to continue to serve: the clothing drive, a food drive, volunteering and/or contributing to the Regional Food Bank of OK, volunteering at Scissortail Elementary School, and helping erase the debt some families have from their food service. And there are more opportunities to come regarding global missions.

Jesus said,” for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. …just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.”

Between 1992 and 2002, I took part in nine Volunteers-in-Mission trips under the auspices of the Oklahoma Methodist Conference. I went to Jamaica, the Mississippi flood plain (with youth), Guatemala (twice), Israel/Palestine, Puerto Rico, Alaska, El Salvador, and Belize. At first, I was hesitant to do this partly because it would mean being absent from my pulpit. But mostly, it would mean getting out of my “comfort zone.” The truth is that every mission experience was a unique challenge and blessing.

Most of the mission trips included construction work, a makeshift medical and dental
clinic, and a Vacation Bible School for the children. I was a construction worker, worked with the children, and was an “eye doctor,” testing and fitting people with glasses.

We worshipped with the people, worked with them, ate with them, and visited with them. What little Spanish I remembered from high school and college was of some help. Our team leader told me two weeks in advance to prepare a sermon in Spanish. I worked hard to come up with a one-page message and was surprised when people told me they understood what I was saying!

We were advised in our orientation, and periodically during mission meditations and briefings, to keep these two vital words in mind: patience and flexibility. Remember to practice patience and flexibility because you can never tell when the need may arise.

We talk a lot about how we need to be giving of ourselves and our resources. And we do. Our Religious Life Committee and our chaplains, Laura and Dwight, have provided a full month of celebration, education, and giving opportunities. (Note details elsewhere.) As we give, we also receive so much. Most of my experience as a VIM was in Central America. We found the people to be poor but gracious and grateful. It was an affirmation of our efforts.

As we reflect upon the significance of today’s date in Oklahoma and our Country’s history, we remember and honor the 168 lives lost and those forever changed by the tragic Oklahoma City Bombing on April 19, 1995. Though time passes, their memories remain etched in our hearts.

Here on the Epworth Campus, we have a seedling from the “Survivor Tree.” It is part of the American Elm that withstood the 1995 bombing and is still in its original location when it was planted around 1920. It is a living testament to the spirit of resilience and courage of the Oklahoma City community, the American people, and survivors everywhere.

The water aerobics classes offered at Epworth Villa are a favorite. They have a positive impact on those who attend, both physically and mentally. Led by Wellness Coordinator, Mary Alvarez, the class meets several times a week and residents are faithful to the class and don’t like to miss it. Alvarez encourages people to “take the plunge and try this low-impact workout that builds muscle strength and boosts your endurance. We have fun and it can be as challenging as you want it to be.”

Alvarez is respected by the Residents for her ability to plan each class and challenge those who are ready to push themselves. She also shares that she has seen participants overcome their fear of water – some have never swum before! She notes that some exercisers don’t feel stable on land but can really increase their physical activity through water aerobics.

Resident Gene Spillman observed that “Mary’s class flows smoothly, and they are always different. She pushes and inspires us to move the best that we can. She’s a great motivator.”

No one will argue about the physical benefits of water aerobics for seniors. Water aerobics can improve range of motion, enhance balance, and increase cardiovascular endurance. Alvarez says that every part of the body is exercised, and you feel wonderful when you get out of the water. Our pool and class are a safe space for anyone wanting to start an exercise program.

Water Aerobics also has mental advantages. Alvarez says that many of the exercises she incorporates into class require brain flexibility, so “not only is the body being challenged but the brain is too!” Stimulating the brain as well as the body improves participants’ overall well-being.

Lastly, the social benefits of water aerobics cannot be overlooked. The group atmosphere creates a sense of community and encourages social interaction. Class regular, Sallie Spillman adds, “When we are all together laughing and having fun, we can’t wait to come back again. We have so much fun, that we forget what we are doing is good for us!”

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your swimsuit and adventurous spirit and join a water aerobics class. You will be met with open, albeit wet arms and a big splash.