I would like to brag on my son. Over the summer, my wife and I were able to join Liberty Baptist Church of Chester on a mission trip to Haiti. Before we could even get the idea clear in our heads, our son, Blair, who is 9 years old, said he wanted to go. We explained that there wouldn’t be any air-conditioning and that it wouldn’t be at all like a trip to the beach. He wasn’t concerned. He was ready to go, and the wonderful people at Liberty were very accepting of our little missionary.
Nine-year-old Blair McBrayer with Kardonel, his sponsored brother in Haiti.During the trip, Blair helped just like the adults. He carried heavy bags, taught Vacation Bible School, handed out Bibles, and even made a concrete block by hand. The best thing he did, however, was to share the love of Christ with the children there, who were amazed to see a missionary their own size. They smiled and giggled whenever Blair walked up. They enjoyed giving him a high-five or a hand shake. Blair spent his time helping in any way he could. He was always willing to try anything – even the food.
Our first full day on the island, a team of us made our way up a mountain. It was every bit of a five-mile walk. It was extremely hot, and no one had enough water to make the trip. We all were struggling to make it to the top. At the peak was a village, and the people were awaiting our arrival for VBS. I was worried about myself, but most of all for my wife and son. Blair was a trouper; he made the trip up the mountain (and only partway on a donkey).
Once we made it to the top, all the sweat and struggles of the trek were forgotten. These beautiful people were singing at the top of their lungs about how grateful they were that we had come. Blair, after making sure Mom and Dad were OK, immediately befriended one of the children.
Blair is a good example of what Christ will do if we are obedient. There is still good news to be told, and Blair loves to share it.
Our family has joined the non-profit group, Carolinas Outreach to Haiti, or CO2H, as missionaries, and we are putting together another Haiti mission team that will depart Dec. 4. We are taking on the task of digging three wells, including one in the village at the top of the mountain we climbed over the summer.
Although Blair will be in school, he will be there in spirit.
– McBrayer is youth pastor at First Baptist Church in Blackstock, Chester Association. He is available to talk about the missions work of CO2H by calling 803-377-2070.