NEOSHO & GRENADA: THE PARALLELS

Now, we're beginning to see the real underbelly of Grenada, the rare glimpse you only get with the personal contact of the door-to-door ministry. This was the brave work Jesus did when on earth. However, when he said to pray, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven", you have to wonder if Grenada isn't getting a headstart. A beautiful landscape awaits at every turn, the slopes awash in bougainvillea, snow-on-the-mountain, hibiscus, and mango, banana and poui trees.

On the other hand, the devastating effects of nature can also be seen throughout the island as reminders of 2004's hurricane Ivan, still fresh in the minds of all Grenadians. The trees bent and stripped of their foliage in places remind us of the aftereffects of our ice storm not too long ago in Neosho. But it's the houses that stand as a testiment to the destruction; they don't just grow back. Many roofless residences still lay vacant, others are being rebuilt in slow motion. Again, a lot like, say, McDonald County.

The humidity is dispelled by an occasional breeze, and you begin to understand that although the missionaries here are teased about "getting a real job", it is still hard work. Believe me, there are no accessible apartments in these parts. Everything is built on a 45 degree slope, it seems. So there is heat and climbing. But the fact that most people dearly love the Bible makes the day go by fast; everybody listens, asks questions, acknowledges a spiritual need and makes you feel welcome to return. So we will. Friday, to be exact.

LESSON SEVEN: Tropical isn't synonymous with lazy. These people work, missionaries included. We find, however, that participating in this work does not violate our effort to rediscover our inner couch potato. It's still easier than walking all morning in 15 below windchill, as we would be doing in the ministry back home this very minute. Or not.