Mission trip puts into perspective all that’s taken for granted

  • Published
  • By Deidre Ortiz
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, TENN. --  The Christmas season is a time for giving and many people take this as an opportunity to provide for the less fortunate.

Tommy Northcott, section manager of the AEDC Electric Utility System, recently went on a mission trip to Freetown, Sierra Leone, in Africa and was moved by the fact that while the people he met there aren't wealthy in terms of material possessions, they were some of the kindest and most content individuals.

"The response in Africa is completely different than what you will receive anywhere else because they have nothing material-wise but are some of the happiest people I have ever met," he said.

This was the second time Northcott has been to Freetown as part of a program known as Disciple Makers Multiplied or DM2. Northcott serves as the DM2 regional ministry director for Sierra Leone.

The mission of DM2 is to develop a core group of doctrinally sound leaders who teach others who are willing to then repeat the process. Organized through local churches, DM2 serves within the United States and across the globe. At the end of the weeklong studies, attendees receive a certificate and a reference book and take the curriculum they learned back to their home city.

According to Northcott, many who attend the conference in Freetown wouldn't otherwise be able to afford it, so the classes are free.

"The conference center, lodging and food is paid for, all they have to do is set up travel there."

In addition to teaching for the conference, Northcott spoke at churches, broadcasted a sermon on the local radio and helped lead a men's group.

Northcott said he learns as much or more as those he instructs during the trips.

"I feel like I gain more out of it because you really have to know the scripture in order to teach it," he said. "It's a very unique opportunity and I'm very appreciative. It's great to see the gospel go out around the world."

Northcott added being part of a mission trip to another country, such as Sierra Leone, is very different than one in the United States, because the simple luxuries most people take for granted here aren't available.

"We had to run the generator for the PowerPoint and there's no air conditioning," he said. "Trips to a third world country definitely puts into perspective how much we take for granted here."

With this recent trip being at the end of the rainy season, Northcott said one day it got down to 79 degrees Fahrenheit in Freetown, which was a drop from what the temperature had been.

"Some of the attendees were cold that day and wore beanies," he said, laughing.
Northcott is planning to go back in May, and he's grateful to his family for letting him continue these trips.

"I thank my wife and four kids for allowing me to spend my vacation time going to help people on a different continent when I could be at Disney World with them," he said. "It's very selfless on their part."

He added that his family has never been on one of these trips, but he would like for his wife and kids to go with him in the future.

"My hope is that someday we'll go do this as a family when the kids get older."
Between visits to Sierra Leone, Northcott and his fellow church members at Pleroma Bible Church also spend time collecting food, clothing and other basic necessities to send there and other mission areas.

While not everyone is called to go on mission trips, Northcott said it's important, especially during the holidays for everyone to remember the less fortunate and help in whatever way they can, whether financially or by volunteering and collecting
donations.

"We all have the resources to give," he said.
If interested in getting involved or for more information about DM2, visit dm2usa.org.

-AEDC-