Bible Baptist Church Bids Farewell to Missionary Group

The lobby of was filled with people embracing. Eyes were red as family members and friends bid farewell to 14 members of a short term missions team sent out by the church. Each member’s collared blue shirt had an embossed badge declaring: “Fishers of Men. Jesus. Ghana 2011”.  

Church pastor Bill Hegedus and the group will travel the 10-hour flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to Ghana and stay from Aug. 4 to Aug. 15.

Hegedus said the group was excited. “This is going to be a tough trip,” he said. “We will be working with 25 other churches of other denominations in Ghana to lead their Vacation Bible School programs.”

Hegedus prayed with and hugged many of the family members as they laughed, joked and promised to care for each other while away.

Hegedus promised to bring a young boy a souvenir from the trip. “I will get him a drum so he can annoy his parents with it,” he said with a laugh.

In a previous interview with the Hasbrouck Heights Patch, Hegedus said the goal is to work with the Mephibosheth Training Center, a ministry dedicated to house children with disabilities that have been rejected or unable to be cared for by their family.

The team from Bible Baptist are expected to work with a total of 3,000 kids. Hegedus also said word of mouth will spread the news of their arrival as they share their faith with puppets, Bible stories, music, and skits.

Ken Dolph, a member of the group, said this is third time going back to Ghana and he is looking forward to it.

“This is really a great experience and this is a chance for me to give to the Lord for all that he has given to me,” said Dolph, a resident of Wallington.

Though Hegedus said the next two weeks will be busy for the team, he promised to take notes and pictures. He said he will share them when the team returns.

As he reaffirmed the church is open and ready to share the love of Jesus whether across the ocean or in Hasbrouck Heights.