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Nazarene Woman Supports Work and Witness with Nineteen Trips
November, 2009

Mrs. Margaret Douglas, an 85-year-old member of the Church of the Nazarene in Belle, West Virginia, has been a supporter of Work and Witness for many years, as proven by her 19 Work and Witness trips.

It all started in the early 1980s when a friend told about their trip to Costa Rica.  After hearing about the possibility of a return trip with the West Virginia District, Mrs. Douglas filled out the application and was soon on her way.
 
The 25-member team lodged in a small room at the Nazarene Seminary and began work on a sanctuary in the San Jose area. By the end of the ten days, they were worshiping inside the four walls where before stood a tent. According to Margaret, the construction was difficult because the building had to be earthquake proof and all the concrete was mixed by hand.  Another Work and Witness team later completed the roof.


Margaret’s ministry included cooking and washing laundry, and when time allowed a bit of construction as well.  The cooking and cleaning was difficult work, starting early in the morning and not ending until after the evening meal.  She most enjoyed the evening services and after many years, she still remembers the baptism service in a stream and the Sunday School classes meeting under the nearby trees.

Mrs. Douglas has been to many places serving with Work and Witness including Guatemala, Chile, Bolivia, Brazil, Kenya, Mozambique, Arizona (Indian Reservation), California (Casa Robles), and Hawaii (church construction).

One of Mrs. Douglas’ favorite trips was to Kenya, but unfortunately she became ill, possibly from the malaria medication. For three days she did not work.  “I was quite ill physically, but I felt worse that I could not work…I decided that trip would be my last since I was not a help to the team.”  When she shared this sentiment with her teammate, her friend answered, “Yes, you will go on the next trip and we will work you twice as hard!”  Mrs. Douglas did go on three more trips before deciding to end the streak after her 19th trip.

Although she has never returned to Costa Rica, she would very much like to see once again the Seminary and the church in San Jose where they worked. 

She encourages everyone to go on a Work and Witness trip at least once.  “Give it a try: one time and you will be broke in and if you have compassion inside, you will be ready to go back again.”

According to Pastor Mark Green at the Church of the Nazarene in Belle, West Virginia, Margaret is a precious lady who loves Jesus and her church very much. Recently Margaret shared these words with her Pastor, " "I wished to leave something behind when I die. Something that would be permanent for the Kingdom of God." Work and Witness has been Margaret's way of leaving a legacy.

There is always a need for Work and Witness teams to the Nazarene Seminary of the Americas as well as to the seven countries that constitute the MAC Region.  For more information about available Work and Witness Projects, visit the website at www.workandwitness.org.