What Do African Mango Trees, San Augustine Coffee, and the Great Commission Have in Common?
You might think Christian missions in West Africa and a hardware store in Texas have absolutely nothing in common. But hang tight—by the end of this article, you’ll see how a dump trailer, a bag of concrete, and a steaming cup of coffee can all be tools in the hand of God.
At Consfords.com, we believe missions aren’t just for missionaries—they’re for all of us. Whether you’re preaching in a dusty village under a mango tree or praying from your recliner with a Central Baptist Church bulletin in your lap, you’re part of something big.
Why Christian Missions in West Africa Matter
Let’s start with the obvious: Christian missions in West Africa are about souls. Real people, real villages, real churches being planted in places where the gospel has barely taken root. Ministries like the Hope of Africa Baptist Ministry are training national pastors, building churches, and introducing whole families to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
And it’s not just a flash-in-the-pan kind of effort. These missions involve long-term discipleship, translating materials into local dialects, and mentoring young men who will one day pastor their own churches. It’s not glamorous, but it is glorious.
We’ve seen firsthand what God is doing, and let us tell you—it’s dusty, it’s sweaty, and it’s completely worth it.
The Role of Small-Town America in Global Missions
You don’t have to hop a plane to get involved in Christian missions in West Africa. In fact, some of the best support comes from people who will never set foot on the red dirt roads of Ghana. People like you.
Take Central Baptist Church in Center, Texas—our home church. This isn’t a mega church with a fog machine and coffee bar (though we do appreciate a good cup of coffee). This is a mission-minded church with a heart the size of Texas. They pray, they give, they send, and they go.
Their support—both spiritual and financial—keeps missionaries moving forward in faith. And they’ve helped us more times than we can count.
Yes, Even Hardware on the Square is Involved!
Now, let’s talk about an unlikely missions partner: Hardware on the Square. You read that right. A hardware store. With a coffee shop. In San Augustine, TX. If you’ve ever sipped an espresso while picking up plumbing parts, you already know this place is special.
But did you know your purchases there are helping support Christian missions in West Africa?
When you buy from Hardware on the Square, you’re doing more than keeping the lights on in a small-town business—you’re fueling outreach, mission trips, and gospel printing around the world. And if you ask real nice, they might even toss in a free loyalty card designed by missionaries.
It’s a place where screwdrivers, seed packets, and Scripture tracts all share the same checkout line. And we love that.
How You Can Join the Mission Without Leaving Your Porch
Not everyone is called to be a missionary, but everyone is called to the Great Commission. Here are a few ways you can be involved in Christian missions in West Africa right now—without needing a passport:
- Pray: It sounds simple, but prayer moves mountains. Pray for safety, health, and open hearts.
- Give: Support missions through faithful ministries. Every dollar helps put boots on the ground.
- Connect: Read our blog to follow the journey, see updates, and maybe get inspired to join a future trip.
- Support Local Businesses That Support Missions: Like Hardware on the Square. It’s a win-win: you get great coffee, and missionaries get to stay on the field.
Missions Are Messy, Beautiful, and Eternal
At the end of the day, missions aren’t about perfect planning or picture-perfect moments. They’re about obedience, love, and eternal impact. Some days it looks like preaching under a mango tree. Other days it’s fixing a flat tire in 110-degree heat so you can get to a Bible study in a remote village.
And sometimes? It looks like buying a roll of duct tape in San Augustine so a missionary in Ghana can fix a leaky baptismal tank.
We hope you’ll join us on this journey. Whether you’re praying, giving, reading our blog, or sipping a latte at the local hardware store, you’re making a difference.
Because when it comes to Christian missions in West Africa, there are no small roles—only faithful ones.
Final Call to Action:
Want to know more about how you can get involved in missions? Read our blog for updates, stories, and photos from the field. And hey—next time you’re in San Augustine, drop by Hardware on the Square and tell them you’re “on mission.” They’ll know what you mean.
And if you’re ever in Center, TX, come visit us at Central Baptist Church—a church with a heart for missions and arms wide open.