Mission Sunday 2017

Mission Sunday 2017

1 Peter 1:17-23

"Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God."

"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God."

Today is Mission Sunday and I wanted to take this opportunity to talk about how you can get involved in missions.

I know when we hear the word Missions we often think of faraway places with different languages and customs.

But Missions happen right here too.

Our church is fortunate to have a number of young families who believe in sharing their love for the Lord by putting time and energy into our Sunday school ministry. They do this all year long with things like a hay ride in the wagon and nature trail discovery as well as spring cleaning the church grounds and gardens. They even cook for us on occasion with a pancake breakfast.

Each child is a mission field unto themselves. Each young life can be touched by your sincere love for Jesus as you introduce our Lord to Him. You need not be a professional teacher just a caring mentor. I’d encourage you to talk to Michelle Millard or Tracy Strevel or any one of our young families and see how you can help in this mission to reach the next generation. Just let them know your availability and interest and they will be happy to make you a part of the team. Grandmas and grandpas are also welcome to participate.

Another Mission that is child focused is Kin Tail on the Road. This was a step of faith for us since we had not had a summer program for children in some time. But soon leaders stepped forward and they have faithfully made this mission a tremendous success. “It takes a village to raise a child” is a quote that comes to mind and you the Saints at New St. Andrew’s are that village.

Many of you donate your time, financial gifts, and baking talents as well as acting as the occasional nurse on call to sooth a skinned knee or a bruised spirit.

This Mission has become a community outreach that has touched the lives of nearly 200 children to date. Lives that were taught that even though they are children they are some of the most valuable people in God’s Kingdom.

We may not see the fruit of this work for a number of years to come but it is a mission of faith. We trust that that which is imparted to these children will grow like a seed giving them roots they will need to make their way in life.

Mission does take place away from New St. Andrew’s as well.

There are many opportunities threw the church to take part in all kinds of mission work. You can travel to a foreign land and help build a school or dig a well or teach. In fact Knox Leamington has just such an opportunity going to Haiti.

Or if you’re not the kind of person who feels led to a foreign land you can always support the people who want to get there. Just as you did when you sent Fran and our Team to Zambia Africa with Kids Alive.

I have made friendships there that continue to this day. I have also encountered new missions through Facebook. One that is close to my heart is FOMCAM Family Outreach Mission in Cameroon, Africa.

Here my friend and fellow pastor Nche Sam Takoh and his wife have an ongoing mission work that reaches out to children and the elderly. They focus on the most vulnerable people of their communities. They provided homes for the orphans and care for the seniors who otherwise would be left to fend for themselves. I suggest you visit their webpage and inquire about service opportunities and mission support that you could become involved with.

You can visit their Ministry page at:

http://familyoutreachministrycameroon.org/about-us/

And if you can’t travel or support things financially you can always be a prayer warrior for those who are involved.