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.
Jesus never travelled more than a few hundred miles during His ministry. He stayed in Israel but went to many towns, cities and villages. So understand that you do not have to leave home to be a part of missions. But you may have to step out of your comfort zone.
The key is to be called to a particular mission.
That calling can come in all kinds of ways. But it will always be driven by a love for others and a love to share Jesus with them.
Just as todays portion of scripture reminds us; “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.
1 Peter 1:22
There must be a heart connection for you, a deep pull that compels you to be a part of the particular mission that God is calling you to.
You will know the voice of the Holy Spirit when He calls upon you. You will feel the desire deep driving you to reach out in some special way.
That feeling will not leave you until you take action and once you do you will have a sense of peace and assurance about what you have been called to.
It can all happen right here in your church. God may be calling you as a missionary to a foreign country or to your neighbour, friend, classmates or a community organization that needs volunteers. A refugee family that needs help.
Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Minor Hockey, Minor Baseball, Meals on Wheels, or as a Driver for the Chap program. Or it may be something that is entirely Christ focused like Camp Kin Tail or Sunday school or the Sharing Tree. What you have to do is tell the Lord that you are willing to go where He wants to send you and that you will be obedient to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others through your service, time and effort and love for others.
You do not necessarily need specialized training just an open heart and a willing spirit. But you do need to be a representative for Jesus by the way you act, talk and deal with difficulties.
It may be something the Lord puts on your heart through someone else, like a food drive. The mission idea may come from your own child, grandchild, spouse, friend or you may just see a need somewhere going unaddressed.
But you will want to pray about it. You will want to inform yourself about the work, the organization and the commitment required. You will want to ask questions from people who are involved.
The best thing is to let the love of Jesus lead you. I guarantee the experience will change you and that you will grow spiritually as a result. Our Heavenly Father wants us to be a blessing to others just as He has blessed us.
Just say “Here am I Lord send me”.
Amen.
