Lost. Search. Rescue
For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 2 Cor. 8:3-4 [NKJV]
When we study the New Testament it becomes apparent that the early churches were “mission-minded”. The church at Antioch sent out the first missionaries, Paul and Barnabas, and the church’s support followed them across the nations. In the scripture above, Paul speaks of the financial support received from the saints at Macedonia that the work of mission could continue. That was nearly 2000 years ago, but the work of missions still continues today.
We are in the middle of our 50 Days of Prayer and Giving for missions. I hope that you have been faithful to read your prayer calendar followed by praying for the missionary and their requested needs. On Sunday, March 1, we will receive a special offering for missions. As you pray about your gift on World Mission Day, let it be an offering that is sacrificial to you. Remember these three words as you give: LOST, SEARCH, AND RESCUE!
A few of our adults and young people have made missions very personal and last year flew to Honduras for a week- long mission trip. Once you go on a mission trip, it is very difficult not to think about the next trip. We have two more short-term trips in the planning. The first one will be to our daughter church in Smithville, MO. Our local association (Meramec) is planning an “Out of School BASH” for the first weekend in June. Several youth groups including ours will invade Smithville. Jamie and Rebekak Jones are planning ways in which we can deliever the gospel and also the good news that a church is being planted in their neighborhood. This month you will have an opportunity to help us toward our fund raising goal for this mission trip by attending a “Dinner and a Movie” on Saturday, February 21. The youth will be serving a wonderful meal followed by a movie (“Fireproof”) in the auditorium. Invite a friend to come out with you to enjoy good food and great fellowship while helping the cause of missions at the same time.
We are also making plans to return back to Honduras in the summer of 2010. Bro. Mark Scott is securing the dates and we are going to get an early start on fund raising. Pray about taking this week long trip with us and makeing a difference in the lives of Hondurans. People all over the world are lost; Jesus wants us to search for them; and give them the Good News that will rescue their souls.
