Missions Updates (Dec. 2018)

Our church supports many “missionaries” located all over the world.  These “missionaries”- who are people just like you and me who have answered God’s call- work every day to make life better for people and to give them understanding of the Good News of God’s offer of  redemption and salvation.   Here are some reports from some of these missionaries….

Emmanuel- God With Us

The Son of God was born and in that moment hope and rejoicing came into the world. Let us celebrate the birth of our Savoir, at Christmas and always.

God is with us through the Hands and Feet of His children.   We are all missionaries!

Christmas is one of the most holy and anticipated times of the year for Christians all around the world.  Similar preparations and traditions, decorations, celebrations, music, worship observances, the giving of gifts, and gathering of families and friends; all of these rituals that mark this important event in the life of our faith are replicated by Christians everywhere.

Missions Bulletin Board and Display Case

But Advent is more than preparing for what comes next; it is knowing that no matter what the future holds, Christ is already there. That is Immanuel; God with us. Missionaries are empowered by that knowledge. Their faith allows them to move forward in strength, and to live hour by hour, day by day; and step by step in hope and love.

In this Blessed season remember our missionaries that are so far from home. Pray for them, that God will keep them safe, and grant them His guidance and peace. We are including their addresses and encourage you to send them a holiday card; or Email them a message of encouragement and support.  Contact info for each missionary is included below… they’d love to hear from you!

All of our missionaries write to us frequently. Their interesting and informative letters can be found by the Missions bulletin board. We encourage you to read them, and be blessed.

JOY  PHILLIPS:  EUROPE,  ASIA,  AND OCEANIA. 

Joy has traveled tens of thousands of miles in her role as Compassionate Ministries Coordinator for WGM (World Gospel Mission).  She mentors, supports andencourages missionary families who are sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with unreached people  in nine dangerous, politically complex countries. When she is at home, in the U.S., Joy helps train new missionaries. Fortunately, technology allows Joy to connect with all of these missionaries frequently; and learn how God is at work in their lives.

JOHN  AND  DASIA  ABRAMOVICH:  POLAND  

We were blessed to spend time with John and Dasia in May, and hear of their work with the children of Poland. As soon as they returned toPoland, they began Summer Bible Camps, ESL Bible Camps, and Bible Camps for children with disabilities and other challenges. Now they are teaching in various Christian Education programs, and after school Bible studies. John and Dasia also visit seniors in nursing homes; and John sometimes preaches in local churches.

THE  ENRIGHT  AND  STEURY  FAMILIES:  ZAMBIA     

The Enright and Steury families have spent a lifetime in Africa. Although losing Larraine and John were a terrible loss for them, their faith and resolve are strong, and they are continuing their work in Zambia.

The Kafakumba Pastor’s School and Training Center has been a beacon of hope and transformation for more than 50 years. Through wars and upheaval, year after year, Kafakumba continues to educate and prepare pastors to share God’s Good News  in villages throughout central Africa. Additionally, they boost the local economy by introducing beekeeping, goats, chickens, sheep, beef cattle and dairy cows, and groves of banana trees and aloe farms.    

REV. MUTWALE NTAMBO WA MUSHIDI: TANZANIA   

Rev. Mutwale and his wife Kabaka have spent many years working with the most vulnerable people of Tanzania; many of whom are refugees from other war torn countries in Africa.  The UMC is still struggling for recognition in Tanzania, where there are many different religions. The UMC in Dar Es Salaam is established, and they have planted dozens of new UMCs in surrounding areas, and trained pastors and lay leaders. They are delighted and encouraged by their new partnership with GNJUMC which will help them build much needed buildings, and help them grow and expand their outreach programs.

MAY YOU HAVE THE GIFT OF FAITH, THE BLESSING OF HOPE, AND THE PEACE OF HIS LOVE, AT CHRISTMAS AND ALWAYS.          

Your Missions Committee wishes you blessed holidays.          

SHALOM

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