To view entire suggested worship service for this day,
click here.
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for a PowerPoint presentation to support the story.
For stories about what’s happening in the North Atlantic (Europe/USA) Mission Field, read the November Herald “Sharing in the Field” section.
Gorlovka, Ukraine—Lead a Life Worthy of God
Each Sunday we are invited to “share equally” with Mission Tithes for local and
world ministries. These stories are provided to keep us in touch with how your
contributions to Mission Tithes are spreading the peace of Jesus Christ.
This story, Lead a Life Worthy of God, takes us to Gorlovka, Ukraine, in the
Europe Mission Center. Ephim Brudsky relates: The young woman was at the end of
her rope. Her husband had deserted the family, leaving her and her three
children to fend for themselves. Stoically, she kept her nose to the grindstone
and worked so hard to make ends meet that she lost weight until she was a
walking skeleton. The young woman did not often speak about her troubles, so the
people in the Gorlovka, Ukraine Community of Christ did not immediately know
about her situation. Finally, at the point of exhaustion and despair, she found
her fugitive husband and asked him for help for the children. The meeting
resulted in a brain concussion when her husband assaulted her.
The young woman desperately needed help. The congregation consisted of students
and others with small incomes, unable to provide any help. At this point the
pastor decided to ask the bishop, Kees Compier, to help the family from the
Oblation Fund for three months. With the financial and spiritual help, the
family was able to turn the corner. The young woman found a new job that paid
well near her home. This made it possible for her to spend more time with her
children and to become active in congregational life. She is thankful to the
church for the help that came at exactly the right time. Now she and her family
feel that Christ’s peace has come to their home, and have been inspired to lead
lives worthy of God. When members of the church around the world give to the
Oblation Fund, they bless the lives of people who live far away, such as
Gorlovka, Ukraine. We offer praise to God for the generosity of the Saints.
Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.—Ephim
Brudsky, Gorlovka, Ukraine
B. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: Local
What is happening to you or in your congregation as a result of giving to local ministries through Mission Tithes? Share those experiences as part of your congregation’s Disciples’ Generous Response.
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From Psalm 107:1 (NRSV) we read: O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.
Sharing our Mission Tithes equally between local and world ministries changes our lives and those who receive the blessings from it. Let us share in the prayer of blessing for our offering.
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