Designated Ministry: World Hunger Emphasis—September 7, 2008

To view entire suggested worship service for this day, click here.
Click here for a PowerPoint presentation to support the story.

For stories about what’s happening in Apostle Carlos Enrique Mejia’s Central and South America Mission Field, read the September Herald “Sharing in the Field” section.

A. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: World

Banderas, Honduras—Do This in Remembrance

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, Do This in Remembrance, takes us to Banderas, North Zone of Honduras, in the Central America Mission Center. Carlos Enrique Mejia relates: Do you remember where you were during the 1998 hurricane season? The Saints in Honduras do. The devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch affected thousands of people who lost their homes, their animals and crops, as well as thousands more who lost their lives. In Banderas, where the entire town literally lost everything, old women, widows, single mothers, and the very poor were most affected. They needed land to build their homes and grow crops for food for their families and the entire region. To meet the overwhelming need, church leaders in Honduras asked for funds from Oblation and World Hunger. The response was immediate. We bought two acres of land, divided it, and made a list of the persons who needed homes. Brothers and Sisters in Christ, the moment when the families received title to their new property and knew they would again be able to grow their own food was unforgettable!

In the ten years since this story took place, these people continue to be grateful to God and the Community of Christ for the support they received. And they give thanks to God for you, the ones who, through the years, have made it possible to help during different tragedies and necessities throughout the world. Today those affected by Hurricane Mitch once again grow crops to feed their families and villages. They have dignified places in which to live full and enriched lives. All of this thanks to the generous response of many disciples who, through their offerings to Oblation and World Hunger, made it possible. Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.—Carlos Enrique Mejia, apostle, Central and South America Mission Field
 

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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C. Blessing on Our Offering

From Romans 13: 9 – 10 (NRSV) we read: Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.

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.