Designated Ministry: Field Ministers/Ministry—March 15, 2009

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 Mary Jacks Dynes’ Canada/North Central USA Mission Field, read the March Herald “Sharing in the Field” section.

A. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: World

Lamoni Heartland USA Mission Center—Seek Christ’s Sanctuary

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, Seek Christ’s Sanctuary, takes us to the Lamoni Heartland USA Mission Center. Jim McKinney relates: The woman, racked with anxiety and fear, looked at me with suspicion. She came at the suggestion of her Circles of Support sponsor. This program, piloted in the greater Des Moines area, is designed to promote rehabilitative justice. Recently released from prison and struggling to reenter society, society was not making it easy. Though actively seeking employment, her time in prison made it difficult to even get an interview. Getting her children back from the “system” also became a priority. The children’s father was no longer part of the equation. Skeptical of any male offering help, I sensed that tension as I spoke with her about her need.

Before we could address financial matters, she confessed a need to reconnect with God. That became the focus of our conversation. We prayed. During the prayer the agitation, anxiety, and fear left her. She began to experience the faithfulness of an ever-loving God. As she raised her eyes following the prayer, her body language changed dramatically from desperation and hopelessness to that of a child of God filled with hope – forgiven and redeemed. Later that day, she received an offer of employment. The catch was that she had to have a valid driver’s license. After making a few contacts, the mission center found help for her. Your contributions to World Ministries Mission Tithes provide field ministry and ministers for those in need. Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.—Jim McKinney, financial officer, Lamoni Heartland USA Mission Center

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 Doctrine and Covenants 162:7a we read: There are many lives waiting to hear the redeeming words of the gospel, or to be lifted from hopelessness by the hands of loving servants. But they will be lost to you without the generous response of disciples who share from their own bounty that others may know the joys of the kingdom.

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.