Designated Ministry: Missionary Outreach—March 29, 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—The Hour Has Come

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, The Hour Has Come, takes us to the Lamoni Heartland USA Mission Center. Jim McKinney relates: Thomas (not his real name) could hardly contain his excitement. There was a job opportunity in Des Moines, Iowa! He packed everything he owned (a spare shirt and a copy of the New Testament, which had been in his family for several generations) into a tattered cloth bag, then hitch-hiked from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Thomas spent his first night in Des Moines on the streets, only to learn the next morning the position was filled. A month passed before he got a break – a night job at minimum wage. The catch was that no one was allowed to sleep during the day at the homeless shelter where he was living. He wandered the streets of downtown Des Moines looking for food and a place to stay. By nightfall, he made his way back to work to put in a full shift.

On the third morning Thomas, exhausted and starving, dropped to his knees and pleaded with God to direct him to a place of sanctuary and peace. God prompted him to stop at the first church he walked by. That is how Thomas and I met. As he shared his story with me, I saw him as Christ saw him – a person of great worth in God’s kingdom. I took him to the food pantry, several social service agencies, and found a tiny one-room apartment. Your contributions to the Oblation Fund paid his first week’s rent and provided money for food. Thomas felt that “the hour had come.” His entire outlook changed as we prayed for his well-being. 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 John 12:26 (NRSV) we read: Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also.

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.