Designated Ministry: Field Ministry/Ministers—October 25, 2009

Suggested worship service for this day.
PowerPoint presentation to support the story.

For stories about what’s happening in Apostle Jim Slauter’s ministerial area,
read the October Herald “Sharing in the Field” section or visit www.CofChrist.org/generositystories.

A. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: World

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, What Do You Want?, takes us to New Caledonia, in the Pacific Islands Mission Centre. World Service Corps volunteer Brittany Longdorf relates: My World Service Corps partner, Angela Cook, and I had constant spirit-moving, life-changing moments this summer. As we asked, “What do you want?”, we learned lessons about ourselves, God, and the world. However, our summer was not without its struggles. It was the Fourth of July holiday in the United States, and I was feeling homesick. My friends and family back home were celebrating with traditional picnics and fireworks. I was in a country where this day held no significance. My plans consisted of only attending the Immanuel congregation in New Caledonia. I was nervous since I struggled with the language barrier during the entire trip. Yet the congregation greeted us by wearing blue as a symbol of peace and welcome, and immediately made us part of their family.

That evening Angela and I arranged to meet a friend at McDonalds for supper. To our surprise, more than 30 of our New Caledonia friends and church family arrived, wearing American colors of red, white, and blue. Their eagerness to celebrate touched us greatly. Together, we ate hamburgers and fries and laughed for hours. I no longer felt homesick, because I was surrounded by my church family. Love filled my heart from the overwhelming generosity given by these people exactly when I needed it. I signed up for World Service Corps because I wanted to give back the blessings I received. As I spend time with our culturally diverse church family, I find that love is mutual. A homesick volunteer can always find family in the Community of Christ. I give, you give, and together we create something that is truly divine. Your contributions to World Ministries Mission Tithes provide ministry without borders through World Service Corps. Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.—Brittany Longsdorf, volunteer, World Service Crops

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 34:1 (NRSV) we read: I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Sharing our Mission Tithes equally between local and world ministries is part of sharing the peace of Jesus Christ. Let us share in the prayer of blessing for our offering.