Designated Ministry: Field Ministers/Ministry—February 28, 2010

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 Bunda Chibwe’s Africa and Haiti Mission Field, read the February Herald “Sharing in the Field” section.

A. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: World

Zambia—What Matters Most

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 Matters Most, takes us to Zambia in the South Central Africa Mission Centre. Catherine Mambwe reflects: A few months ago while traveling with my sister in the mission center, I happened to visit a family who lives in a remote area where most people exist by farming. What attracted me were the ten children, especially Marie Jo’ze. A pretty, intelligent child, she had not eaten for several days. The family did not have cornmeal, which is a basic food staple in Zambia. As Marie Jo’ze spoke to us, her eyes filled with hope.

These children do not attend school. It is too far and there is no food to give them the energy for such a journey. My sister and I wondered what mattered most and what we could do. My sister gave her own clothes to the family, and we decided to provide Oblation aid for food. Your contributions to World Ministries through Oblation reach families such as Marie Jo’ze’s. Now, because of you, her wonderful smile is full of hope. This is what I like about the Community of Christ – it is a community of joy, hope, love and peace. Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.—Catherine Mambwe, financial officer, South Central Africa Mission Centre

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.

C. Blessing on Our Offering

From Psalm 27:13 – 14 (NRSV) we read: I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
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.