Designated Ministry: Oblation—February 3, 2008

Suggested worship service for this day.
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

Africa—Thirst for Sustainable Change

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, Thirst for Sustainable Change, takes us to Africa, part of Apostle Bunda Chibwe’s Africa and Haiti Mission Field. Africa is a vast continent that encompasses an incredible range of life – and death. This continent, which is a storehouse of massive wealth in minerals and such a scope of scenery, environments and wildlife, continues to witness vast struggle and human tragedy. Through the work of Community of Christ and partners such as Outreach International, good sustainable change is happening. However, there are often many specific instances that require immediate attention. Many forget that malaria continues to be a great killer of Africans, including many of our own church members.

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease and is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, including Africa. Each year it infects approximately 515 million people and kills between one and three million, mostly young African children. While the disease is commonly associated with poverty, it is important to realize that it is a cause of poverty and a major hindrance to economic development. When church leaders become aware in time of members who are critically ill with malaria, they try to arrange Oblation Fund assistance to obtain what would otherwise be unavailable medical treatment. In recent months we have wept when not being able to help in time and celebrated when we have succeeded. Africa’s thirst for sustainable change is a sign of hope. Your contributions to the Oblation Fund, which provide assistance to Saints in need, help to fuel this thirst for sustainable change. Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.—Malcolm Stephenson, assistant to the apostle for Africa

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 163:3a, we read:

The hope of Zion is realized when the vision of Christ is embodied in communities of generosity, justice, and peacefulness.

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.