Designated Ministry: Field Ministers/Ministry—February 17, 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

Nairobi, Kenya—Trust God’s Promises

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, Trust God’s Promises, takes us to Nairobi, Kenya, part of Apostle Bunda Chibwe’s Africa and Haiti Mission Field. Early in December 2007, youth and young adults gathered at a Nairobi boarding school. They came from many different parts of Kenya to attend the annual youth and young adult conference. Few travel options meant that many had to arrive early and sleep at the Nairobi church grounds, whereas others did not arrive until day two. They had taken various transportation options, some overnight by train, some by coach-type bus and others by Kenya’s famous shared taxis called ‘matatus’ (pronounced ma-ta-toos) which in essence are ‘delivery-van’ type vehicles. Many had been saving all their discretionary income for the past year to attend; some were there only by the generosity of others in their congregations; all trusted in God that the experience would be worth their time and effort.

This year, because of the age range, three groups were formed. Staff conducted sessions on conflict transformation, relationship issues, HIV/AIDS, Disciples Generous Response, budgeting and financial planning. On one day the group, numbering over 90 people, walked seven kilometers to a local hospital where doctor and nurses spent time talking with them on a variety of health related issues. While all attendees had to raise their own transportation costs, your contributions to World Ministries Mission Tithes provided other event costs, such as school hire, food and materials. 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 Psalm 121:1 – 2 (NRSV), we read:

I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.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.

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