Designated Ministry: Missionary Outreach—February 22, 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 Bunda Chibwe’s Africa and Haiti Mission Field, read the February Herald “Sharing in the Field” section.

A. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: World

Malawi Mission Centre—We’ve Never Seen Anything Like This!

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, We’ve Never Seen Anything Like This! takes us to the Malawi Mission Centre. Lackings Banda relates: The local community did not understand the Mpingu Community of Christ because of suspicion and lack of knowledge about our church. On November 1, 2008, the Lilongwe Area 25 congregation went to Mpingu, found on the outskirts of the city. Lilongwe’s members witnessed to the community about what it means to share the peace of Jesus Christ. When they were there, a young man who was one of the people speaking against the church stood up. He said that he was looking for the truth about the church. After hearing the sermons for the day on the theme of ’Walking in the Light’, he confessed that he had wasted his time standing outside the church. He said that if he had come a year or so before, he would have already experienced the joys of this peaceful community, which accepts all people.

On this wonderful day, the Community of Christ baptized and confirmed ten people. Twenty children were blessed and many people attended the service held at Mpingu. The local people remark, “We’ve never seen anything like this!” Walking in the light is the real step to creating a peaceful community. All those who will see us, will follow and accept Jesus – and enter this peaceful community. Your contributions to World Ministries Mission Tithes make missionary outreach possible. Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.—Lackings Banda, president, Malawi 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.

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C. Blessing on Our Offering

From Mark 2:1 – 2 (NRSV, adapted) we read: When [Jesus] returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them.

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