Designated Ministry: Missionary Outreach—July 19, 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 Ron Harmon's East Central USA Mission Field, read the July Herald “Sharing in the Field” section.

A. Disciples’ Generous Response Story: World

Gateway USA Mission Center—Journey in Compassion

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, Journey in Compassion, takes us to the Gateway USA Mission Center in the East Central USA Mission Field. A member of the SUN program recently related this experience to Apostle Ron Harmon: I arrived early at the SUN program and Caroline was sitting quietly at the side of the room. She looked up at me and whispered, “I talked to the lawyers today and everything is final.” She shared that she was attempting to adopt her grandchildren who lived in Rwanda with an elderly family member who was not in good health. Their parents were now both dead, leaving them orphans in a far away country.

Caroline is an example of the people who are reached through Destiny of HOPE, a part of the Imani Mission in Columbia, Missouri. She brings her children and grandchildren to the SUN (Stand Up Now) program, where they learn how to survive in the violent communities where they live and embrace non–violent responses. Traveling on a journey of compassion, Caroline is a stabilizing force in her family and community. Your contributions to World Ministries Mission Tithes support the Imani Mission and Destiny of HOPE, where people like Caroline find connection to a community that brings hope and assurance into their lives. Thank you for responding faithfully by sharing so very generously.—Ron Harmon, apostle, East Central USA Mission Field

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 6:34 (NRSV) we read: As he went ashore, [Jesus] saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Sharing 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.