Introduction
In this sermon, I reflect on the rich history of our church in relation to our mission work. As I approach ten years of serving as your pastor, I emphasize how intricately connected our church is to our story of missions. I recount the inception of our church's mission efforts dating back to 1985, leading up to our upcoming celebration of 40 years of foreign missions in 2025. This moment provides an opportunity for us to pause, reflect, and give thanks for God's faithfulness through our mission endeavors.
Main Points
Our Mission Focus Began With Significant
Our mission focus began with significant stories from our church's early days. One of the first major initiatives took flight in 1988 when Gona, an Indian man, connected with our church to reach the people of India.
- This involvement was not the result of a strategic plan, but rather a series of divine encounters guided by God’s hand.
- It reflects Proverbs 16:9, "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" (ESV).
- This foundational connection with India has since blossomed into a vibrant mission that includes churches, orphanages, and child sponsorship programs that span across the country.
- The singular baptism in a slum church back then has expanded into a sprawling network of outreach, demonstrating God's rich provision.
As We Continue Recounting Our Church’s
As we continue recounting our church’s mission journeys, it becomes clear that each story is woven with threads of prayer, faithfulness, and giving. Each name and face represents the dedication of our members who have collectively worked towards spreading the gospel.
- From India to various other regions, our interactions have often been serendipitous.
- For example, when Gona arrived in Boise with a vision for ministry, he found our pastor simultaneously seeking God's direction in Bangalore.
- This connection catalyzed much of what we see today; it was a divine orchestration of events.
- These narratives serve not merely as a record of achievements but as sacred testimonies of how God has utilized ordinary people to forge extraordinary paths for His kingdom.
I Encourage You To Think About
I encourage you to think about these stories and how they reflect the mission God has placed within our church. At this juncture, I invite you to think about how we can continue the legacy of missions in our church. We are called to not only remember our past but also engage actively with our present mission fields. Currently, we experience a stirring in regions such as Mexico, which has begun to receive our attention and resources. This momentum is not a coincidence but rather an affirmation of God’s continued facilitation of our church's mission work. As you hear reports from returning mission teams, you will see tangible evidence of God's hand at work, transforming lives and communities.
Engagement Can Take Various Forms -
Engagement can take various forms: - Financial support for sponsorships that uplift children in need, which has reached a critical milestone. - Active participation in mission trips to deliver essential supplies and spread the love of Christ directly. - Writing letters of encouragement to missionaries, reminding them they are not alone in their endeavors. In spiritual matters, simplicity often reigns, our mission can often be distilled down to "Love God and love people." This principle should drive our engagement and generosity as we support various mission initiatives. I encourage you to consider how you might extend support, either through financial means, physical contributions, or in prayer. As we participate in mission markets, share our resources, and prepare mercy boxes for children in need, we embody Christ's love in practical and transformative ways.
This Engagement Requires A Willingness To
This engagement requires a willingness to listen, connect, and actively contribute to the stories being written in the lives of those far beyond our immediate community. Remember, every act of service, however small, reverberates in the grand narrative of God's mission in the world.
Conclusion
As we reflect on our church's vibrant mission history, we recognize the deep connection between our story and God's unwavering faithfulness over the past 40 years. Each story shared serves as a reminder of the blessings that flow when we lean into God's plans rather than our own. Moving forward, let us embrace the new season of mission work God has for us, recognizing the essential role each one of us plays in this ongoing journey. Our legacy is not just about what has been accomplished; it is about the future impact we can have when we trust in the Lord to guide our paths.