Mission Report
September 2010 Newsletter
The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:39-41
MISSION FAIR COMING!
The Missions Committee is sponsoring a Mission Fair on Saturday morning, September 11 from 9:00 to 12:00 in the Fellowship Hall. The purpose of the fair is two-fold: (1.) We understand that there are a number of missions that individuals and groups in our church are involved with, yet many of us are unaware. This would be an excellent opportunity to promote your mission by having a table in the fair where you could provide information and be available for questions, and (2.) We know many groups (likely Sunday school classes) would like to get involved with mission projects (or to support individual missionaries) but just need some ideas, help getting started, and perhaps some limited financial support. Our hope is that this fair will serve as an “incubator for ideas, action, and ministry”.
This will be an informal, come and go…wander around setting. If you would like to have your own table please contact Byron Hinton 990-2712 or byron.hinton@gmail.com. We plan to have light refreshments including sandwiches, cookies, and iced tea.
The Missions Committee is working on a couple of church-wide mission projects culminating before the end of the year. However, our desire is that every Sunday school class be proactive and “mission minded”. It has been my observation that, regarding our church and missions, we have been absolutely wonderful about giving, but not so great about going and doing. It is not our desire to simply fund another mission or missionary, but rather to enable you (and us) to “go out and do”. If we (the Mission’s Committee) can support your mission’s effort either personally or financially, please let us know.
Hope to see a fellowship hall overflowing on Sept. 11.
Vaya con Dios
Byron Hinton.
Members On Mission
My Times In Prison
On and off during the last eleven years I have spent about a hundred days in various prisons. Through the grace of God I have always been allowed to leave at the end of each day as I have not been there as a prisoner, but as a volunteer for Kairos Prison Ministry. I can honestly say that those times have been some of the best days of my life and I have been tremendously blessed and privileged to see God at work. 'Kairos' is a Greek word meaning "God's time" as opposed to 'chronos' meaning watch time. From Thursday to Sunday, twice a year, teams of volunteers go in to prisons and hold a spiritual retreat for 42 prison inmates. It is a non-denominational mission and we focus on what all Christians agree on - that God loves each one of us unconditionally, and that through Jesus Christ we can receive forgiveness and a new, eternal life. Our motto is "Listen, listen; Love, love" and that is what we do. We never ask what they are in for or how long they're there, but just try to reflect the love of Jesus on them. So many inmates have had horrendous lives before they were committed and live in guilt and hopelessness. As the weekend progresses many come to realize that, though they may have done terrible things, they themselves are not trash, but are precious children of God. It is truly a miracle to see lives transformed over the four days.
Because we will not be staying we realize the importance of helping them form their own 'family' in Christ in the prison, and this is why Kairos is a continuing ministry, with Kairos volunteers going in weekly and monthly to help build up the body of Christ. It is recognized that, for those inmates who have gone through a Kairos weekend and stick to the program, they are far less likely to re-offend and return to prison after release. Also, after release, many of them become involved themselves with helping to run and lead Kairos events, which is so encouraging to those still incarcerated.
I love the Kairos community - both inside the prison and in the free world - and feel so blessed to be a part of God's transforming love. If you feel inspired in any way to be associated with this ministry (and there are many ways to do this apart from actually going in to a prison) please feel free to contact me.
In Christ's love, Cary Dodds
Missions Committee members:
Byron Hinton - Chairman
Bill Marker
Elias Vilarreal
Chad Johnson
Barney and Libby Hulett
John and Linda Hodges
Denise Young