Thank You for 2010

A couple months ago Pastor Jerry presented an urgent request to the congregation. One of our missionaries was experiencing extreme financial difficulties and, out of love and commitment to serve our missionaries, we wanted to make our congregation aware of this need. As usual, our church stepped forward with generosity, love, and compassion. We received a note of gratitude from our missionary, and while maintaining the privacy of our friend, I want to share that note with you, our church family.

“Dear Brothers,
      I just wanted to drop you a note and let you know how very much we appreciate your generosity to [my wife] and I regarding our [financial problem.] Things have been especially difficult at the church, as you know. Your gift helped to pay a large amount of that needed bill.
      We appreciate your prayers and support more than you know. Please continue to keep our family and the church…in your prayers. You are in our prayers, as well. I pray that God will richly bless you and your families as you continue to follow His leading.

With much appreciation and In His service,”

This missionary has encountered even more problems in the weeks since this letter was written. Indeed, our missionary team around the world has been facing new hurdles and obstacles in their respective ministries. They have followed God wholeheartedly but God never promises that will be easy, and they still struggle with the effects of diseases, crime, war, economic downturns, and natural disasters. However, in the midst of the trials, as we draw nearer to the return of Christ, they are fighting their battles with stronger faith, trust and obedience.

Supporting a missionary goes beyond the financial gifts and includes prayer and encouragement. (For ways to contact members of our mission team, please contact Kathi Woodall.) With that said, in 2010 our church was able to meet many needs for our missionaries.

Budgeted funds were set aside for missionaries serving in:

• Eastern Kansas & Western Missouri, Inner Kansas City, Tennessee
• Togo, Mexico, Kenya, Haiti
• Domestic and international Southern Baptist missions

Beyond that, Faith Promise gifts provided:

• Monthly support for the Quiroz family in Spain
• Clothing and household items for the Inman family while they are home on furlough
• Additional monthly support plus funds towards a car for Joseph Akakpo
• Shipping for clothing and shoes for children at the Haiti Home of Hope
• Manuals for the Theotherapy prison ministry in Nashville

The Women’s Ministry reached out by:

• Making and shipping blankets for the Haiti Home of Hope
• Mailing a gift card and personalized pillowcase for each woman who enters the Rivera Transition Home for Women in Nashville
• Donating finances for manuals for the Theotherapy prison ministry in Nashville

Thank you so much to all of our church body who made all of this possible in 2010. The missions’ committee is excited as we look forward into 2011. Through trust and obedience, we are seeking new areas where God desires us to reach out to a world desperately in need of a Savior.