I am proud of the mission work Fort Wayne Baptist Church does, basically all of which the church was doing before I got here. For a congregation that has 50 people on a good Sunday, with about half that in regular attending active adult members, we do remarkably well. 930 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child last year and about $19,000 collected for missions overall. Very commendable work.
From what many have said the church has done several mission projects in the past both locally and overseas. I would like for us to get back to that. I know many of you are involved with missions and charity work on your own. I would like us to do something as a church.
I am a firm believer that the best way to live the life of Christ is face to face. To give of our money is great, to give our presence is even better. Relational missions transform both the recipient and the giver. Seeing who you are helping, how they live, and how you impact their life is possibly the best way to grow in Christ that I know.
To that end I am going to be talking to the Missions Board and to the Church Council about choosing at least one local missions project where we would regularly be in the community helping people. This has nothing to do with bringing more people to church, its about us growing closer to the image of Christ.
I also am a firm believer in cooperating with like minded people to maximize funds and efforts. I have made contacts in the past few months with several local organizations that are potential partners.
Just Neighbors – Interfaith Homeless Network
Those are just three with whom I have personal contacts. I am sure there are others. We have a wide skill set and willing people. Our hearts are in missions. I want our hands to be in missions as well.