Missions Month
Dear Church Family,
Back in 1994, I took a group of Youth on an “Urban Plunge” mission trip. We had about 30 junior high and high school students and brought them to work with various mission organizations in Los Angeles. It was an amazing experience with a lot of surprises (some great and some challenging).
It’s been a while, but I recall that we handed out sandwiches on the streets, served meals in a soup kitchen, and learned about ways people became the hands and feet of Jesus for those in need.
But there was one part I will never forget. We worked with Sister Luce and her feeding ministry that took place in a local park. Our youth were sent to kitchen to gather up food supplies, and we met her in the park to share the food with those in need. It was quite the experience.
Mostly, however, I recall thinking to myself that we were only there for one afternoon on one particular day. For that time, we were able to meet a need. But I also realized it was a need that would still be there at the next meal. I saw the faces of those we fed and thought about their reality. And though we made a small difference, I wondered if - and how - a larger difference could realistically be made.
This weekend we will be starting our Missions Month at St. Andrew’s. Over the next few weeks, we want to highlight some of the ways we as a church help to make a difference for people in need. And we want to do so by giving you an up-close look at three outreach ministries we work with: FAM, Welcome INN, and Yugo Ministries.
This week we begin by hearing from Family Assistance Ministries. Each month we collect hundreds of pounds of food for their pantry. But FAM does much more than just feed people. They really help to get people back on their feet and address some of the bigger issues causing their food insecurity. We will hear directly from FAM staff and share more ways for you to be involved in their ministries.
Building the Kingdom of God is overwhelming when we think about the big picture. But when we look at it one person at a time, we can begin to understand how we can make a difference for others. And that is exactly what Jesus calls us to do: feed the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, visit the sick, and make sure that all God’s children have enough.
With God’s Peace
Pastor Karl
