LOCAL MISSION PARTNERS

Transcription

1 LOCAL MISSION PARTNERS "But you will receive the power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses, in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the Ends of the Earth. ACTS 1:8 St. John s JERUSALEM (LOCAL) Mission Partners 1. Area Churches Together Serving (ACTS) 2. Christ Central of Aiken 3. Grace Kitchen 4. Joseph s Coat 5. Jack Meeks Memorial Wheelchair Ramp Ministry 6. Salkehatchie (Sand River) 7. Habitat for Humanity of Aiken County 8. Life Choices Pregnancy Care Center 9. Helping Hands 10. Stand at the Crossroads Ministry / My Father s House GRACE KITCHEN Wheelchair Ramp Ministry Joseph s Coat Pregnancy Care Center Stand at the Crossroads Ministries

2 1. Area Churches Together Acting (ACTS) Information: ACTS mission is to give temporary and/or emergency aid, in the name of Christ, to persons in need in the Aiken, SC area. They provide the community with food, clothing, home furnishings, and assistance in paying utility bills. The non-profit organization has continued to grow providing 2.4 million meals along the way. Prayer Request: That Christ s words For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink will be fulfilled through the works of ACTS. History: St. John s was one of ACTS founding churches in 1986 and throughout the years, we have supported this ministry by providing volunteers and being a financial partner. On the first Sunday of every month, St. John s collects nonperishable food items as a part of our morning offerings to give to ACTS. Volunteers serving at ACTS Volunteering: One of their greatest needs is for individuals to lift ACTS up in prayer. Many types of volunteers are also needed..acts offers training so that anyone may help them in serving the needy of Aiken, SC. People may also assist them by providing a personal donation. Volunteers serving at ACTS For more information: Karen Perry, ; info@actsofaiken.org

3 2. Christ Central of Aiken Information: Christ Central is a Christian ministry focused on feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked and caring for the sick (Mt. 25: 3-36). They strive to bring a sense of hope to the community by not just distributing supplies, but by building relation-ships and taking care of one another in the name of Christ. Christ Central offers food, shelter, counseling, learning opportunities and worship services to the community. They are a non-profit organization whose primary purpose is to spread the love of Jesus Christ. Prayer Request: For the missions of Christ Central to be fulfilled, for the disadvantaged in our community to find their way to the hope found at Christ Central and for the volunteers to be equipped and encouraged in their work History: St. John s has been in partnership with Christ Central since We have Helped serve food, participate in children s programs and lead Bible studies. St. John s is also a financial partner with Christ Central. New HOPE CENTER in Graniteville Volunteering: Christ Central offers an array of opportunities to volunteer, such as food service, children s ministry, transportation, mentoring, GED training and support for the food staff. Food donations are always in need. For more information Call Judy Floyd, ; ; - jfloyd0463@aol.com Children Ministries at Christ Central

4 3. Grace Kitchen GRACE KITCHEN Information: Grace Kitchen provides a free breakfast every Saturday morning in Ward Hall for the hungry and less fortunate. In addition to physical nourishment, spiritual encouragement, prayers, and Bible study is also offered to all. Each place setting includes an explanation of the cross and individuals are given an opportunity to take home a Bible. This mission is supported by volunteers, and your Faith Promise gifts.. Prayer Request: That the hungry and less fortunate will receive both a physical and spiritual blessing through Grace Kitchen. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink History: Originally conceived by two of St. John's youth, Thomas Osteen and Jimmy Rodgers. The pair enlisted the help of Bobby Coker to help turn their idea into reality. Grace Kitchen began serving breakfast for the first time on August 2, The ministry now serves over 50 people each Saturday morning and offers takeout Meals for those who need them. Grace Kitchen now has eleven groups of volunteers who take turns Volunteers serving at Grace Kitchen Volunteering: Grace Kitchen now has eleven groups of volunteers who take turns serving each Saturday morning. Extra volunteers are always welcomed. In addition, the ministry is seeking donations of Bibles (either new or used) to distribute. You should volunteer to serve at Grace Kitchen on a rotational basis. Your service will bring you a wonderful, Christ-fill blessing! For more information : Call Bobby Coker , bobby_coker@bellsouth.net

5 4. Joseph's Coat Joseph s Coat Information: Joseph s Coat is a community outreach group whose goals include caring and giving comfort to others. The name represents all the textures and colors of His love. Members create shawls, blankets, lap robes, chemo hats, baby blankets, layette sets and many other handmade items. They work with 18 local organizations that deal with children in crisis, pregnancy care, newborns, hospice care, nursing homes as well as individuals who seek their help. Members also serve as contact persons for several of these organizations. In the first year alone, members of Joseph s Coat produced and donated nearly 500 items. Prayer Request: For the recipients of their handiwork to feel and know they are surrounded by the love and acceptance of God. Joseph s Coat Volunteers History: Joseph s Coat was formed in May of 2009 by Several St. John s members. Volunteering: Knitters and crocheters are always welcome to join the group which meets every Thursday at 1:30pm in at the church. For more information : Call Sandy Dunn, , ept.bob@att.net Made by Loving Hands serving Christ: + Shawls + lap robes + chemo hats + baby blankets + Layettes

6 5. Jack Meeks Memorial Wheelchair Ramp Ministry Wheelchair Ramp Ministry Information: St. John s offers wheelchair ramps for individuals in the Greater Aiken Area. The church has been building ramps to enhance access for people within our community since This ministry is coordinated and run by volunteers from the St. John s congregation. Prayer Request: That no one in the Aiken area will be injured in a fall accident due to the lack of a suitable ramp at their home. History: St. John s began this ministry as a church project to assist individuals in need and have continued to provide financial support since its conception. Wheelchair Ramp Volunteering: The ramp ministry can always use donations of supplies and financial assistance. Workers are also needed. No specific skills are required other than an interest in helping others. Ramps are built on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information : To recommend a house, volunteer or donate materials, contact the church office: ; harry.sampson@stjohns-umc.org, for Volunteers questions Building or volunteering, Ramp Steve Lathrop: ; stevenlathrop@bellsouth.net

7 6. Salkehatchie: (Sand River) Information: Salkehatchie Summer Service is a pioneering servant ministry at selected sites in South Carolina involving high school and college age youth, adult community leaders and persons of different cultures. During each weeklong camp, these groups work together in upgrading housing, motivating community cooperative efforts by helping individuals to help themselves and providing all volunteers with opportunities for personal growth and service. Prayer Request: that our youth will experience servant-hood as Jesus taught, and that their faith will grow as they fulfill their dedication promise of HERE I AM LORD, SEND ME. History: St. John s youth and adults have been participating in Salkehatchie trips for Many years, most notably the Pee Dee, Santee, and Sand River camps. St. John s hosts the Sand River camp each year as well as providing financial support. Volunteering: Salkehatchie is always looking for volunteers to participate in their activities. Opportunities include volunteering, donating supplies and providing financial support. Adult volunteers assist youth with projects For more information: Call Bobby Coker ; bobby_coker@bellsouth.net,

8 7. Habitat for Humanity of Aiken County Information: Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit ecumenical Christian housing ministry that seeks to eliminate substandard and poverty housing in Aiken County. Millard and Linda Fuller founded Habitat for Humanity International in Americus, Georgia in The Aiken County affiliate was formed in Prayer Request: Please pray for HABITAT, that those in need will find hope and encouragement through a new home, for financial resources, and for safety for all volunteers and for new people to step forward to serve. History: Over the last 24 years, St. John s has provided Habitat with volunteers, financial support, leadership for its Board of Directors and Committees, and house sponsorship. Habitat House being built by volunteers Volunteering: To view all of the many opportunities to serve through Habitat, visit: For more information: Call Richard Church, ; info@habitataiken.org Volunteer at Habitat house

9 8. Life Choices Pregnancy Care Center Information: Aiken Pregnancy Care Center is a non-profit Christian based organization that strives to share the love of Christ by supporting women, especially young adults, teens, and adolescents. They offer free pregnancy tests, classes educating women on pregnancy and child bearing, and counseling for distressed young women. Aiken Pregnancy Care Center strives to give guidance to teenagers through retreats focusing on purity of heart, mind, and body. Prayer Request: Staff & volunteers will clearly hear God's direction for the Ministry; God will send volunteers & board members; God will provide the necessary resources; the ministry will be able to expand the territory it currently serves; and Clients will receive Christ and be open to discipleship. History: St. John s has helped to support this Christ-centered ministry financially especially because they are unable to receive government funding. Volunteering: Life Choices Pregnancy Care Center is in need of volunteers to help with fundraisers such as the Baby Bottle Campaign, Life Walk, and Spring Banquet. Every three months, volunteers are encouraged to help plan and support baby showers at the center or at an off-site location. Life Choices Pregnancy Care Center Locations: 1) 220 Silver Bluff Rd. Aiken, SC ; 2) 4629 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Beech Island, For more information: Call Kathryn Wade, ; lifechoicespcc@bellsouth.net Volunteers at Life Choices

10 9. Helping Hands Information: Helping Hands is a non-profit organization in Aiken, SC that houses and takes care of children that have been removed from their homes by the South Carolina Department of Social Services or Department of Juvenile Justice. Their mission is to work unselfishly to ensure that all children are afforded every opportunity to grow into healthy adults. Helping Hands was formed in 1973 because there was nowhere to house neglected, abandoned, or abused children except at the county jail. Prayer Request: For all the abused, abandoned And neglected children in the Aiken area. May Helping Hands be a Christ-filled blessing for them. Volunteers Serving History: Members of St. John's helped to found Helping Hands in We have Continued to assist by volunteering our time to help the children as well as being a financial partner. Carmen Landy, Director Volunteering: Volunteers are continually in demand and training is provided. Helping Hands is always in need of supplies which enable the children to live comfortably in a loving environment. A Wish List of needed supplies can be viewed on their web site at: For more information: Call Carmen Landy, ; ; admin@helpinghandsaiken.org

11 10. Stand at the Crossroads Ministry / My Father s House Stand at the Crossroads Ministries Information: Stand at the Crossroads Ministry is an organization designed to help, encourage and support those with low incomes and/or those in destructive, unhealthy lifestyles. Founded by Deborah Lamb in 2007, she also has a related ministry, My Father s House, which provides transitional housing for single women. Residents are required to participate in a five phase program to self-sufficiency. Prayer Request: May the women helped by the Stand at the Crossroads Ministry and My Father s House receive physical and spiritual blessings and may they know God truly loves them. History: St. John s partnered with Deborah Lamb and both her Ministries following her participation in the 2009 GIC. We provide financial support through Faith Promise funding as well as encourage members to volunteer. Transitional Housing for Women Showing Christian Love to Women in need Volunteering: Stand at the Crossroads Ministry and My Father s House are always in need of mentors, construction help and donations of supplies. For more information: Call Deborah Lamb: ; contact@crossroadsaiken.com

12 REGIONAL MISSION PARTNERS "But you will receive the power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses, in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the Ends of the Earth. ACTS 1:8 St. John s REGIONAL (JUDEA) Mission Partners 1. Epiphany Ministry, Inc. 2. Epworth Children s Home 3. Kairos of South Carolina 4. Salkehatchie (PeeDee and Santee) The Bennettsville- Cheraw Area Cooperative Ministry 5. Shirley Townsend-Jones

13 1. Epiphany Information: Epiphany Ministry, Inc. is an ecumenical Christian Ministry for young men and women who are in the custody of Juvenile Justice Facilities. The ministry s purpose is to manifest God's Love to incarcerated youth, known as "Stars" through a three day short course in Christianity and an ongoing follow up program. Each Epiphany weekend involves a team of adults and youth from the Christian community who work together to show the Love of God to those attending. Prayer Request: For the youth to respond to the message of God's love, forgiveness & hope, for the volunteers to be organized, and for volunteers to step forward to help History: Members of St. John's have been regular participants with Epiphany Ministry for several years. We also provide some funding through the Faith Promise funds to aid in carrying out the Epiphany Ministry mission. An Epiphany Weekend Showing Christ s love to incarcerated juveniles Volunteering: Epiphany Ministry is always looking for volunteers. Contact St. John s member Jackie Hyche ( ) for questions regarding volunteering. For more information: Call Jackie Hyche, , Jackiehyche@bellsouth.net or call Epiphany Ministry office: ;

14 2. Epworth Children s Home Information: Epworth Children's Home is a licensed and accredited non-profit organization in Columbia, SC that provides group residential care for children and youth from all over South Carolina. They provide child care, counseling and related services to families and children without regard to race, religion, national origin or ability to pay. The mission of Epworth Children's Home is to serve children, youth and families through a caring, accepting and safe Christian community, where hurts are healed, hope is nurtured, and faith in God, self and others is developed. The goal is to break the destructive cycle of abuse, neglect and shame and replace it with an opportunity for each child to live a life of self-respect, responsibility and productivity. Prayer Request: For the children to accept the love, peace and structure offered at Epworth; for the staff to have the patience & perseverance to reach the kids; for all their needs to be met, and for all to "come" and follow Jesus History: St. John s has been a strong partner and supporter of Epworth Children s Home for many years. We participate in Campus Work Days and school visits as well as provide funding through Faith Promise plus two annual collections Mothers Day in May and the Campus Work Day in September. Showing Christ s love to Children and Youth at the Epworth Home Volunteering: Call St. John s member Maureen Bernard ( ) for more information on volunteering opportunities. For more information: Call Laura Bundrick, Epworth s Development Officer: ;

15 3. Kairos of South Carolina Information: The mission of Kairos is to bring Christ s love to the incarcerated, their families, and those who work with them. St. John s primary involvement has been with Kairos inside teams at a maximum security male prison that the Lord continually reveals as a rich harvest field. Members have also served at other male and female state institutions. Residents start with the Kairos Weekend (KW), a 3-1/2 day short course in Christianity. This is followed by a one day instructional reunion for those who just completed the KW. At the heart of these events is the establishment of strong Christian communities that meet on a regular basis for prayer and share sessions. The ministry continues all year with two 2-day retreats and monthly reunions to help sustain, encourage and grow all Kairos community members in their faith walk. From residents participate in these monthly events. Prayer Request: Prayers that more prisoners will find Christ through Kairos, that more men will step forward to support this ministry, and all will "come" and follow Jesus I was in prison and you visited me Matthew 25:36 History: St. John's members have been regular participants on inside teams, who meet with the residents, as well as on outside teams, who help prepare meals for the visitors and inmates. We also provide funding through Faith Promise, bake 200 dozen cookies per event, provide church resources and serve on prayer teams. Volunteering: Volunteers are always being sought to serve on Kairos teams. Contact St. John s members Tom McCollum ( ) or Jim Holly ( ) for volunteering questions and Beth Harman ( ) or Pam McCollum ( ) for questions regarding Kairos cookies. The Kairos team loved me at a time I felt most lost For more information: Call Tom McCollum , tmecollum125@att.net, or call Carolina chapter: International organization:

16 4. Salkehatchie: (PeeDee & Santee) Information: Salkehatchie Summer Service is a pioneering servant ministry at selected sites in South Carolina involving high school and college age youth, adult community leaders and persons of different cultures. During each week-long camp, these groups work together in upgrading housing, motivating community cooperative efforts by helping individuals to help themselves and providing all volunteers with opportunities for personal growth and service. History: St. John s youth and adults have been participating in Salkehatchie trips for many years, most notably the Pee Dee, Santee, and Sand River camps. St. John s hosts the Sand River camp each year as well as providing financial support. Salkehatachie Photo Here Salkehatachie Photo Here Volunteering: Salkehatchie is always looking for volunteers to participate in their activities. Opportunities include volunteering, donating supplies and providing financial support. For more information: Call St. John s member Bobby Coker (volunteering/questions): ; mailto:bobby_coker@bellsouth.net;

17 5. Bennettsville-Cheraw Area Cooperative Ministry Bennettsville-Cheraw Area Cooperative Ministry Information: Shirley Townsend-Jones is a missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church serving as a Church and Community Worker with the Bennettsville-Cheraw Area Cooperative Ministry, in Bennettsville, South Carolina. She coordinates, implements, and supervises programs as a part of the ministry that meets the spiritual, social, ecumenical and educational needs of the member churches and community. Ms. Townsend-Jones many areas of responsibility include: Vacation Bible School, SBC Resource Center, educational and spiritual leadership training, summer camps, after school tutoring, scouting, mission fairs, health fairs, Strengthening Families for Renewal life programs, Shalom programs, housing, food distribution and transportation for the ten rural churches that comprise the cooperative ministry. This cooperative is the first rural ministry to become involved in the Communities of Shalom. Prayer Request: For relationships to be sustained and strengthened through the programs of the ministry, for the children to be encouraged in their education and for the elderly not to be forgotten, and for all to "come" and follow Jesus. Shirley Townsend-Jones Missionary History: St. John s has a long history of financially supporting Shirley and her work through the General Board of Global Ministries. With the assistance of ACTS, we are currently working with her to help establish similar ministry in the Bennettsville area. Volunteering: Contact any GOLT member for volunteer opportunities. For more information: Call Shirley Townsend-Jones, ,

18 "But you will receive the power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses, in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the Ends of the Earth. ACTS 1:8 St. John s ENDS OF THE EARTH (INTERNATIONAL) Mission Partners 1. Michael Agwanda / Life for Children Ministry (Kenya) 2. Honduras Agape Foundation (Honduras) 3. Mike & Sherri Morrissey (Thailand) 4. Mark Wittig (Colombia) 5. Dave Williams (Ethiopia) 6. The Mission Society Life for Children Ministry in Kenya Africa Brazil, South America Christian Union Sports Club Columbia ETHIOPIA AFRICA Reaching the Unreached The Mission Society

19 1. Michael Agwanda / Life for Children Ministry (Kenya) Michael Agwanda Missionary Information: The HIV/AIDS epidemic is spiraling out of control, currently infecting 1 out of 10 Kenyans. This statistic leaves over 5,000 children as heads of households trying to care for their 500,000 siblings and/or sickened relatives at a very young age. Extreme poverty conditions are especially evident here and the traditional family support system is overburdened. LCM works to:) Screen for qualifying orphans b) locate extended family members or approved guardians for the orphans c) provide training for life skills, including HIV/AIDS awareness d) provide food, clothing, healthcare and education e) provide Christian teaching and counseling and f) provide social workers for case administration. Prayer Requests: To implement an expanded water system by installing a motorized pump at the church well and a large holding tank that can provide water to two other locations up to ½ mile from the well. Funding to purchase land and build a school that will serve both Ministry children and children in the community A tractor Continued growth of the micro-finance program. Additional funds are needed to purchase and implement software to manage the finances and to continue expanding the program. History: Since our initial GIC in January 2008, St. John s has provided significant financial support for LCM. Several members of our church have participated in short term trips to LCM in Kenya, helping to conduct overnight Bible Camps, establishing wells and increasing the LCM organization s productivity. Volunteering: Contact St. John s member Frances Osteen a ( ) for questions regarding volunteering. For more information: LCM office (770) ; info@lifeforchildrenministry.org The Children of Kenya and Life for Children Ministry

20 International Regional Mission Partners page continued on next page 2. Honduras Agape Foundation Information: The Honduras Agape goal is to manifest the love of Jesus Christ to the people of Honduras by providing medical and health care and education. The Honduras Agape Foundation began as a foreign mission ministry of South Aiken Presbyterian Church to Quimistan, Honduras in response to Hurricane Mitch in Ongoing efforts seek to provide: a) Clean drinking water b) medical treatment and facilities c) decent housing d) education e) nutritional needs and f) general support for the residents of the Quimistan valley and surrounding communities. Maynor Castillo Missionary Prayer Request:. For wisdom as the Foundation reaches out to 5 villages, for people to step forward to participate in a mission trip in 2013, for protection for all those leading the ministry, and for all to "come and follow Jesus. History: For many years members of St. John s have participated in mission trips with the Honduras Agape project and we also provide financial support through Faith Promise to help with specific missions. Volunteering: Multiple short term mission trips are taken to the Quimistan area each year. Contact a member of MLT to research volunteer opportunities. For more information:

21 3. Mike and Sherri Morrissey (Thailand) Mike & Sherri Morrissey Missionaries Information: Since 2006, Reverends Mike and Sherri Morrissey have worked the through the Thailand Methodist Mission as the first United Methodist missionaries to Thailand. In a country in which only 0.5% of the population is Christian, the Morriseys have overcome many obstacles in bringing God s message of love to the Thai people. Churches are being planted, leaders are being trained and mercy ministries to assist HIV/AIDS orphans are being established throughout the country. One of these is a shelter called Blessing Home which the Morrisseys opened to provide a safe haven for orphans and other children who might otherwise be abducted and sold into the country s notorious sex trade industry. Since personal transportation is limited in Thailand, it is imperative to have churches in each village. Therefore, the Morrissey s are working diligently to plant new churches and train ministers and church leaders. Prayer Request: For all their planted churches to become self supporting through economic development, For safe travels as Mike & Sherry visit the many planted churches, for the growth of Blessing Home to keep more children safe from trafficking, for all to "Come" and follow Jesus. Blessing Home - A safe haven for Children History: In 2009, St. John s committed to funding a church planting effort in Nakom Patom, a community located on the west side of Bangkok. Faith Promise funds will be used to provide for the pastor's salary over a period of five years. The level of support decreases each year and by the end of year five, the church is expected to be financially self-sufficient. Volunteering: Contact a member of MLT to research volunteer opportunities. For more information:

22 4. Mark Wittig (Colombia) Mark Wittig & family Missionary Columbia, South America Information: Mark Wittig was accepted as a career missionary candidate with OMS International in Mark is professor of missions at the Biblical Seminary of Colombia in Medellín ( As an ordained minister, he is also involved in a church-planting ministry and supervises a citywide sports program, which evangelizes and disciples over 1,000 children and youth of Medellín through soccer on a weekly basis ( Current ministries in Colombia include the sports ministry, which reaches out to young people in Medellin on a weekly basis. Also, the Biblical Seminary of Colombia aims at excellence in spiritual formation and high academic standards to meet the necessity of advanced theological and practical preparation for mature believers whom God is calling to pastor or lead Christian institutions. Prayer Request: For all the children of Colombia that guns will be replaced by soccer balls, For much needed equipment for the brownie making business, for the baking staff for integrity, for business smarts, for a quality brownie and for all to "come" and follow Jesus. Christian Union Sports Club History: Since our 2008 GIC, St. John s members have traveled to Colombia On short term trips. We also provide financial support through Faith Promise funding. Volunteering: Contact a member of MLT to research volunteer opportunities. Medellín, Columbia For more information:

23 5. David Williams (Ethiopia) Information: Dave Williams works through Frontier Ventures to engage the unreached of Ethiopia. They use interactions built in the business environment to build trust and relationships in the hopes of finding a "Paul", a disciple with the faith and desire to help share the Gospel with fellow Muslims. Dave explains, "They need to hear the Gospel in their own language from one of their peers so the message will take root and spread. PRAYER REQUEST: For the health and safety of his family; For them to grow in their knowledge of the language; For God to meet their financial needs; For Dave to meet Harari Muslims that God has been preparing their hearts to become followers of Jesus. History: Since 2008, St. John s has provided significant financial support for David Williams. For more information: Visit website or to receive Dave's weekly or monthly prayer requests, please send to David.sherbrooke@frontierventures.org. ETHIOPIA AFRICA Reaching the Unreached

24 6. The Mission Society Information: The Mission Society was founded in 1984 and has recruited, trained, and supported more than 500 cross-cultural witnesses in global missions. Currently, more than 200 missionaries serve in more than 40 nations around the world sharing the love and message of Christ, equip ping churches and their leaders, and providing relief efforts where needed. The Mission Society does not receive denominational funding and works with Methodist Churches and a variety of Wesleyan groups both within the United States and in other parts of the world. The Mission Society SERVING MISSIONARIES WORLDWIDE