Friday, 19 April 2013

Step Out in Short-Term Missions

Next Step Devotion

The sun is shining, baseball is in full swing, and summertime is on the horizon! This is the time of year when we all anxiously anticipate that feeling of freedom that seems to naturally come with the summer. Even those of us who do not enjoy a "summer break" from our daily duties rest in the hope that the summer season seems to be a little less hectic. Family vacations, catching up in the garden, family reunions, and in some cases, a relaxing of church nightly activities are just a few short weeks away. 

But what if we began to look at the extra summer hours appearing in our schedules as not only an opportunity to relax, but rather an opportunity to serve? What if the body of Christ chose to trade the finances set aside for our trips to Disney World and Gulf Shores in favor of a mission trip or outreach ministry to a community in need? There is no denying that our nation is hurting. The states of Alabama and Mississippi are reeling from the effects of tornadoes, hurricanes, and financial recession. What an opportunity to shine the light of Jesus Christ across our communities!

This is not to say that we should not enjoy our family vacations, summer reading, or vegetable gardens. On the contrary, God established from the 6th day of creation that we should enjoy seasons of fulfilling and rejuvenating rest. However, scripture promises that those who invest time in refreshing others will themselves will be refreshed (Prov 11:25). If you have ever been on a short-term missions trip or served in an outreach capacity, you understand this verse fully. There is perhaps no other activity more satisfying, more invigorating, more purposeful than that of serving others in need. Perhaps this is because God created us for this purpose? Our service to fellow man is a pleasing act of worship to the Father, and we were created to worship (Rev. 4:11)! When we serve others it is as though we are serving the Lord, and as a result we reap the blessings (Mark 9:41).

You may be thinking, "I don't have the money for a vacation, let alone a mission trip!" Well, our goal this week on New Day Cafe was to share with you several short-term missions and outreach opportunities within our own listening area with which you and your family could serve this summer. There are countless ministries, churches, and organizations that are in need of volunteers, whether for one day or several weeks, to help continue their service to the community. We encourage you to take a look at the following list of ministries, outreach opportunities, and short-term missions ideas. Consider how you and your family and/or children  could use the summer months to make a lasting difference in the lives of others:

Local Ministries/Organizations:
Short-Term Missions/Outreach Ideas:
  • Call a local church and ask if there are any needs (construction, cleaning, donations) that the body of Christ could help meet.
  • Throw a fundraising event (bake sale, bike ride, etc.) for a local ministry. 
  • Donate your time at the local Crisis Center to sort donations or serve food. 
  • Assemble Hygiene kits to send to disaster areas (tornado/fire/flood disaster area)
  • Collect baby items and clothing to donate to a local pregnancy center. 
  • Provide a meal for local teachers during school preparation week.
  • Make and distribute goodie bags to teachers with needed items (expo markers, highlighters, staples) 
  • Provide a meal for a local ministry team such as Samaritan's Purse or Habitat for Humanity. 
  • Call your church and see if there are any upcoming short-term missions trips. 
  • Gather your youth/college group and give free yard care (mowing, edging) to a local neighborhood with elderly residents. 
  • Take your children to visit a local nursing home, giving cards or singing songs. 
  • Do a "Free Car Wash" where you distribute gospel tracks or Bibles to customers.
We pray the above ideas will spark a passion in your heart to step outside of the box this summer and use your time, energy, and resources in ministry to your community. Jesus calls us to "go therefore into all the world," but it starts right where you are. Let's shine the light of Christ this summer!

Interview Recap

Key Scriptures

Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power with the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.  

Proverbs 11:25 - A generous person will prosper. He who refreshes others will be refreshed.

John 20:21 - And Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father sent me, so I am sending you."

Galatians 6:9 - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest. 

Isaiah 6:8 - Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And whom shall go for us?" And I said, "Hear I am. Send me!"

Mark 9:41 - Truly I tell you, anyone who gives a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.

Blessings,
Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South
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