Emphasizing Missions

This past Sunday was Missions Emphasis Sunday.  I really enjoy the privilege of listening to God's Word.  It is something that as a preacher I do not usually get to do live.  I can listen to speakers online or on the radio and I certainly am studying during the week, but there is something about the spoken Word of God that is just wonderful to hear.  I am grateful to Mike Deen for preaching it well as our keynote speaker for Missions Emphasis. 

I am also grateful for our Missions Committee, who put together such a wonderful day of focus on mission.  I am grateful because they remembered to include the idea that we have to be willing to serve Jesus here in our local community.  Sometimes I can get caught up in all of the great stories of what is happening overseas in Ukraine or Africa or Brazil that I forget all of the good and important things that God is doing right here in my own backyard.  I can be so focused on people needing to hear the gospel in a foreign country that I forget that people need to hear the gospel next door to where I live and work. 

I am thankful that we have the joy of participating within the context of our own church family and serving each other.  I am thankful that our church has opportunities for people to minister.  I am thankful for people in our church who understand that our ministry as a church extends beyond our four walls and go out and serve in various ministries like a work camp or that help our crisis pregnancy center.  I am thankful for those who serve in ministries like Gideons.  I am thankful for those that faithfully serve our AWANA program and VBS as we see these programs bring these families that need the good news right into our church building! 

I really enjoyall that we are able to do together as we serve our Savior for the glory of God!  And I love that we were able to focus on these practical things on one of our Missions Emphasis Sundays!