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As defined by Merriam-Webster:
Missions - A ministry commissioned by a religious organization to propagate its faith or carry on humanitarian work
Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
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| Vida Nueva
- Missions
away Food Pantry - Missions at home Vida Nueva Have you ever watched a congregation be born? In the mountainous Presbytery of Morelos, Mexico, a new church development officially becomes a “Congregation” when it has 30 baptized members. That joyous event was celebrated for the Vida Nueva Church in the town of Temixco on August 5. Twenty-three grateful missionaries from the Woodbury and Maranata churches were present for the party. Woodbury, Maranata, Vida Nueva and Morelos Presbytery have been working together toward this goal for four years. What a spectacular Sunday we enjoyed! For the next few days members of the three sister churches led a dynamic outdoor Vacation Bible School for about 50 children in the community. Loud songs of bilingual praise echoed from the mountains. Hearts of both pupils and teachers were touched with the love of Christ. And you should have seen the children’s eyes when each one received a backpack stuffed with school supplies you donated, and a Children’s Bible – in Spanish, of course. Meanwhile another crew was ripping wood, pounding nails and tying steel. This year’s construction goal was to pour the second floor of Vida Nueva’s building. Some thought the job would take at least three weeks. But having helped dig the foundation four years ago, the missionaries were determined to put a cap on the first story in 6 days. It was a feverish race against time. The concrete was finally poured two working days after the missionaries came back home. Now, for the first time ever, the Vida Nueva congregation can worship indoors. A high point of the mission was an outdoor showing of The Jesus Film. At the end of the movie roughly 20 people from the community – mostly children – prayed to make Jesus the Lord of their lives. More than half of those boys and girls had attended VBS. Another high point was a one day medical clinic. The Presbytery of Morelos provided 2 doctors. Woodbury bought the medications. Maranata set up a prayer station and prayed for anyone who wanted prayer. Dozens of people received loving care in the name of the Lord. 18 of them committed their lives to following Christ that day. Through it all, one of the greatest blessings was a deeper discovery of Christian love. Neither language nor geography can create a gulf so large that it can’t be bridged by the love of Christ. The efforts of the Mexico Mission Team 2007 can be seen by viewing some of their photos here. The Food Pantry at Woodbury Every Monday and Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m. Woodbury opens its doors to serve food to less fortunate people living in East Orange County. They are welcomed by Woodbury staff members and volunteers who, not only provide them with much needed nourishment, but also spend time with them in prayer and fellowship. Each week the Woodbury food pantry serves over 100 needy people. |