As I survey our neighborhood, I see countless people in need of God’s love and healing touch in Jesus. You may wonder, as I do, how we can reach out and make a difference in so many lives. How can one church impact the world for Christ? It’s a difficult challenge to take on as an individual congregation, but I am convinced that as believers working together, God makes a difference in Quincy and our nation. You can join God’s work in North American and Puerto Rico by supporting the America for Christ Offering 2010.
This year’s theme—“With Willing Hands: Connect. Care. Celebrate.”—is a powerful reminder that Jesus was all about connecting and caring for people in need. Through the work of Region and National mission partners, which are funded by the America for Christ Offering, we can participate with our Lord in connecting, caring, and celebrating the power of the Gospel:
- As people come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ;
- As children in poverty are reached through the Penny Project;
- As youth, children, and adults grow in discipleship;
- As communities are changed through Christian neighborhood centers;
- As National Ministries publishes The Christian Citizen magazine;
- As new churches are started in across America;
- As American Baptist partner with related colleges and seminaries;
- As we increase church vitality through the Church in Mission trainings;
- As we support professional church leaders at Regional mission centers;
- As we help to support and relocate refugees into churches and communities;
- And much more…
The America for Christ Offering strengthens our denomination by providing support to our pastoral counselors and chaplains, designing leadership workshops and conferences, promoting excellent discipleship resources through Judson Press, Area Ministers and providing opportunities for churches, individuals, and youth groups to participate in home mission through Volunteer Ministries. We are encouraged by this year’s theme to come alongside people “with willing hands” to connect, care, and celebrate. How do we see God at work in our community and country? How can we cooperate with God in this important work?
Please join me in giving generously to the America for Christ Offering 2010 during the month of March. Help us to reach our goal of $2,000.00. One-third of our offering will financially support our Great Rivers Region (American Baptists of Illinois and Missouri) and two-third of the offering will support our denomination’s Children in Poverty Initiative. Please GIVE NOW, use the envelope in the pew pockets or designated “AFC.” Together we can touch and change lives for the cause of Christ. Together we can make a difference. “For the love of Christ urges us on…” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
Sincerely in Christ,
Pastor Ivan
