I want to share with you about the tremendous Missions Programs we have at First Church and how they have changed my life. These programs reach out to people at many levels. Our Mission activities fulfill the directives of Jesus Christ to be humble servants, to actively assist our fellow human beings, and to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ to all the Nations.  

 

For me, getting involved in our Mission Programs came at a time when my Christian journey seemed focused only on what went on inside the walls of the church. The more I studied the scriptures the more I realized I had to go beyond the church walls and beyond my comfort zone. Then something wonderful happened in 2005: I went on a FUMC mission trip to the small pueblo of Pitorreal in the Sierra Madres of Mexico. Working with the Tarahumara Indians was both exciting and exhausting. I’ve gone every year since that time. In 2007, I stayed an additional two weeks with the Pastor Obed Alba and his family. It was exhilarating!  

 

The trip to Mexico allowed me to see more clearly the invitation for genuine participation with Christ. At First Church that invitation can begin with a visit to Second Helpings, or a trip to a Habitat for Humanity home building site, or preparing a meal or spending the night with the families receiving temporary shelter during one of the Family Promise weeks, or a conversation with a family receiving Food Vouchers and Angel Food Boxes, or helping the kids at the Methodist Children’s home, or thanking the foster parents that have been adopted by our Sunday School classes. We are blessed to belong to a church filled with so many opportunities. Most of you already know what it took me years to discover, that Mission Programs are a chance to experience the joy of being a servant and putting the word of God into action.