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Nappanee Missionary Church
July 28, 2008
From Pastor Dave ...
In case you weren't in the service yesterday, or are a bit uncertain as to what you heard, I want to take a quick moment to bring you up to speed on what I shared relative to NMC's response to the ECONOMIC TORNADO we are experiencing. (Yes, I call this a tornado because its effects are devastating, even more than the one we experienced last fall!)
Everyone is well aware that economically our area is in "deep weeds." No one is certain whether this is the 3rd inning or the 8th inning of this game -- but the reality for many is that these are difficult times. Last week I received an email from a husband and wife that had both lost their jobs - for them it's worse than a tornado - they've lost their entire income stream.
But here is what I sense (let me give you the bullets of what I shared Sunday):
1. This is the time for the Church (and NMC in particular) to be the Church. This should be our finest hour as we engage our community with spiritual, physical, emotional, professional and financial support. We talk about engaging locally/regionally/globally, and now is the time to step up "big time" locally!
2. For far too long, the Body of Christ has waited for the government to solve our problems. We've reverted to passivity when the call of the gospel is activity! NO MORE! Much of what we are facing won't be solved by Washington, D.C. but by the body of Christ, the local church, by being and doing what God has called us to be and to do.
3. NMC leaders are deeply engaged in building a strategic response to this "economic tornado." We want to be obedient to our mission and fully engage the needs we face.
4. We will minister wholistically! It's about the whole person!
5. We want to partner wisely. We are currently looking for partners that will minister with an openly faith-based approach.
6. While we want to assist with the basic needs that these times present, we will deal with the root issues rather than just the symptoms.
7. We want to treat each dollar given to us as though it were the "widow's mite!"
8. Doing nothing is not an option! Yes, there are great risks when we get involved at the level at which we are looking, but doing nothing is not an option! (Did you ever read the parable of the Good Samaritan?)
9. We recognize that we will be criticized, misunderstood and have our motives questioned. I can guarantee you that this will happen, yet "When God Calls, God Provides!" We are far more concerned about obedience to Jesus that the words of critics.
After I shared Sunday morning, I had three very unique and interesting responses. The first was from a lady who was visiting - she handed my a check for $300 and said "make a difference." The second was also from a visitor who gave me a check for $500 and in the memo wrote "no green beans!" (You needed to be present Sunday to understand that one.) The third was a person who approached me about postponing a major purchase in order to step up and to make a difference. All expressed a sense of urgency in their desire to help.
Yes, all of us who can will need to share significant financial gifts - we'll need to share God's blessings in our lives with those in need. Yet this is about far more than money -- we'll need dozens of prayer teams, financial counselors, occupational trainers, etc. This could be our finest hour - Yes, this WILL be our finest hour!
So what is your response going to be? While I won't be able to respond to all the notes, I promise to read every email that is sent to nogreenbeans@nmc1.org.
And one more thing - I still believe today, more than ever, "OUR GREATEST DAYS ARE JUST AHEAD!"
In Him,
Pastor Dave
P.S. - Before we launch this initiative, we need to help FCDC (Family Christian Development Center) fill a depleted food bank. Here's the list of what they need (and remember - NO GREEN BEANS :) )
Pork & Beans
Cereal
Pasta
Spaghetti Sauce
Boxed Meals
Stove-top Meals
Canned Meats
For the next few weeks you can drop off your items at a trailer that's in front of NMC on State Road 19! We'll make sure it gets to FCDC.
Nappanee Missionary Church
July 28, 2008
From Pastor Dave ...
In case you weren't in the service yesterday, or are a bit uncertain as to what you heard, I want to take a quick moment to bring you up to speed on what I shared relative to NMC's response to the ECONOMIC TORNADO we are experiencing. (Yes, I call this a tornado because its effects are devastating, even more than the one we experienced last fall!)
Everyone is well aware that economically our area is in "deep weeds." No one is certain whether this is the 3rd inning or the 8th inning of this game -- but the reality for many is that these are difficult times. Last week I received an email from a husband and wife that had both lost their jobs - for them it's worse than a tornado - they've lost their entire income stream.
But here is what I sense (let me give you the bullets of what I shared Sunday):
1. This is the time for the Church (and NMC in particular) to be the Church. This should be our finest hour as we engage our community with spiritual, physical, emotional, professional and financial support. We talk about engaging locally/regionally/globally, and now is the time to step up "big time" locally!
2. For far too long, the Body of Christ has waited for the government to solve our problems. We've reverted to passivity when the call of the gospel is activity! NO MORE! Much of what we are facing won't be solved by Washington, D.C. but by the body of Christ, the local church, by being and doing what God has called us to be and to do.
3. NMC leaders are deeply engaged in building a strategic response to this "economic tornado." We want to be obedient to our mission and fully engage the needs we face.
4. We will minister wholistically! It's about the whole person!
5. We want to partner wisely. We are currently looking for partners that will minister with an openly faith-based approach.
6. While we want to assist with the basic needs that these times present, we will deal with the root issues rather than just the symptoms.
7. We want to treat each dollar given to us as though it were the "widow's mite!"
8. Doing nothing is not an option! Yes, there are great risks when we get involved at the level at which we are looking, but doing nothing is not an option! (Did you ever read the parable of the Good Samaritan?)
9. We recognize that we will be criticized, misunderstood and have our motives questioned. I can guarantee you that this will happen, yet "When God Calls, God Provides!" We are far more concerned about obedience to Jesus that the words of critics.
After I shared Sunday morning, I had three very unique and interesting responses. The first was from a lady who was visiting - she handed my a check for $300 and said "make a difference." The second was also from a visitor who gave me a check for $500 and in the memo wrote "no green beans!" (You needed to be present Sunday to understand that one.) The third was a person who approached me about postponing a major purchase in order to step up and to make a difference. All expressed a sense of urgency in their desire to help.
Yes, all of us who can will need to share significant financial gifts - we'll need to share God's blessings in our lives with those in need. Yet this is about far more than money -- we'll need dozens of prayer teams, financial counselors, occupational trainers, etc. This could be our finest hour - Yes, this WILL be our finest hour!
So what is your response going to be? While I won't be able to respond to all the notes, I promise to read every email that is sent to nogreenbeans@nmc1.org.
And one more thing - I still believe today, more than ever, "OUR GREATEST DAYS ARE JUST AHEAD!"
In Him,
Pastor Dave
P.S. - Before we launch this initiative, we need to help FCDC (Family Christian Development Center) fill a depleted food bank. Here's the list of what they need (and remember - NO GREEN BEANS :) )
Pork & Beans
Cereal
Pasta
Spaghetti Sauce
Boxed Meals
Stove-top Meals
Canned Meats
For the next few weeks you can drop off your items at a trailer that's in front of NMC on State Road 19! We'll make sure it gets to FCDC.
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