What an exciting year this has been at Temple for missions involvement. Literally hundreds from the Temple family have given themselves away for the benefit of others, around the globe, and here at home, sharing the gospel and participating in mercy ministries. We are now putting the finishing touches on the 2012 calendar for missional opportunities. We hope you will find a place to use your gifts, skills, and abilities for the sake of the gospel in the New Year.
Why are we so committed to missions involvement here at Temple? Why is it so important? The answer is easy. The Scripture commands it. We want to fulfill the Great Commission of Christ to take the gospel to the nations and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-49; John 20:21 Acts 1:8; 26:16-18). Participation in missions is to share Christ’s heart for the world (John 3:16; Matthew 9:36-38; 18:10-14; Luke 19:10). Involvement in missions offers the church an opportunity to help minister to, and provide relief from, the calamities and oppression that strikes suddenly to many families today. Our disaster relief team, as well as other Temple missions groups have responded to a variety of needs this year: Natural disasters, benevolence and other helping ministries just to mention a few. On behalf of all of these families, and the countless thousands around the world who are hungry, naked, sick, imprisoned – in need, Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25: 31-46, “I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me.”
Where do you begin? First, begin with prayer. Ask God to cultivate a passion in your life for those who do not have a relationship with Jesus. Pray that God would bless you with a desire to help others in need, and to draw your attention to needs or places where you may use your gifts, skills, and abilities for his glory. Second, be obedient to the Word of God. Study what the Bible has to say about missions. Take action. You don’t have to wait for an organized effort to begin giving yourself away for others. Third, join with Temple on one of our 2012 missions opportunities. Tentatively, Temple will be sending teams to England, Haiti, Brazil, Honduras, China, El Salvador, Deland, Florida, Staten Island, New York, Silver Creek New York, New Orleans, Louisiana, and Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Dates, cost, and mission descriptions will be released in just a few weeks. Please be in prayer for these opportunities. Our desire is that God would be glorified, the name of Jesus would be exalted, and those who participate in these endeavors would grow closer to Christ as we serve him.
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