Hope Missions SE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Goal

Hope Missions is a dream come true: the dream to Help Other People Everywhere - to put legs on our prayers and truly be an outreach that makes a difference.

Our vision is to build for people who can't do it themselves.  The vision is to encourage other churches to go with us on mission trips or go fo the same thing.

Our vision is that Hope Missions will spread out across America and the world.  Our desire is not to have an organization but an operation that is functional and productive.

Our dream is each church or group works together but also independently.  We communicate building dates and encourage those who can go work together.

Our goal here at HCC is to encourage and train leaders in other areas to take teams to Help Other People Everywhere - to make a difference with people who want to make a difference.

 

Why Missions?

The comparison of Jesus was very evident in His life and ministry.  he was a people person with a ministry to people.  Jesus was truly a missionary

Should the church be any different?  You say "of course not."  Evangelism is the "works of the church," but compassion is the "heart of the church."  because of this compassion, the church should and must reach out in missions.

The church exists for missions, and missions exists for the church.  The two annot be separated.  It's our love and compassion for Jesus Christ that calls us to fo to the world with the gospel.  Jesus said, "go and make disciples of all nations," not just at home.  So Jesus blesses us to be a blessing to others.

Many in the world today suffer greatly for being Christians.  We, in America, do not understand nor do we feel their pain, unless we get involved.  There are horror stories that continue to come out of Africa, China, and other nations.  This is why we must pray daily for our brothers and sisters in these countries.

Someone asked once "But what can I do?"  Our answer is very simple.  Start with prayer, not only for others but for direction for yourself.  then look for ways to help, maybe sponsor or pay someone else's way on a mission trip if you cannot go yourself.  Maybe monthly support for a mission or pastor in another country, or give to help finance a new building in Africa or the Dominican Republic.  There are so many things we can do as a church and as individuals.

But, the bottom line is to win souls to Jesus Christ.  This will only happen as we, the church, use our financial blessings and combine that with compassionate hearts - not only in foreign fields but also at home.  You can make a difference!


Who Is My Neighbor?

Once a lawyer came to Jesus and asked that very question.  The answer Jesus gave the man was not what he expected.

Jesus told a story of a man who was traveling from Jericho to Jerusalem and was beaten and robbed.  Religious people, a priest and a Levite, ignored this poor fellow and passed by on the other side of the road.  But then a Samaritan happened on the way and stopped to help this half dead traveler.  He took pity on the beaten man, bandaged his wounds and took him to a place where he could be cared for.  Not only that, but he paid for his care and lodging out of his own pocket.

What makes this story so unusual?  The Jews and Samaritans did not get along.  The man who asked the question was a Jew.  Jesus' answer went against his convictions and exposed his bigotry.  He was told that your neighbor is anyone in need.

Our country is constantly hammered by storms and fires.  The question is: Are they our neighbors?  Should we help them even if they don't live next door?  Yes, it is the right thing to do.  We are our brother's keeper.  It is our obligation as Christians and Americans.

As Christians we have been taught to serve others and be generous with our blessings.  We have a great opportunity to share with others.  The giver and receiver will both be blessed.  Out of tradegy comes good.  God never wastes a crisis.  We dare not either.

Not everyone can go on a mission trup to help clean up and rebuild, but many can.  people will have to be interrupted and even inconvenienced to go, but the need is great.  those who can't go can pray and support financially those who do.  We are a team - some plant, others water, but God gives the increase.  Now is the time to step out and take a risk.

So, who is my neighbor?  The one that has a need.  Jesus said, "the fields are white unto the harvest."  He was saying that the time is now.  Then He said, "ask the Lord of the harvest for workers."  That is what we are doing now.  you can do the impossible and the unthinkable, if you let God lead you.  the question is: Am I unable or unwilling?

See you on the mission trip.