Vision Weekend 2021 - Day 2
OPENING PRAYER:
Lord, thank you for the truth in your Word that guides us to our serving opportunities, both in Wichita and to the ends of the earth. Amen
READ: ACTS 1:7-8 (NIV)
“He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.””
REFLECT:
This Scripture outlines a key mission of the church which is to reach the world for Christ. For most of my adult life I thought that witnessing to the ends of the earth meant going to other countries, so I have taken several short-term mission trips which were exciting and rewarding. I believe they are important for Christians to do, but the sad part for me is the relationships developed on the trips, while they were rich, faded after a while.
However, this Scripture doesn’t start with the ends of the earth but with Jerusalem. When we lived in Manhattan, KS we had the opportunity to spread the Gospel to internationals without leaving town. We enrolled in the H.I.S. program (Helping International Students) and were paired with two Indian graduate students as our friends. The two years we spent with them was very special and we developed a lasting relationship with them. Sixteen years later we still maintain contact with them and their families and serve as the American “grandparents” for their children. Here in Wichita we have since had a Chinese teacher live with us (she became a Christian while living here) and we’ve also had a delightful seven-year relationship with a Hindu couple through I.S.I. (International Student Inc.) at Wichita State University. While the short-term trips are very worthwhile, serving at home has the added benefit of developing lasting relationships with individuals. Truly “the ends of the earth (nations)” are coming right here to our city.
APPLY:
There are many opportunities to serve in Wichita other than working with foreign students or with the schools. Other opportunities to serve are the Union Rescue Mission, The Lord’s Dinner, Regency Mobile Home Park thrift center and many more. You and your home team can get more information on the opportunities from the churc
CLOSING PRAYER:
God, help me to consistently search for ways to start witnessing for you in Wichita. In Jesus’ name, Amen.