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For those who don't already
know.
A team of around 22 young
people from our church and local churches will be working in
Little Hearts Orphanage and with slum parishes in India this
summer.
How many people are going?
Yes, 22 are going, 5
Wrinklie's and 17 young people aged around 17.
Where are they going again?
To India, to a city of 5
million people called Chennai. In a country of 1 billion
people. Where poverty and illnesses such as leprosy are
commonplace.
Well what is so amazing about
that!
In the 50-year history of
Greenisland Parish no large group has ever left the parish
to be involved in outreach in such a way. That's amazing!
Why are they going?
This could be a long-winded
explanation of needs and suffering and poverty and outreach
and people and problems and ideas but none of these give the
answer. The answer is God called them. Now that's even more
amazing!
What does this say about our
Church?
Actually it says a lot. It
shows that our church wants to be involved in outreach. It
shows that people in our church are committed to helping
those who are less well off than ourselves. It shows that we
want to grow and God’s vision exists here.
Why don't they get involved
in mission work at home?
They do. This is the same
bunch of loving people who were involved in street reach in
Greenisland last summer and work with many activities in
Greenisland such as the Grasp project.
How will it affect those who
go?
Working for God changes
people permanently. Amazing things will happen and lifelong
memories and friendships are likely to be built. The work
will not be easy. In fact it will probably be one of the
most challenging things they will ever do. The most
important lifelong change will be God’s influence on them.
Can I do anything to help?
Yes. Pray continuously. Pray for the group. Speak with those
who are going.
Encourage them. Find one person to support and get behind
them. Come to events. Come to
Church and enjoy the laughter and fellowship we have
together. Share God’s vision.
Peter. |