Greetings in Christ. This month there are three mission highlights that we want to share with you. These are areas that you can promote in your mission team and in your church. We will share some specific resources that you can order or download for your church.
The first mission highlight is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). The day to remember the persecuted church is Sunday, November 3rd. More Christians are being persecuted in our day than in the past. It is extremely difficult to be a Christian in many places around the world. Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) has a short film, The Martinez Family: Colombia, which shows front line ministry in a “Red Zone,” where Marxist guerillas operate. Other resources include Global prayer guides, bookmarks, a cloth prayer banner, and their VOM magazine. You can also get materials through International Christian Concern & Global Christian Relief. They also have persecution information on individual countries around the world, prayer kits, podcasts, and more. Please pray and preach about the persecuted church.
The second mission highlight is Orphan Sunday on November 10th. Orphan Sunday occurs annually as an opportunity for local churches and communities to rally together in response to God’s call to care for the orphaned and vulnerable. The Evangelical Free Church has a wonderful ministry called GlobalFingerprints who help transform lives and build the church through child sponsorship. They are currently sponsoring over 6,000 children in 12 counties around the world. Sponsorships are just $39 a month to support this worthy work. Learn more about how you can be involved as an individual or how your church can be an anchor church for new sites.
The third mission highlight is the EFCA Mission Leadership Network event. The CONNECT department of ReachGlobal is hosting this conference for mission pastors and others who give leadership to their missions ministries. This year Ellen Livingood is the keynote speaker. She is the founder of Catalyst Services, a ministry to mission organizations. It will be held at Shiloh Community Church in Phoenix on January 13-15, 2025. Come and connect with your peers and learn to be more effective in your missions ministry. More information and registration is on the EFCA website.
Blessings,
Steve Austvold