Impossible Dreams @ Lakeridge UMC

Email from Linda Hall: Does anyone share her dream for providing mosquito nets?

Dear Bill:

 

Reading  'A Hole in Our Gospel' has certainly been an eye-opening experience for me!  For so many years I didn't understand why churches were going to foreign countries or even other states while I knew there was a lot of need right here in Lubbock.  Richard Stearns has opened my eyes to see and understand the difference in what 'opportunities' the poor here in the United States have versus places like Africa that have no opportunties for help except through prayer, other countries and good samaritans.

 

Chapter Twelve, The Horsemen of the Apocalypse, laid heavy on my heart and made me realize that even 'Linda Hall' could do something to help.  I have always done exactly what Richard says most of us do.................. block out the atrocities of Africa and other poor countries simply because it's too horrible for us to imagine. AND, he says we use the excuse," the problem is too enormous to deal with".

 

While we were living in Dallas - we attended Plano First United Church and I did a 'little' with the UMW and worked extensively with the Katrina effort.  However, one of the missions of the UMW was Mosquito Nets for children in Honduras.  Plano FMC had a rather large effort with Honduras and the UMW helped with the Mosquito Nets.  I gave money for the nets each time I was asked but my heart was never really in it.  I, of course, blocked out the horror of children having to sleep under a net to be safe from mosquitos and malaria - oh my gosh!!!!  My mind simply could not wrap around it.

 

After Chapter Twelve - I decided to open my eyes and try action this time -  not just put in a few dollars for a few nets!  How pathetic was that????

 

I was wondering if anyone else had mentioned starting this ministry and if so - do you think it's feasible?

 

Thank you for helping me see WHY I need to help, not just close my eyes because it's easier AND safer!

 

Thoughts?

 

Linda Hall

Is this about charity? Are we promoting and encouraging a welfare mentality – people who just want something for nothing?

 "Charity is not sustainable." We want to focus on ministries that give a hand up not a hand out. How can we teach, eventually train, and assist persons out of the trap of poverty? How will we help children who are helpless to help themselves?

 

Why are we focusing on outreach beyond the walls of the church? Shouldn’t we focus on growing existing ministries to our church family and completing our facilities?

 In a church of 4,000 members we have plenty of people and resources to do both. It is not either/or. As people discover what God is showing them to do to make a difference, their level of commitment will increase, growing people are giving people. God will not give us the luxury of focusing only on ourselves and our own needs. As a church we must ask, “What does God want us to do and be?” Jesus said we are to love God and to love our neighbors. He commanded us to go into all the world and make disciples.

 

Remember to sign up for the Prayer Vigil Oct 3 6 am to 6 pm

How will we fund the dreams?

We do not have funds available for new ministries from our church budget. It is important to continue your current level of giving to the operating fund and building fund. These funds are the life blood of our church and provide for the staff and essential functions of the church. Our dreams of outreach will be supported through the “mission fund” of our church. Please give “over and above” your regular giving to the mission fund. Designate on your check “Mission Fund” and the specific ministry you desire to support.

When God puts a dream on my heart, what do I do with it?

Explore existing ministries in our church and our community which may provide an opportunity for you to fulfill your dream. You will be able to join with others and benefit from their experience in pursuing your dream. Don’t reinvent the wheel! Examine our missions brochure for existing ministries

 Post your dream on our blog at ImpossibleDreams.info. Ask if others might share your dream or know of an organization that shares your dream. Ask those persons to leave a comment on the blog so you connect with them. Personally invite them as well.

 

If there are no existing groups that share your dream, then you may want to start a new ministry. Please complete a new ministry proposal form (available at the church office or via email from dhusen@lakeridgeumc.org). After completing the form, submit it to Associate Pastor, Jerry Krueger. He will present your dream to the entire church staff. We ask that you assemble at least four persons who share your dream in order to launch a new ministry.

How can I make a difference?

We are asking each member to ask God to place on your heart some specific way he wants you to join with him in his work of redeeming the world. Not everyone will be called to go to Africa!! In fact very few of us will be called to a foreign mission field. Most of us will be called to do something in our own community. On Sunday, October 11, we will offer a list of possible ways you can make a difference in the world. These are ideas to get the creative juices flowing. You will be given an opportunity at the conclusion of the worship service to identify a place to make a difference. You may also identify a dream that is not on the list.

 

Is this just a 5 week "Flash in the Pan"?

The Impossible Dreams series launches a deeper movement of the Spirit in our church. LakeRidge UMC already has an extensive outreach in our community and world. However, the needs are so great and we can do so much more. A small percentage of our congregation is currently involved in outreach ministries. What a difference we could make, if EVERY member participated in reaching out to those in need!! When the series of messages concludes on October 11, we will just be starting to make a difference. Throughout the year, we will highlight outreach ministries in worship. Each quarter we will challenge our members to identify one thing they will do in the next 90 days to make a difference for the kingdom of God. I envision our outreach ministries growing exponentially in the coming years. Reaching out will be the primary focus of our church year after year.

 

Chapters from The Hole in Our Gospel to read during "Impossible Dreams" Series

Sept 13: Part 1, Chapters 1-3

Sept 20: Part 2, Chapters 4-7

Sept 27: Part 3, Chapters 8-14

Oct 4: Part 4, Chapters 15-22

Oct 11:   Part 5, Chapters 23-26

Prayer is the key to hearing God's heart

During the Impossible Dreams series we ask you to consider the following opportunities for prayer.

 

· Prayer Guides: Use a special prayer guide each week day during the series. This guide will focus on the scripture passage I will use each Sunday in my messages. The guides will be distributed on September 13.

· Noon Prayer in the Sanctuary: Participate at least weekly in a noon prayer time in the sanctuary. Consider fasting from one lunch per week and using your lunch hour to pray. Suggestions for prayer will be available in the sanctuary.

· Pray for One at One: At 1:00 pm everyday pray for one family who has lost a child due to starvation. (A child starves to death every five seconds).

· Prayer Vigil: Participate in 12 hours of focused prayer on Saturday, October 3 from 6 am to 6 pm. You can come for as little or as long as you like. Together we will ask God to reveal what he expects of us. I hope every member will participate in the prayer vigil.

· Prayer Partner: Consider asking another person to pray with you regularly during this series of messages. You may want to get together once a week and pray together. Or you may want to share prayer requests over the phone or via email. We will pray for each other to hear the heart of God for his children.