Meeting Needs & Sharing Christ’s Love
Earlier this year Second-Ponce adopted a new vision and a new organizational structure. (See Ron Watts’ On Second Thought from 11.3.21. 21 for more details.) Four values emerged from that effort: Worship, Discipleship, Mission and Community—things we must always do well. So, Second-Ponce is focusing on these basics.
This week we focus on the imperative of Mission:
We inspire people to increase their engagement in missions and outreach, meeting needs and sharing Christ’s love.
We—the church—are the hands and feet of Jesus in our families and communities, at our places of employment and schools and across the globe. Jesus called us to go to the world loving our neighbor. Working together we can help bring the Good News of Jesus’ salvation and God’s immeasurable love to people. Working together we can address issues of injustice. Working together we can help meet the physical needs of those who are hurting.
I have been asked to lead the newly formed Mission Council. The council’s goal is to combine partnerships and hands-on service aiming to offer hope and model love through deep, purposeful and long-term connections to people and local and global mission organizations. It will take all of us to accomplish this goal—each person finding their unique passion for various ministries. We aim to provide opportunities for every member to participate, growing their gifts and exploring their ministry callings through giving time, talents and resources.
Second-Ponce already has a variety of ways in which we serve consistently:
Reading with children at Garden Hills Elementary School, sponsoring a class each year and helping with the school’s fall festival
Visiting to Touching Miami with Love and providing organizational assistance and VBS-style instruction for their children
Encouraging CBF Field Personnel Janee Angel (and hopefully visiting in the future to help in person)
Hosting the Community Egg Hunts and Trunk or Treat Gatherings
Sponsoring a cottage at the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home
Partnering with Buckhead Christian Ministries, among others.
Personally, I have traveled to Miami five times with groups from Second-Ponce and cooked many a hot dog at the Garden Hills Fall Festival. Watching young faces that are eager to learn about God’s love is very rewarding. You may have enjoyed similar experiences or be new to “mission.”
It is my hope that our new Mission Council will encourage all to be involved in reaching out. If one of these ministries strikes a chord with you or if you have other ideas and dreams, please reach out to missions@spdl.org. And check out the photos below for some snapshots of our missions work!
Remember we are the hands and feet of Jesus in our world. Everyone can help.
George Trusler
Mission Council Chair
