They range from inspiring to ho-hum. So what exactly do Christians mean when we talk about mission?
It means letting the truths of who God is and what he has done for us through Jesus Christ permeate and change every aspect of our lives.
It means that we do not pursue our own plans but God’s plans.
And God’s plan is made clear in Scripture:
John 3:16-17
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
Jesus’ final charge to his disciples was to go out into the world and share the Good News that Jesus’ death and rising from the grave won eternal salvation for all who believe in His name.
Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Mark 16:15
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. …”
Luke 24:46-48
He [Jesus] told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. ...”
John 20:21
Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."
Acts 1:8
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."
Here at Redeemer, we take this command very seriously. In fact, Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples” is our main focus.
Since 1987, our preschool has been reaching out to our community. Over 1,200 children throughout the community have attended Redeemer’s 3K/4K Preschool. While attending our preschool, the children learn about the love that Jesus has for them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. “ (Matthew 19:14)
After Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf in August 2005, Redeemer sent a team to help with the cleanup efforts in the gulf.
In 2010, Redeemer began sending yearly mission teams to Hong Kong through LCMS World Mission. While in Hong Kong, the mission teams serve as relationship builders through English conversation and instruction at a secondary school, Ma Chan Duen Hey Memorial College (MCDH). In June of 2012, for the first time, Redeemer hosted a team of 18 students from MCDH school in Hong Kong. Staying with host families in the congregation, the students assisted with our Vacation Bible School and served our community in many ways.
In 2012, Redeemer began "Circle of Love". This is a group that focuses on community outreach, striving to mobilize the church to work with area humanitarian service organizations.
This is only the beginning of what God has done here at Redeemer and how he has mobilized us to answer his call to share the love of Jesus Christ with the community and world.
