This is one of Jesus' multiple calls to missions.I feel that this call is just as critical for His followers today as it was to those original Disciples.
An interesting point in this passage in Acts is the widening geographic circles that Jesus mentions.Jerusalemwas the immediate area surrounding the Disciples. Our Jerusalem could be seen as East Aurora. Judea and Samaria covered the larger region. For us this would include Buffalo and greater Western New York. Finally, the ends of the earth stretches this call as far as any of us can travel.
In the youth ministry program we takeseriously God's call to all Christians to actively participate in the redemption of creation. In the past years we have participated in a variety of mission projects in places throughout our community, region, and beyond. Here are some of the examples:
East Aurora:
- Can Collection for Fish
- Regular Participation in the Crop Walk
- Visiting Patients at The Waters
- Preparing and Delivering Meals for "Shut-Ins"
- Christmas Caroling
Western NY:
- Volunteer at Vive La Casa, refugee shelter
- Work Days at Camp Findley and Camp Asbury
- Volunteer at Seneca Street UMC
Ends of the Earth:
- Regular Involvement in World Vision's 30 Hour Famine
- Organized a Walk-a-Thon for Tsunami Victims in 2005
- Sponsor a Compassion International Child in India
- Mission trips to Maine, The Island of Andros, and Biloxi, Mississippi. (To see a video of our trip to Mississippi, click here )