April 2016

Dear Friends,
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It may seem hard to believe, but Easter is already behind us. That means we are now living in the era of the risen Lord. Hallelujah!

Our sins are forgiven. We have received new life through the power of the resurrection. We are brought near to God and made the sons and daughters of God. Christ works for good in all things for us, who love him and are called according to his purpose. Nothing in all creation is able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Those whom God has justified he will also glorify. And at the voice of the archangel and the trumpet call of God, Christ will appear, the dead in Christ will be raised, and those who are still living will join them, and thus we will always be with the Lord!

Jesus said, “As my Father sent me, so I am sending you.” (John 20:21). All four Gospels and Acts include this commission though each example is a little different.

That is a BIG responsibility! Grace is blessed to be deeply involved in mission for many years. For example:

• This April Grace will receive a “Life-Time Achievement Award from Wesbury Community for contributing over $100,000 to benevolent care over the years.
• Grace supports Mi Refugio, a mission in Guatemala City, feeding, clothing and educating children of the poorest.
• Grace helps to fund the meal program at the Oil City Salvation Army each year.
• Living Stones in Beir Zeit, Palestine works toward peace between Palestinian Christians and Moslems.
• Each year volunteers go to the Dominican and throughout the year we support Hope for Hispaniola.

There's much more, but this helps give you an idea of the many kinds of ministry, local and international which Grace supports.

Christ commanded his church to reach the entire world with the good news. He taught us that we must also feed the hungry, cloth the naked, shelter the homeless and care for the ill and imprisoned regardless of the physical distance between them and us. Again, Grace can't do everything, but we can do some things, and that which we can do, we are compelled by Christ to do.

Reaching the world for Christ costs money, requires missionaries, and demands prayer support. We can do this!

Sunday, April 24 the Venango County mission, Mustard Seed Missions will share with us in worship. We will have the chance to give our support to Faith Promise (see related article). Please prayerfully consider how you will financially support Christ's mission through Faith Promise.

Pastor Byron