This Sunday we're kicking off a new series called Oz. After the service, we'll be gathering together at Johnny Henderson Family Park for a church-wide picnic. But this Sunday is special for another reason, too. We'll be participating in a special one-day event designed to draw the attention of the Church to the needs of the world's poorest children.
It's a tragic fact that about one-third of the world's children live in extreme poverty today. They are hungry most of the time, they suffer from poor health, they receive little or no education. They are neglected, abused, and all too often exposed to violence. Many have come to believe that their lives have no value, no hope and no future. Worst of all, many of these children have never heard that God loves them.
The good news is that although we cannot change the whole world, we can change the world for at least some of these children. Through the ministry of Compassion International, each of us has the opportunity to come alongside one particular child and help change the course of that child's entire future.
On Sunday, we want to invite you to join us in sponsoring a child in great need. The child you sponsor will receive health services, educational assistance, supplemental food - and most importantly, will learn about Jesus. You'll have the opportunity to choose one specific boy or girl and begin a personal ministry to that child. You can exchange letters and prayers. The child you help will cherish the thought that you actually care for him, value him and want him to succeed.
The cost is $38 a month. After each service, Gary and Carrie Mitchell will be at a special table set up in the lobby, where you can sign up to sponsor a child - and you can take your sponsorship packet home with you right away.
As a church family, God can use us to bring lasting change into the lives of children who otherwise may never know Jesus and are headed for a lifetime of suffering and hardship. Thank you for your willingness to serve in this important work. Be sure to stop by the table after either service on Sunday morning and talk to Gary and Carrie about their sponsorship experience.
Gene, we will be out of town this weekend, but I am so glad that Crossroads is sponsoring a Compassion Sunday! James and I have sponsored a boy from Uganda since we married in 2001. It has been such a blessing to our family and we cherish all of the photos and letters we have received from him. It has been amazing "watching" him grow and seeing what God is doing in his life. For the cost of a dinner out, we have been able to make a valuable impact in his and his family's lives. I hope Roadies come through for this noble effort!
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