Essentials

In January, we will begin our journey through the Book of Acts, recognizing how the Essentials play a vital role in God’s building of the early church. Acts is a book about the people of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, being witnesses to the world. Jesus gives this charge in Acts 1:8:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

This is the mission God has for us!

Here’s where you come in.
We are emphasizing what God is doing now as we look back at what God did then. My goal is to help you recognize where God's mission is being fulfilled int the world right now.  

Many of your parents support churches, missionaries, or ministries through serving or financial giving. I would love to build a “Mission Wall” in my classroom that highlights the many ways God’s people are on mission today. From local ministries to global Christian organizations, let’s fill the wall with examples of how believers are being witnesses to the ends of the earth.

Your student will be directly involved in creating this Mission Wall as part of a January assignment. December is often a time when families receive end-of-year giving statements, ministry reports, prayer letters, and updates, which are exactly the kinds of items that would work well for the wall.

To be clear, this is not about the number of organizations a family supports or the amount given. It is about recognizing where God is at work in the world, being led by the Holy Spirit, and living out our witness through faithful contributions.

So, please join in building our Mission Wall! Below are a few examples of items that could be included:

• Compassion or World Vision child-sponsorship photo and letter

• Giving statements (with amounts removed)

• End-of-year church reports (baptisms, serving, attendance, those sent on missions, etc.)

• Ministry reports (e.g., Prison Fellowship, Samaritan’s Purse, Youth for Christ) shared quarterly or yearly

• Local ministry materials (Lighthouse, Rescue Mission, Associated Churches, etc.)

• Missionary prayer cards or ministry update letters

• Photos of you serving locally or on a mission trip

Your parents were already emailed in late December, but work with them to accomplish this task. 

DUE TUESDAY, JANUARY 20.

In-class for this day:

1. Set a reminder to talk to your parents about this assignment (or email them).
2. Create a list of as many Fort Wayne Christian organizations as you can.  Briefly include what each organization's purpose is.
3. Create a list of other Christian organizations that operate on a national or international level (for example, World Vision).  Briefly include what each organization's purpose is.
4. Keep your lists for future reference.
5. Please contact Mr. Strahm via his blackhawkchristian.org email if (after talking with your parents) you are having trouble finding a way to bring something in for the mission wall.