Service/Missions to the World

 This is where our perspectives go global. In our ever shrinking, connected world we are invited to be global citizens as we remember that: “God so love the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life, for God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world but that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:16,17

It is our dream that First Lutheran would grow in our mission’s outreach which not only serves God, loves others but also changes us we are stretched outside our own comfortable cultural boundaries. Small Groups can grow in this area together perhaps by supporting a missionary, going on a short-term mission together or walking together on the crop walk to address for world hunger issues.

 

What…	Compassion International Sponsor a child!
Contact information…	www.compassion.com
Contact Number…	1-800-336-7676
Purpose…	Compassion International exists as an advocate for children, releasing them from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enabling them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults.
the mission…	Your small group can help a child by doing any of the following: ·        Challenge each member of your small group to commit to sponsoring a child.  Spend one of your small group meetings signing up to sponsor and then pray for the child that will soon be a part of your life. ·        Keep each other updated on your sponsorship – bring their picture to share with the group, write letters to your child during a small group meeting, or send your child a picture of your entire small group. ·        Sponsor a child as a group.
How will this help?	You will…Become a Friend Many children in poverty feel unloved and worthless. Your letters, photos and prayers will mean more than you can possibly imagine.  Being a sponsor will profoundly change the future for your child -- and will change your own life in the process.

  

What…	CROP Walk “We walk because they walk.”
Contact information…	www.churchworldservice.org/CROP 1-888-297-2767
When and where…	October 9, 2005 in Cedar Rapids More dates in Spring 2006 TBA
Purpose…	When you CROP Walk, you're: Supporting long-term development in more than 80 countries Helping meet the special needs of refugees Assisting in disasters and famines Sharing some $4,000,000 annually to support local hunger fighting efforts across the U.S. Getting some exercise, too!
the mission…	Your small group can be involved in CROP walk by doing any of the following: ·        Commit to walking in the CROP walk ·        Commit to finding a certain number of sponsors ·        Ask other small groups to join you, invite neighbors, family, friends, kids – anyone! ·        Tell people WHY you are walking
How will this help?	CROP Walks: Numbers Make a Difference ·        5,487,307 CROPWalkers over the past 20 years ·        35,527 CROP Walks in the past two decades ·        $264,859,614 raised by CROPWalkers over the past 20 years

  

What…	Third Annual Medical Mission Trip to Texas and Mexico
Contact information…	Tom Pietz 319-365-1494 tomp@firstlutherancr.org or Dr. John & Katie Lancaster from St. Mark’s Lutheran Church amashk@msn.com
When, How long, and how much?	1 week in November 2007 – specific dates TBA Cost is anticipated to be around $500 (based on the last trip; includes air, hotel, and van travel).
Purpose…	This mission trip is a joint effort between St. Mark’s and First Lutheran Churches. These trips are medical mission trips which require medical (e.g., physicians, nurses) and non-medical support (e.g., hospitality, dispense medications).
the mission…	Your small group can be involved in this mission trip by doing any of the following: ·        Go on the trip! Medical personnel and non-medical personnel are needed! ·        Pray for those that are planning on going – each member of your small group could be praying for a different part of the trip.  For example, travel, health, relationship building, unity among the team, etc. ·        Commit to paying the way for one person to go to Mexico.  This person could meet with your small group on return and share their experience!
How will this help?	This trip will provide opportunities for First Lutheran to partner with St. Mark’s Lutheran and provide much needed medical care to people Mexico.

 

What…	Never Ending Gardens Mission trip to Swaziland, Africa
Contact information…	Dave DeWolf 319-365-0980 www.dreamforafrica.com
When, How long, and how much?	1 week (excluding travel) in March/April 2006 – specific dates to choose from on website Cost is $3395
Purpose…	This opportunity is for ages 13+ and will make an eternal impact in the lives of the participants and the beneficiaries alike.  Your team will be partnered with local Africans in planting 100+ gardens per trip participant. Each garden provides 12 immune-boosting plants and covers a small plot of land the size of a front door.
the mission…	Your small group can be involved in the Dream for Africa, “Never Ending Gardens” mission trip by doing any of the following: ·        Go on the trip!  This trip is perfect for anyone who loves being outside, meeting new people, or gardening. ·        Pray for the larger mission of this trip.  The goal is for hunger to end in Africa – pray boldly!  Ask God to make this goal a reality. ·        Commit to covering the finances for one person or making a donation for someone who wants to go.  This could either be someone in our congregation or a free-will donation on the website.
How will this help?	Never Ending Gardens is the answer to hunger. Over 100,000 gardens were planted in 2004 providing immune-boosting vegetables.  This is lasting food for over 500,000 people in Africa!

  

What…	Mission Trip to Tanzania Join First Lutheran in Africa!
Contact information…	Shannon Ingleby 319-365-1494 shannoni@firstlutherancr.org
When, How long, and how much?	2 weeks in June 2006 – specific dates TBA Cost is $2500 – First Lutheran and fundraising events will provide some of this cost
Purpose…	Some of you may know that First Lutheran has a companion congregation in Tanzania, Africa and we want to go visit them!  While we are there we will be getting acquainted with their city, congregation, and even go on a safari!  We will be building relationships that we pray will last for years and years to come!  This is a great opportunity to step out of your box and experience a different culture…you will learn so much and come back changed!
the mission…	Your small group can be involved in First Lutheran’s mission trip to Tanzania by doing any of the following: ·        Go on the trip!  We will be taking 10-15 people. ·        Pray for those that are planning on going – each member of your small group could be praying for a different part of the trip.  For example, travel, health, relationship building, unity among the team, etc. ·        Commit to paying the way for one person to go to Tanzania.  This person could meet with your small group on return and share their experience!
How will this help?	This trip will provide opportunities for First Lutheran to have an on-going relationship with a congregation across the world!  We can learn so much from them – the fruits of this trip are endless!