The Brethren Church

There is a man from Iowa who traveled 50 years and a thousand miles to find himself homeless on the shores of the storm-ravaged Mississippi coast. He cried real tears as we went with him to redeem his possessions, which he had pawned for bread and the ability to keep himself warm. When he asked us why we would do what we had done we couldn’t wait to tell him that there was more. When we told him that there were 70 people there with us that cared about him and wanted to help him get home he broke down again. Our hearts pounded with anticipation knowing that his next question might lead him to an eternal home. He asked us “why” again. His life changed forever.

There is a man from Ohio who traveled 27 years and a thousand miles to do what he could to help on the storm-ravaged Mississippi coast. He cried real tears as he bought back the possessions of a man he had never met before. He struggled to hold back the tears as he explained to the man that Jesus had once saved him from his wandering and, in obedience to his Savior, he was here to help others be freed. The young missionary later trembled as he explained that he had never felt like he had such a place in the kingdom before. His life changed forever.

There is a fellowship who saw hundreds of its people travel many years and many miles to find themselves on the storm-ravaged Mississippi coast. Many cried real tears as they realized the power of redemption not only in the lives of those they came to help but also in their own. Whatever they had come to see, most left having seen Jesus in the movement of his Holy Spirit. Friendships were forged across district lines and beyond local church walls. They no longer had to be convinced that we really are better together. Their lives were changed forever.

We are called Brethren yet we struggle to build and maintain deep relationships like the kind that are forged in mission. We are called a denomination yet we struggle to create a climate where we can experience the kind of collaborative ministry found on the mission field. Of all of the lives changed this month in Mississippi, would you be surprised to learn that our vision and fondest hope was that it would be the life of our fellowship that would change the most? If we desire new congregations or new life in old ones, that life must be found in mission. Let’s go together and make disciples along the way.

If transforming lives, especially your own gets you excited, than you’ll be interested to know what is going on with your Brethren brothers and sisters in South Mississippi. During this first week of January nearly 20 brethren are starting the year out right by rebuilding the home of Sheila, a partially handicapped woman whose FEMA trailer is about to be reclaimed, and finishing up scores of other “odd jobs” around the region. Many of the group were already commenting early in the week on the deep impact the experience was having on them. BUT WAIT!!! There’s more! 86 brethren are traveling to the same area the week of the 14-21 to continue the amazing work of lifting the heads of the weary. Still another 70 missionaries are heading down the following week to end the month of January with nearly 200 brethren obeying the call to “Go Ye.” Since the storm more than 300 brethren have served in this devastated region with tens of thousands of dollars contributed. While it is exciting to think of this tremendous response, the fields are still ready for harvest and the workers are still few compared to the staggering need.

Thank you to all who support this mission field with your prayers, your treasure and your backs!