Faith

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Missions

   Our church supports several worthy missions throughout the year. Each month, a different mission is designated to receive our Mission donations.

   A new mission was added to our list of missions this past year after a visit by some of our members. It is the Ebenezer Trust School in Livingstone, Zambia. The school opened in 2005 to accommodate orphaned and poverty-stricken children in the Livingstone area. It is run by a devout Christian woman, Ranji Chara, who began this ministry by providing meals to the homeless street children. Her mission grew so that now orphans are housed and cared for, and a school has been established to provide an education that will lift them out of poverty. As well, her physician husband cares for the medical needs of the children whose lives have been devastated by the AIDS epidemic. The Ebenezer Trust School provides everything free for the children, including educational supplies, meals, and clothing. Dedicated staff workers teach and nurture these beautiful children who have suffered so much tragedy so early in their lives.

   A local mission that we support is Unity House and their "Basics for Babies" Campaign in May each year. The annual "Basics for Babies" campaign is also about predictability and safety, for children who have too little of it in their lives. But when their cupboards are bare, their mothers know they can come to Unity House for formula and baby food. When diapers run low these mothers also know to turn to Unity House for help. And because Unity House is a Success by Six program provider, parents coming for food and diapers can also get assistance with many of the other necessities and services needed for healthy, happy babies. Lasy year, nearly 700 children were served.

   Another mission for us is to support the work of Lutheran World Relief which works with partners in 35 countries to help people grow food, improve health, strengthen communities, end conflict, build livelihoods and recover from disasters.

   The Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission is another one of our missions. The mission ministers to the Navajo people on the 25,000 mile reservation. The mission compound is located in Rock Point, Arizona. It includes a church, elementary school and a clinic. Because the area is so vast, the clinic is the nearest source of medical aid for many in the tribe. Lay ministers are sent each week to various communities to conduct worship services. The Mission is dedicated to preserving the Navajo culture. Many of the people are unemployed or under-employed. Living conditions are very basic. Navajos supplement their incomes by making and selling crafts. Our aid is wisely used and greatly appreciated.

   We support the work of Joseph's House here in the Troy area. Joseph's House offers a refuge for people in need of temporary shelter and other basic needs. In addition, they guide their guests in getting help from community service agencies. They provide much needed aid for people in desperate situations. Our aid is truly valued by those in need.

   We also support the Orphan Grain Train. The Orphan Grain Train is a Christian volunteer network that shares personal and material resources with needy people in America and around the world. Grain Train volunteers gather donations of clothing, medical supplies, food, Christian literature, and other aid to meet real needs. The Orphan Grain Train movement is a loving response to Jesus Christ's example as a servant and His love for us.

   Another local mission is the Troy Area United Ministries (TAUM). This organization is a vigorous advocate for disadvantaged and needy members of our community. They assist families to find and furnish homes. They find shelter for victims of domestic violence and provide services for victims of HIV/AIDS.

   We support the work done by Jeff and Sissie D'Jernes for Wycliffe Bible Translators. Translating the Bible into other languages is not an easy task. The idioms of one language do not always make sense when they are translated literally. The translator must become an expert not only in language, but also in the customs of the country. We take it for granted that we can, at any time, pick up our Bible and read.

   We support the valuable work of Habitat for Humanity. Our gifts, along with the gifts of others, make it possible for Habitat to build much needed, affordable homes for families all over the world. The cost of land and building materials is staggering and this is a very worthwhile cause.

   We support the important work of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. The Food Bank's agencies provide food assistance to over 40,000 people every week. The agencies include soup kitchens and other organizations that shelter and feed people in need. About 20% of their guests are children. This important work would not be possible without the help of people like us who are willing to share our resources.

   We support and celebrate the work of Literacy Volunteers of America, specifically the work of the Rensselaer County unit. Many people become adults without mastering the necessary skills of understanding the written word. There are many people who need assistance to understand and speak the English language. Literacy Volunteers is the place to go for help. Our financial support helps Literacy Volunteers help people who need this assistance. We can also help by becoming tutors which can be a rewarding experience for the tutor as well as the student.