Missions

Two weeks ago former Pastor Don Smith stated, "Stonebridge UMC has exploded in the area of Missions." That afternoon the Missions Team had a meeting planned to discuss up coming events. We looked at each other across the table in awe, scratching our heads never realizing how we are viewed outside the doors of our Church.

Towards the end of Jesus' earthly ministry, He stated: "'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' And the king will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me'" (Matthew 25:34-40 RSV). The Mission's team really had no idea the impact Stonebridge UMC has made locally and internationally. Jesus still calls us to serve now.Family PromiseEvery week The Samaritan Inn has to turn away 15-30 families because there is literally no room at the inn. These families remain homeless in our community, living in cars, with friends for a day or two, or anywhere they can find. Family Promise is an organization that connects homeless families to Churches. About 14 churches will make up the Family Promise Network in Collin County and will provide their facility to host up to 14 people for seven days four times a year. The Missions Team is currently working to partner with Family Promise so that we can "help the stranger and welcome them." We are just in the beginning stages, so please pray for this ministry to come to fruition. When and if things work out we will need you to help "feed" and "welcome" these families into our Church. This opportunity will allow adults, kids and families to be missionaries in their own church.Mission Gathering with Jose LuisStonebridge UMC and Suncreek UMC in Allen are partnering to host an evening with International Missions Director Jose Luis on April 10. Jose has been the Director of Proyecto Abrigo since 1992. His organization in partnership with Churches around the world builds an average of 1,000 homes a year for families that are living in cardboard boxes or that have no shelter. Recently, due to media concerns about Juarez, Mexico, the organization has been impacted heavily. Come learn about the real Juarez not reported in the media and how you can make a difference today.Juarez Mexico Mission TripStonebridge UMC will be going to Juarez, Mexico May 13-16 in partnership with Proyecto Abrigo to build homes for the homeless. The cost of the trip is $400.00 per person. You must fill out an application and have a passport. For more information, contact Trevor Castilla at tcastilla@sbcglobal.net. Spring Break Mission Trip to OklahomaScot Wingo of First United Methodist Church in Garland is coordinating a Mission Trip to Oklahoma City. Last month's snow storm was fun, but many homes in the Oklahoma area were ravished. The trip leaves this Saturday, March 13. You do not need to be trained. If you have a child 15 years or older, they can go as long as a parent participates in the trip. Contact Scot at scotwingo@yahoo.com or 469-330-7619.Habitat for HumanityNorth Collin County Habitat for Humanity builds homes in McKinney, Frisco, Celina, Princeton, Melissa and other unincorporated areas in the northern Collin County area. Their most current build project is located at 802 Throckmorton Street in McKinney. Every Saturday, volunteers are needed to build or serve lunch. Contact Dave Paulsen at davepaulsen@hotmail.com.
We are called to be God's people in the world. The Mission team is constantly providing way's for you to be God's people. Pray how God can use your hands and feet to be His Love "on earth as it is in heaven."

Ed Whipple
Director of Student Ministries