This weekend, we are welcoming Chad and Leslie Seagraves from 10/40 Connections to Journey. A few years ago, we had the pleasure of giving generously to 10/40 Connections so that several clean water wells could be built in India and Nepal as well as training church planters to share the gospel with those that had never heard it.

If you didn’t know, “10/40” stands for the 10-40 degrees north of the equator in Africa, Europe, and Asia where there is a significant number of people groups in poverty and without access to the Gospel. They have chosen to focus on India and Nepal and the significant poverty, injustice, and physical needs of the people. What makes them unique, is their plan to plant churches with indigenous peoples so that true hope and health can be found among so many who are suffering.

From time to time, I hear the rebuttal that we should take care of “our own” instead of reaching out to those on the other side of the world. Through our “IMPACT!” ministry, we have always sought to care for those in our community. However, it is a huge mistake to ignore the other side of the world. Here are 4 reasons why…

1. Jesus said to…

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.” Acts 1:8 (ESV)

…Jerusalem represented their local community, Judea represented the surrounding nation, and…well…you can figure out the rest. Jesus wants us to expand our efforts.

2. The need is great.
Many in this area do not have basic clean, disease-free, water available to them. Additionally, many of their women and children are being stolen and sold into the sex-slave market. Their is a great need for justice and hope among them.

3. As followers of Jesus, our very souls demand that we seek to be generous and help others.
In America, most people never think beyond their own wants or needs. When we ignore the needs of others, we deny the very redemption that we claim but never demonstrate to others.

4. It just feels good.
Whenever we align our hearts and therefore our BEHAVIORS with the priorities of Jesus, a peace, wholeness, and sense of well being comes flooding over our souls. It’s amazing what happens when we care for others.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18–19 (ESV)

I hope you won’t just join us on Sunday, but you will commit to being part of “IMPACT!”ing our world this Christmas season.

Mark Love
Lead Pastor