What is this about?
To support and encourage those in in the Canada East Mission Centre in their witness of God as seen through the life and works of
Jesus Christ.
This site will
be composed of the following areas to assist in your missionary
endeavors:
Education,
Training and Support
Information will be made available on missionary resources, ideas
and training opportunities.
Share Your Stories and Experiences With Others
Persons interested in the area of Missionary ministry are invited to
share their
experiences, testimonies and stories.
What Are You Doing Where You Live?
Some of you will be involved in programs and/or projects that you
might want to share with others across the Mission.
Questions and Answers
Please email
Cheryl
Campbell with any concerns or questions. Your questions may
be posted on the web and answers could be given on the web or
personally.
Confidentiality and Editing
We do not identify you or your group on the web unless you give
permission. All articles/materials designated for the web will be
edited for clarity and conciseness.
Please send all web materials, questions and submissions to
Cheryl
Campbell. Our Canada East Mission Administrative
Assistant Cheryl Campbell will receive all approved submissions for posting
and coordination on the web.
Missionary Corner Q&A
Question
What is a witnessing support group
and how do we start one?
Answer
A witnessing support group is a small
group that wants to commit to spend time in prayerful support of
individual and congregational missionary witness. They desire to
witness of the life of Jesus Christ and its meaning to them and will
be willing when appropriate to invite others to join them in the
fellowship of the Community of Christ.
Proper training,
prayer for each other’s witness and group support is essential for
the group members. All ages are welcome to join a group. Usually a
group consists of from 5 to 10 individuals.
The group’s purpose
is to “assist a group of witnesses in their efforts to identify
people with whom they have a relationship, to grow that relationship
in the Lord, invite others to join the fellowship of believers
(perhaps through baptism) and nurture them to become witnessing
disciples.” (quote taken from text “Can I Get a Witness”)
The group is
praying for and inviting the Holy Spirit to bless their endeavors.
The group will
evaluate whether to continue or not at the end of the sixth session.
If an existing group disbands, some members may want to form into
another new group.
Study
Helps
Two new and
excellent group study resource texts are now available from Herald
House for those interested in forming a witnessing support group as
well as for persons who want to witness effectively.
-
Can I Get A
Witness!
published by Herald House (written by Larry McGuire and Tammy Lindle).
Potential facilitators of a witnessing support group will find this
study text very helpful for the success of a group. It is best to
have the group members study the material together for six sessions
lasting about 90 minutes for each meeting.
-
Vibrant Witness:
Who, Me?
published by Herald House. The contributing authors are experienced
Seventies (missionaries) who share step by step what has been
successful in telling our stories of God’s grace and goodness. A
video/DVD is included. This is a study for those are wishing to
witness but feel nervous and those who want to learn how to be most
effective. There are six group study sessions which last about 90
minutes in duration.
Group members agree
to pray and support each other throughout the steps of this
experience.
World church has
recommended that all congregations/groups try these resources to
enable the congregations/groups to more successfully accomplish the
“Each One Reach One “goal.
Testimonies
"Meeting a Need in Unexpected Places"
We usually leave
our Bible (with the three standards books) and
our Worship Resource Book and Power and Light Class book on the
table in our hotel room. I guess that when the maids were in to
clean and change sheets and towels they noticed our books and were
looking at them.
I was alone in the
hotel while my husband was away working.
The maid arrived to
clean and take our garbage and asked me what the books were for. I
explained that they were for our Church resources and, of course,
our Bible. Then, she asked where we went to church and I explained
that our home congregation was in Regina but when we are in B.C. we
go to the Chilliwack congregation. She wanted to know more about
being able to go to those congregations. I explained we were a World
Church with congregations all over the world. As a member, when I
go to church in any city with a congregation, I feel at home right
away. It is like having a family just everywhere.
We talked about
what we believe and she asked where the church was in Chilliwack and
I gave the pastor’s phone number and her name, if she wanted more
information.
Then, she asked if
I knew much about computers. I explained that I knew a lot about
computers. Did she need me to show her anything? She then explained
a problem they were having with their computer. I knew right off
what was wrong and explained what was wrong. Then, I gave her a CD
that would correct the problem she was having.
I don't know why
people drop into our lives the way they do, but I find it is either
they are searching for what is missing in their life or they need
some help that I can give them. I don't know what will happen with
the information I gave her about the church. That is up to God to
grow those seeds. However, it only goes to show that when we leave
our Three Standards books out in the open, it may spark a question
from someone. I also pray that people will walk into my life if
they have a need that I can meet.
BW
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