Missions is central to what God's heartbeat is for the church.
My name is Dave Haas.
Been part of Village Bible Church for a long time: nearly 40 years.
My role in the missions committee is really one of a facilitator.
Just coordinating the the work of the committee.
There are missionaries sent all over the world who are called to go and serve with their lives, and the committee has the opportunity to engage with them.
I think a lot of people don't realize that Village Bible Church puts a really significant priority and an investment into missions and community outreach.
From a budget perspective, over $200,000 is invested every year in this work, the Lord's work around the world.
We've got partnerships that touch more than 20 countries.
And families - I think 21 different families are involved in serving with their lives.
So essentially, $0.13 out of every $1.00 given to Village Bible Church is reinvested into God's work in global missions and community outreach.
To the degree that you're praying or giving financially, you're vitally involved.
The missionaries themselves will tell you that that's essential to their work. They couldn't do it without your support.
So thank you for being part of that.
We reached out to them and asked them to share some of the stories.
Some of them are just really encouraging and great so, we want to share some of that with you.
We want to thank everyone at Village for their financial support over these eight years.
It has had much more than a monetary impact on us.
In the first few bumpy months on the field, knowing that you were with us kept us going and spurred us on not to give up.
And now that the time begins to feel long, and separations are hard, you are helping us to persevere.
To,do the work that God's called us to.
Andrew and Megan Rowland serve in Alaska, at the Tanalian Leadership Center.
They wrote and said that, "over the past few months, we have been so encouraged by one of our alumni: her name is Kat.
When she was at Tanalian Leadership Center, she was living in rebellion toward god and really didn't want relationship with us.
But she's not that same person.
God has so changed her that she calls to ask Bible questions, ask for prayer, even pray for us.
We love seeing God fully transform the lives of people we've invested in.
The support from Village has enabled about 197 young men and women studying the Word of God on a daily basis.
Being trained and equipped to be pastors and school teachers and administrators in the country.
Thousands of people are being helped in Liberia.
Lives are being impacted and communities are being transformed in ways that we've never seen before in Liberia.
Ben and Missy Hatton serve in Papua New Guinea, and they write,
"We have seen God faithfully sustain us in mind, body, and soul these nearly five years in Amdu.
We praise Him for how He has enabled us to learn how to live here as part of the Amdu community: speaking their language and understanding their culture.
Now we're delighted to be taking our first formal steps in disciple-making.
By teaching the Amdu men and women how to read and write their language.
This is the foundation to the foundation of God's Word that we are going to be laying down to pave the way to a clearer understanding of the gospel of grace.
What a privilege it is to be here and to be his children.
All that we're doing not only internationally, but nationally: Heart for the City, locally with Pray Chicago.
Sometimes it's a little crazy to keep all those buckets in line with Re:source and Heart for the City and Pray Chicago
But all of that is primarily driven by the prayers and the gifts of you all and so, "thank you." From the bottom of my heart I say, "thank you."
So amazed at what God has done and is doing.
Humbled by your partnership with us.
Victor and Amanda Rodriguez serve in Mexico.
They write that, "Both of us serve in the city of Piedras Negras, but each of us works full-time in two different areas.
Victor started up a food trailer called El Jarocho with his mother a year ago.
They've thoroughly enjoyed serving food to people and getting to know people from all over the city.
Amanda works with Crossroads Missions, and loves the opportunity to get church mission teams connected to local ministries and local friends.
And a special note: Victor and Amanda are excited to announce that their family will be growing next year because they're going to have a baby!"
We are so thankful for the Village Bible Church family and all of your support making it possible for us to be here in Uganda and serving with the Shepherd's Centre.
We get to hear such great and encouraging stories from the missionaries that we partner with around the world.
Frankly, these things wouldn't be possible without the financial support that you give. So I want to thank you for being ALL IN.
Nel and I are deeply, deeply grateful. Thank you for investing in our lives.
Hey, Village Bible Church. Thanks for being ALL IN. We appreciate your support.
Thanks for being ALL IN.
Thanks for being ALL IN. Asante!
