CHRISTMAS GIVING PROJECT: REACH THE NATIONS. HERE. NOW.
Reach the Nations. Here. Now.
Our church continually seeks to help fulfill Jesus’ command to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). But did you know that sometimes the nations are right in our midst? For our 2018 Christmas Giving Project, we are partnering with Water for Ishmael (WFI) in Toledo. WFI is a ministry that demonstrates and communicates the love of Christ to people from around the world, to meet their physical and spiritual needs. Many of the students they interact with are from countries that are unreached with the gospel of Jesus Christ. What an opportunity! Read on to learn more about this ministry and how you can help reach the nations right here, right now.
A History of Christ’s Love in Action
In the spirit of Matthew 25:35 “I was a stranger and you invited me in,” and Matthew 22:39 “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” WFI ministers to immigrants, refugees, and international students in the Toledo area. They help adults and children who are new to America learn English and successfully integrate. All this is done in the context of relationships that allow clients to experience the hope and love of Jesus.
WFI helps remove fear from the lives of immigrants and refugees — and from the Americans around them. Strangers become true neighbors, co-workers, and even FRIENDS!
Learn more about WFI.
A "Growing" Problem
Because of the growth WFI has experienced, they are in need of their own facility to best welcome and accommodate the people they serve and programs they offer. Currently, WFI operates in two different church locations, which limits the times they are able to use the buildings. Two “borrowed” locations also limits program offerings, the comfort of classrooms for learning, set-up for classes and events, efficiency of the staff serving the clients, and the number of people who can be served. A building of their own would also allow WFI to meet the privacy and safety needs of their students.
A Vision for More Outreach
Here are just a few of the anticipated outcomes of having a ministry building of their own:
How can you help reach the nations in our midst?
In order to partner with WFI as they reach the nations in our area, our goal is to provide $45,000 toward the purchase of their own ministry building.
As an added blessing, WFI has a private donor who will match up to $110,000. Every dollar the Lord provides will be doubled!
We are also exploring the possibility of work teams helping with renovations and job training for the students, when the Lord provides a building.
Please be in prayer as you consider a gift towards this ministry. Gifts will be accepted through the month of December, and checks can be made out to Findlay EFC, with “Christmas Giving Project” in the memo.
Our church continually seeks to help fulfill Jesus’ command to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). But did you know that sometimes the nations are right in our midst? For our 2018 Christmas Giving Project, we are partnering with Water for Ishmael (WFI) in Toledo. WFI is a ministry that demonstrates and communicates the love of Christ to people from around the world, to meet their physical and spiritual needs. Many of the students they interact with are from countries that are unreached with the gospel of Jesus Christ. What an opportunity! Read on to learn more about this ministry and how you can help reach the nations right here, right now.
A History of Christ’s Love in Action
In the spirit of Matthew 25:35 “I was a stranger and you invited me in,” and Matthew 22:39 “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” WFI ministers to immigrants, refugees, and international students in the Toledo area. They help adults and children who are new to America learn English and successfully integrate. All this is done in the context of relationships that allow clients to experience the hope and love of Jesus.
WFI helps remove fear from the lives of immigrants and refugees — and from the Americans around them. Strangers become true neighbors, co-workers, and even FRIENDS!
Learn more about WFI.
A "Growing" Problem
Because of the growth WFI has experienced, they are in need of their own facility to best welcome and accommodate the people they serve and programs they offer. Currently, WFI operates in two different church locations, which limits the times they are able to use the buildings. Two “borrowed” locations also limits program offerings, the comfort of classrooms for learning, set-up for classes and events, efficiency of the staff serving the clients, and the number of people who can be served. A building of their own would also allow WFI to meet the privacy and safety needs of their students.
A Vision for More Outreach
Here are just a few of the anticipated outcomes of having a ministry building of their own:
- Expanding the American School to full day
- Having suitable classrooms to meet needs of each age group's stage of development
- Implementing needed safety and security measures
- Providing on the job training for immigrant women who want to work in childcare
- Launching training projects to develop marketable skills
- Expanding American School Kids (ASK) to 3 nights per week
- Providing a gathering space for immigrants, refugees, and international students
- Creating opportunities for interactions with more Americans, including whole families
- Providing a culturally sensitive place for social gatherings
How can you help reach the nations in our midst?
In order to partner with WFI as they reach the nations in our area, our goal is to provide $45,000 toward the purchase of their own ministry building.
As an added blessing, WFI has a private donor who will match up to $110,000. Every dollar the Lord provides will be doubled!
We are also exploring the possibility of work teams helping with renovations and job training for the students, when the Lord provides a building.
Please be in prayer as you consider a gift towards this ministry. Gifts will be accepted through the month of December, and checks can be made out to Findlay EFC, with “Christmas Giving Project” in the memo.