Missions Month Newsletter for Small Group Leaders

Greetings Group Leaders,

February is an exciting time here at Cooper city Church of God because it is Missions month! This is a wonderful opportunity to focus on the vital work of missions and inspire our small groups to participate in God's global mission.

Don’t miss Missions Week; February 26 to March 2! What is Missions Week? It is a special time of connection and celebration, as we highlight the incredible work of missionaries around the world. Before and after each service, you’ll have the opportunity to meet our missionaries, hear their inspiring stories, and witness their passion for spreading the Gospel. Be encouraged by powerful messages from our guest speakers and take part in supporting global missions

One of the highlights is the opportunity to host a missionary in your home. This unique experience allows you to hear firsthand stories of God's work around the world and to build meaningful connections with those who have dedicated their lives to missions. If you are interested in hosting a missionary, please see the link below for more information:

https://subspla.sh/yqqg7n2

Additionally, let's not forget the call to “multiply your talents.” Pray and ask God to give you creative ideas to multiply what was given to you so you can give back to missions. Place all of your increase in the offering envelope provided and return it on March 2 during the Missions Week Sunday service.

In case you missed it, here are some ideas from the pastor’s sermon:

Creative Ways to Multiply Your Money:

Bake cookies or brownies and sell them.
Buy soap and wax and wash cars.
Use coupons for your next grocery purchase and add the savings to your talent.
Buy gas for your vehicle and transport someone to an appointment for a small fee.
Pool your money together with another family or group and work on a fundraising project to gain an increase.
Offer to go shopping for someone who is too busy or a shut-in who can’t get out.
Buy a share of stock that you expect to go up in the next 30 days.
Put your money on deposit to earn interest.
Cut off your cable TV for 30 days and add the savings to your talent.
Skip a meal you would ordinarily eat out and add the savings to your talent.
Purchase something valuable at a garage sale or flea market and sell it for a profit.
Have a garage/yard sale to get rid of things you don’t need or use and add the profit to your talent.
Purchase paint and go around the neighborhood painting house numbers on curbs for a small fee.
Make something with your hands and sell it.

As small group leaders, you have the power to ignite a passion for missions within your groups. Here are some practical ways to get your groups involved:

Prayer: Cultivate a culture of prayer, dedicate time in your meetings to pray for missionaries and mission projects. Encourage group members to adopt a missionary or mission organization to pray for regularly.
Education: Share stories and testimonies of individuals and groups involved in mission work. Connect with a missionary and write letters of encouragement on a regular basis.
Local Outreach: Identify local needs and organize outreach activities. Simple acts of service can make a significant impact and demonstrate God's love to those around us.
Mission Projects: Plan a mission project that your group can undertake together. Whether it's supporting a local shelter, organizing a community clean-up, or sending care packages to missionaries, these projects can make a tangible difference.

Devotional: Embracing the Great Commission

> "19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," - Matthew 28:19 (NKJV)

In Matthew 28:19, we find one of the most profound and challenging commands given by Jesus to His followers: it is known as the Great Commission. This mandate calls us to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. It is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to share the Gospel and extend the reach of God's love and grace.

The Great Commission is not just an instruction for a select few; it is a calling for every believer. Jesus' words remind us that the mission field is vast and diverse, encompassing every nation and culture. We are called to step out of our comfort zones and engage with people from all walks of life, sharing the transformative message of Jesus Christ.

As we reflect on the Great Commission, let's consider the following principles:

Obedience to God's Call: Jesus' command to go and make disciples, requires us to be obedient to His will. This means being willing to follow wherever He leads, whether it is to our next-door neighbor or to a distant land.
Inclusivity and Diversity: The call to make disciples of all nations emphasizes the importance of inclusivity. We are to reach out to people of every race, ethnicity, and background, recognizing that the Gospel is for everyone.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Jesus promised to be with us always, and we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill this mission. We do not go alone; we go with the presence and power of God.

Applying These Principles in Our Lives:

Local Outreach: Start by reaching out to those in your local community who may not yet know Jesus. This can include neighbors, coworkers, or people you encounter in your daily life. Share the love of Christ through acts of kindness, genuine conversations, and invitations to church events.
Global Missions: Consider supporting global missions by praying for missionaries, contributing financially, or even participating in a mission trip. Learn about different cultures and seek to understand their unique needs and challenges.
Disciple-Making: Focus on building meaningful relationships with those you disciple. Teach and mentor them in the ways of Christ, encouraging them to grow in their faith and to disciple others in turn.

May this Missions Month be a time of renewed commitment to spreading the Gospel and serving others. Let's inspire our small groups to embrace the call to missions with enthusiasm and dedication.