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Summary
of AICCP Tsunami Response Discussion
On Sunday,
March 20 at the conclusion of the service, the congregation participated in an
active discussion about the role of AICCP in providing long-term sustainable
support to the Tsunami victims. Everyone was very engaged in the topic and it
became very apparent that the congregation shared a unanimous desire to
participate in a church initiative.
What a church
can do. . .
The
congregation agreed that the church plays a unique role in helping to alleviate
suffering. It is the church that provides prayer, love, spiritual strength, a
sense of community. Being a community itself, the church that can relate to the
pain and suffering in a way that secular organizations cannot address. By
understanding the needs of a broken community, the church can restore the hope
of the suffering.
What
AICCP
can do. . .
Even
though the discussion was intended to determine the level of congregational
interest in providing support, the congregation went beyond expectations and
immediately offered numerous suggestions and specific ideas about ways in which
AICCP should and could provide meaningful support.
People
indicated that a joint cause would unify our congregation and give us purpose.
It would energize the church. Also, it would provide an opportunity for our
church to grow. It was also suggested that we do not have to be limited by the
resources of our church because we could involve other groups in our activities.
Here
are the congregation’s suggestions. . .
-
Develop a sister church relationship with a local
church. The local churches need help and are looking for such relationships.
-
Build connections/relationships with a specific
community/church. Learn about their needs & share about
AICCP.
-
Prepare and send care packages, school kits, Christmas
cards.
-
Establish pen pals between
AICCP
children and children from a sister church
-
Establish prayer buddies, Prayer Day, prayer partners
and pray for specific needs
-
Meet their spiritual needs:
Ø
Use the
AICCP website
to maintain updates, share photos, stories & the gospel
Ø
Offer educational and spiritual resources through the
Internet
-
Can we support a missionary?
Next Steps
- AICCP
Tsunami Response Prayer and Kick-off on Monday, April 4th at 7:30pm
at pastor’s house. All are welcome.
- We are
seeking volunteers to further this effort and make these ideas a reality.
Please let Pastor know of your desire to be involved.
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