Missions

A Message from Pastor James

Each week, Pastor James Bolin writes an e-mail which is sent to the congregation. Insightful and often humorous, the weekly message can be found HERE

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	Missions Team Help Bethany serve others outside our family as an expression of Christ's love. Scripture: Matthew 25:35 “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”


	Missions Team Report Missionary Profile – The Niles

American Baptist International Ministries has 106 long-term missionaries who serve in 27 countries around the world. These people are committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ. Whether sharing the Gospel through evangelism, or serving the needs of those who lack adequate healthcare, education or development -- these missionaries, along with our global partners, help people come to Christ, grow in Christ and change their world with Christ.

Katherine and Wayne serve as seconded missionaries to Interchurch Medical Assistance in Democratic Republic of Congo. They are involved to full time service with IMA/ECC affiliated health and development activities in Congo. They both serve as liaison officers for IMA in matters related to HIV/AIDS and Maternal Health projects throughout the Africa continent.

Wayne serves as the in-country liaison officer with IMA for financial and accounting matters. Additionally, Wayne has been helping Congolese people through a development project to grow more food. Among other activities, the project distributes new seeds, disease resistant varieties of crops, and offers women's groups small loans to purchase machines for hulling, milling, and producing oil.

Katherine is working with a group of Congolese Christian professionals in training community leaders, urban and rural, to be promoters of health in their communities. The staff of a church-related health center in Kinshasa is also using her expertise to make their medical ministry more holistic as they care for urban poor people.

Find out more about Katherine and Wayne Niles at their website. You are also invited to keep up on all American Baptist International Ministires here.


	World Mission Offering The Missions Team reports that our World Mission Offering total for 2007 was $1,274.61 which topped our goal of $1,200.00. Thank you to all who gave so generously to support our American Baptist missionaries and mission work abroad.

Your Gifts DO Make a Difference!

Bethany received many thank-you notes this past year. Highlights include:

Camp Lael - On behalf of Camp Lael and the American Baptist Churches of Michigan, thank you for your gift of $387.50 . . . Camp Lael will celebrate 60 years of camping this summer! Your gift will help us along the way. Our goal is to become a Christian Education Center for the 21st Century. It will only be with the help of friends like you that we meet our challenges . . . James Davis, Resident Director

Friendship House – Thank you very much for your donation of $637.50. Needless to say, we are very grateful for this significant donation. Without the support of churches like Bethany Baptist, we would not be able to deliver much needed services . . . It is gratifying to be able to give the proverbial ‘cup of cold water’ in Jesus’ name . . . Linnea A. Berg, Interim Executive Director.

Lighthouse Emergency Services – Thank you very much for helping to provide food for the tables of our neighbors in need. Your generous donation of food for the Thanksgiving Program helped provide baskets to over 5,000 individuals this year. On behalf of our clients, volunteers and staff please accept our sincere appreciation for your support . . . Thomas Stowell, Interim Executive Director.

Furniture Bank of Oakland County – Many thanks to Pastor Bolin and your congregation for donating the 40 blankets in celebration of your birthday! The blankets are always needed at this time of year and it was wonderful to see Andy Pepper again! 2006 has been an extremely busy year with an increasing number of requests for help. This year we provided 2,400 needy families with over 12,000 furniture items! Unfortunately, it was also a banner year for requests (over 4,000) and it isn’t slowing up. We have 750 families waiting . . . Your generosity will help provide a safe and comfortable home for children, dignity for the elderly and hope for those who were homeless. . . Colette Kelly, Executive Director


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