Marilyn Swain, Ministry and Projects
When we hear of shepherds at Christmas our minds usually go to that scruffy bunch of folks keeping watch over their flocks at night on the hills outside Bethlehem. They were the first to hear the good news: “A Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ, the Lord.” They were also the first to spread the word as they returned glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. (Luke 2)
Thank God we still have shepherds who spread the Word concerning our Saviour, Christ, the Lord. Our pastors continue to fulfill this role but not without some hardship. In our country, however, we are blessed with seminaries and support systems for our pastors.
Now picture yourself in a country where it’s unthinkable to quit your job to become a shepherd. The pastor in training cannot rely on his family and friends but prays that God will provide the means. So he works full time at a second job and studies whenever possible. And once they are installed as pastors; often they must continue to do other work as their parishioners cannot afford to support them fully.
This is where, together, we make the difference. Through CLMS we are given an opportunity to help support these called men of God in Thailand, Honduras, Ukraine and yes here in Canada as well. It is interesting to know that people from many areas of the world who settled in Canada are training up men to serve their communities in their language in the Lutheran faith.
So please consider during this special season to support those called to share this message of His coming to all His people in the world.
Such projects are:
Shepherd and Pastor Douglas Aguilar of Olanchito, Honduras (1212)
Seminary in Ukraine (1207)
Shepherd and Pastor Suchat Chujit of Thailand (1205)
PAT students here in Canada – Pastors with Alternate Training (1211)
Please go to www.conco
rdiamissions.org for these and other 2012 projects
Thank you and God’s richest blessings to one and all as we prepare for His Coming this Advent Season,
Comments