Global Missions
Based
on the “Great Commission”, one mission of Shady Grove United Methodist
Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of
the world. Shady Grove does this through various means and we hope you
will join us as we take direct responsibility for people of the world
around our church, the community in which we and others study, work,
shop, and play.
Operation Christmas Child
Through a simple shoebox gift with Operation Christmas Child, our congregation members can
help change the world, one life at time. Shoeboxes are filled with
school supplies, toys, hygiene items and a note of encouragement for a
child overseas suffering due to disaster, disease, war, terrorism,
famine or poverty. More information about Operation Christmas Child is
at http://www.samaritanspurse.Heifer International
Heifer
International's mission is to work with communities to end hunger and
poverty and care for the Earth. It all started with a cow and we are
thrilled to support this great mission by purchasing animals to give
families a hand-up, not just a handout. We hope to empower families
around the world to turn hunger and poverty into hope and prosperity. To
read more about this great outreach go to http://www.heifer.org/ourwork/Unicef
I
n October the
children and youth of Shady Grove UMC, as well as SGUMC Preschool and Center for Creative Arts, trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, the United
National International Childrens' Emergency Fund. Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF began in 1950 as a way to help kids who need more than candy. Since then, children all over America have gone door-to-door on Halloween with UNICEF collection boxes, calling out, "Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF!" They have raised more than $170 million for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF since 1950. Funds collected will help provide children around the world with clean water, nutritious food, medicine, vaccines, and education. To see how pennies add up, $5 can buy a soccer ball for children in a refugee camp, and $30 can provide 100 children with a measles vaccine. The Power of Kids Helping Kids.
Missionaries
Shady Grove supports the following missionaries:
Nico and Natacha Chantel serving in Europe
Congratulations to Nico and Natacha on their marriage! Nico was one of our speakers last year for Global missions and he was preparing to begin his mission in Keil, Gemany. He was also praying for a wife and partner in his ministry and his prayers were answered! The power of prayer! He reconnected with another missionary (Natacha) and they have married and begun their ministry in Keil. They feel there is an urgent need for a Bible community and they are providing Bible studies that offer spiritual food as well as spiritual shelter. You can follow them on their website at www.InternationalMinistry.net or email them at NandN@InternationalMinistry.net.
Kris and Kip Fisher serving in the Dominican Republic
Kris and Kip and their family seek to connect the people of the Dominican Republic with solutions to both physical and spiritual needs. They offer help by meeting their material needs, while presenting the hope we have been provided by the gospel. By removing the barriers presented by physical needs and building genuine friendships, minds are opened and spiritual discussions can happen. Their outreach includes clean water programs, construction, education, and Discipleship/Bible studies. Visit their website at www.fishers4Him.com.
Eva and Lindsay Gilliam
Eva and Lindsay Gilliam and their two sons are currently in Richmond preparing for their next assignment. They are preparing for their next journey to South Asia. They recently visited South Asia and feel this is where God is calling them to serve. While they are in the U.S. they have been very involved in ministering to Veterans at the VA Hospital among other ministries. They continue to serve daily wherever they are located. Their email is Lindsay.gilliam@sim.org.
Laura and Timo Harkonen
Laura and Timo Harkonen serve in the Democratic Republic of the Congo but they are currently serving in the U.S. while they await the birth of their baby. The Harkonens are missionaries with Mission Aviation Fellowship. Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) serves people who deal with challenges due to isolation in regions such as Africa by providing medical assistance, disaster response, community development, training, and evangelism support to churches. Follow their website and see all the great things they are able to do with the help of Shady Grove at www.maf.org/harkonen.
Liz Jackson serving in the Philippines
Liz is now in the Philippines teaching English and coaching basketball at a non-profit outreach as means to share the love of Jesus. She also serves in a homeless shelter for children. As Liz says, “Love all—serve all!”
Quynh-Hoa Nguyen serving in Vietnam
Quynh-Hoa Nguyen was born in Vietnam and grew up in a Christian home in Danang. Quynh-Hoa received a Master of Divinity degree in the U.S. "My years of study in the United States were a journey of faith, which I explored, discerned, and renewed my call as I prepared myself to bring the gospel home.” The United Methodist Church in Vietnam has a center with training facilities in Ho Chi Minh City. Quyhn-Hoa works with other United Methodist personnel in the country. She is part of the Virginia Conference supported missionaries. We welcomed her as one of our guest speakers for Global Missions Sunday on October 8! READ QUYNH'S THANKSGIVING NEWSLETTER
Heather and James serving in location undisclosed
This family is trying to reach the locals and bring them to Christ. James is reaching out to the men in the community by offering a service in the business community and opening doors for further conversations about Christ. Heather is ministering to women in the community in various ways, “Bringing one disciple at a time!"
Virginia United Methodist Conference Missions
For more information regarding the missions of our conference, visit www.vaumc.org/Mission.If interested in joining the planning of global missions at SGUMC, please contact Teresa Gagliardi at tbgagliardi2@gmail.com or 804-241-3144.