Living Word Lutheran Church

Today was a great day of preparation and ministering at the block party. We started the day shopping for snacks, drinks, and items for gift bags for children in the housing complex. We then handed out 280 flyers! We had a working lunch while we filled 100 gift bags. The block party was great fun but most importantly, one man made a profession of faith. We wrapped the day up sharing God Moments. 

Please, continue to pray for each person we ministered to today. Pray the seeds we planted today will grow and multiply. Pray for each team member as we continue the mission both this week and when we return home. 

Ephesians 6:15 with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 

Day one: Boots in the Ground. 

I can’t think of a better place to be this morning! Carissa and Adam’s house is full of joy and full of people for breakfast today. We were blessed with a fabulous breakfast made by Carissa. 

It was only 50 degrees today but the car wash was a success! The team worked along side the church members washing cars and sharing the love of Christ. 

Pray for the team tomorrow as we minister to the broken hearted. 

Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men. Proverbs 22:29

Painting today at a domestic abuse shelter opens up many conversations. Using the talents God has given to us to paint, clean, sort, and organize is one that we identify first; however, being able to minister to the broken hearted takes mission work to a deeper level. Sharing the love of Christ as we work, reminding others of God’s promises in Jeremiah 30:17 to heal and restore, and just being a smiling face can change someone’s day. 

As you pray, please remember the over-comers- the conquerers- pray for these families as they heal and draw closer to Christ. Romans 8:37

Pray also for the leaders of the center that they can continue to share the gospel to each person that walks in door. Pray for comfort and God’s peace for the workers and the families.

Pray as our team continues our work this week. 

Pastor Andrew, Crystal, and their kids welcomed us into their home for an evening of BBQ and fellowship. We understand the complexities of hosting a group and appreciate the dedication to missions and outreach Anthem Church has afforded us. 

Pray for the leaders of Anthem Church as they continue to grow and minister to their community. 

Tomorrow we will join Pastor Andrew and Anthem Church for Random Acts of Kindness and a Grill Walk. Pray with us as we continue to share the love of Christ. 

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, but encouraging one another. Hebrews 10:24-25

We made signs for the coffee giveaway and over $800 of Starbucks coffee was given away along with a gospel tract/card and information about service times at the church. Toss in a few hundred smiles and waves and you have a perfect outreach project.

Fellowship and sharing the love of Christ is what it is all about- just like the coffee today, His love is freely given.

But whoever drinks of the water I will give him will never thirst again. John 4:14

The Grill Walk was a success! While giving out 500 burgers and chips, I saw Alec and Bentley walking with their arms around each other. (These two just met this morning at the Random Acts of Kindness event.)

How exciting it is to make new friends and even more so to watch two young boys running and playing during an event.  These two were bold today and knocked on doors inviting people to enjoy a free meal and telling them about Anthem Church. In the Bible we learn that children are the heritage of the Lord. In Mark, Jesus rebuked those that tried to keep the children from coming near Him. In Matthew, we learn about childlike faith.  Sometimes a lesson from a child is just what we need. 

Watching these two boys today: forming a quick bond, walking arm in arm, laughing, playing, running… it’s hard not to be reminded that there is a friend that is closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24) 

That friend is Jesus and these two boys showed everyone they met today how to find that friend- not just in the church, but through a free burger. 

Pray for the people we shared a meal with today. Pray they find a friend in Jesus. 

After completing our scheduled outreach projects, we were able to visit the Greenwood Rising, Black Wall Street History Center. We learned about the Tulsa Race Massacre and the ongoing efforts to make reparations to the families of survivors. 

God created man and He loves us! Even through hard times, God is with us. We must learn from history and we must learn to love one another. Through love we can share Christ.  

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.  Mark 16:15

The mission team from Living Word Lutheran Church answered that call and shared the gospel with each outreach project. 

We loved getting to know the team and working along side them and the members of Anthem Church in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Meeting the people in Broken Arrow and just loving them and sharing the love of Christ made this a successful trip. 

Please continue to pray for the people of Broken Arrow and the leaders of Anthem Church as they continue to minister to their community. Pray for each of the team members as they return home. Pray they continue to grow in their walk with Christ.