John 13:5….Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel he had around him. (NLT)
The Towel Mission is a combination of a missions and a benevolence program. Both programs have the same mission statement: To take the “towel of service” to the community and the world in order to reach others with the love of Jesus Christ.
Summary of Towel Mission Activities:
Community – Like most cities our size, there are many who are homeless, or simply struggling to survive. Thank God there are people and organizations out there helping those in these difficult situations. Rather than “reinventing the wheel” we decided to support these programs that were already established. We began by collecting a variety of food items to be delivered to a local soup kitchen, and a rescue mission. Since then, we have developed relationships with the administrators of these organizations and we look to work with them for a long time.
Another community oriented effort is the Christmas food basket program. A dear sister in our congregation organizes the collection and delivery of many food baskets to those in the community who would otherwise not enjoy a Christmas dinner.
International – For the past three years, North has participated in the Operation Christmas Child program. This is a national program, operated by Samaritan’s Purse, that collects shoe box gifts by the millions and sends them to poverty-stricken areas all over the world.
Another very important part of The Towel Mission is our relationship with a medical clinic in Honduras called Predisan. Historically, our role has been to send funds as they become available. However, we want to expand our role in the future in various ways. From letter writing campaigns, sending funds, and hopefully making a trip to Honduras, we look to be a dependable and meaningful part of Predisan. For further information, visit http://predisan.org
A very important goal for The Towel Mission is to teach our kids the value of serving others. In 2004, there will be ample opportunities for the children in our congregation to participate. From packing food boxes, to writing letters to children in Honduras, our children will get first hand experience in being the hands and feet of Jesus.
The purpose of this summary is not to boast about any of our “works.” To seek special recognition, for simply doing what the Lord asks us to do, is not our desire. Our purpose is simply to inform you about The Towel Mission and it’s activity. If you are in our area, and feel a call to participate, we would love to visit with you.