In my senior year of high school, my mom was diagnosed with myeloma, a bone marrow cancer. At the time, we were living in China where my parents felt led to as missionaries. Little did we know our world would be turned upside down. Fast forward to today over 10 years later, and if you meet my mom, you would never guess from her joyful countenance she’s still battling cancer. She goes in for regular check ups to make sure numbers are low, and takes a shot to keep them that way. Recently, her labs didn’t look so great and the doctor discussed a new treatment plan - something different and stronger. As she discussed this news with the family, something she said struck a deep chord and I know it will with you as well.

“I remember thinking back in a hospital bed somewhere along this journey that it doesn’t matter so much where life takes you -- you can still keep the greatest commandment that Jesus taught us -- to love God and love others. This has set me free from feeling bummed about any circumstances. I can always do the most important things. I can sing and thank God in bed or on a walk. I can love people at the park or in a cancer center. And it brings such fulfillment.”

The trials and hardships we face are far from easy -- they’re ugly and scary and chaotic and definitely not according to plan. And yet, they never disqualify us from living out the greatest commandment. What a gracious and kind Father to make it so simple for us that no matter what this life brings, we can always choose to love God and love others.

What hardships are you facing that feel crushing? Disappointing? Suffocating? "Ruining your life"? Remember this -- Jesus is insurmountably greater than any circumstance this life can throw at us. May we never forget that our ability to love is something no one can take away.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Outreach Testimonies!

“On our day off we helped around the campus doing some projects like Bobbi and my dad mowed the yard, I painted a wall with Modi and Jackson, and the girls raked up the grass behind Bobbi. It was really cool to help serve their community.

During this day God showed me how He had planned for me to experience this long before I even knew I was going to be able to come. I had a dream a few years ago and while there the Lord reminded me of it. I walked through the kitchen to go help Marissa wash the towels at two sinks I specifically saw in the dream.

I’m sharing this with you because before I went on this trip, I felt like God didn’t see me but when I remembered this split second of that dream, I realized that God saw me the entire time. He had a plan for me. He sees all of us even if you don’t realize it. Sometimes we feel so alone and attacked with lies but God has “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11.” - Gabby, Nicaragua 2021

Prayer Points

The two teen girls - for their adjustment to living in the children's home and their ultimate healing and salvation
Amanda and the Indonesian ministry partners - for wisdom, patience, and unity in raising the kids and going forward as a ministry
Physical and spiritual health and protection

If you're not receiving her newsletter and would like to, please let me know!

Missionary Spotlight

Amanda Hedges is one of our very own LifeMission-sent missionaries! She has lived in Indonesia for over 6 years and has a passion to see the lonely and hurting know they belong in the family of Christ. The ministry Amanda has helped establish in Indonesia functions as a children's home with the vision of foster care and increasing adoptions in Indonesia. Amanda is passionate about bringing the problem of orphan exploitation in Indonesia to light and is actively engaging in the community and political arena to bring positive lasting change in Indonesia. Recently, Amanda and her team have taken in two teenagers -- a 14-year old Muslim girl who was living in a slum and a 16-year-old girl with a slight mental disability

Local Outreach in October

LMC Thanksgiving Dinner Outreach

Join us again this year as we partner with KC Dream Center to bring thanksgiving dinners to those in need. We will have a lobby table at our Olathe and Ottawa Campuses on the weekends starting Oct. 30th where you can sign up to provide either a portion of or an entire meal for a family. Let's love on our local communities!

1/99 Reintegration Volunteer Training

1/99 Reintegration is a group of Community Members in Johnson County who have come together to establish a Comprehensive Reintegration Program for Survivors of Human Sex Trafficking. 1/99 is partnering with individuals, faith groups, businesses and community leaders to Engage, Equip, Empower and Elevate these beautiful individuals who deserve a fulfilling life.

Training will be held at Church of the Harvest on Saturday, November 6th. If you know of anyone interested in being a volunteer for 1/99, encourage them to sign up HERE

KC DREAM CENTER

DREAM CENTER DESPENSA - Every Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 - 5:30PM, Friday from 10AM - 2PM

Families in our community are struggling and need our help more than ever with food and clothing. The Despensa provides healthy food and quality clothes to children, youth, and families in need. You can make a difference!

ADOPT-A-BLOCK - Saturday, October 16, 12:30 - 3PM

The Adopt-A-Block program visits select under-resourced neighborhoods every month to clean up the neighborhood, distribute food and hygiene items, and simply find a need and fill it.

HOMELESS OUTREACH - Saturday, October 30, 1:30 - 4:30PM

The Homeless Outreach program visits homeless camps across the area. We deliver food, snacks, and water and visit with those facing homelessness to see how we can help.

SINGLE MOM KC

Pursuit - Wednesday, November 3, 2:15 - 8:15PM (volunteer times)

The Single Mom KC will be hosting an event called Pursuit on the first Wednesday of every month at the KCK campus. The volunteer opportunities range from cooking and serving the meal, working with the kids, greeting and helping with registration. This is a great way for our church family to serve single moms in our community!

Additional Outreach Opportunities:

Mission Monday

On Monday, October 18, join us at 7 pm in the Olathe campus Barn where missionaries Micah and Morgan Wood will be sharing about their heart for Thailand and what God is doing there! You do not want to miss this! This monthly gathering is designed to develop a missional community. It is for ANYONE who has a heart for missions or is interested in growing a deeper understanding of the world, cultivating God’s heart for all people, and discovering unique ways to be a part of God’s Mission!

7pm in the Barn on the 3rd Monday’s of the Month

Dive Deeper

Read An Afghan Christian On Suffering

Read 7 Tips For Sharing Your Faith

Listen Martry's Daughter Says "They Couldn't Stop My Father"