As I was driving, I turned the radio on to hear the hosts ask the question, “what does the great commission mean to you?” They mentioned how not many people really understood what it meant or how to apply it in their daily lives. Now completely intrigued, I listened on as people called in. One said how in the particular season she was in, it looked like raising her kids in a Godly way and another said she was living out the great commission when she helped calm the nerves and put a smile on the face of new employees while training them at her job.

I had to read Matthew 28:16-20 for a fresh reminder of what entails the great commission: “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Don’t get me wrong, if I'm being honest I am the last person to raise my hand when asked if I have shared the gospel with someone recently, or if I have recently prayed with a nonbeliever, or if I have baptized someone. I say this because - I get it - the great commission seems like such a huge, unattainable task for a single person. It’s easier to water it down and give it a more altruistic meaning like “loving your neighbor” or “having good morals”. However, it’s a slippery slope when we start rephrasing our calling as followers of Jesus. Does this mean that the only way to live out the great commission is to drop everything and be a missionary in China?? No! - unless that’s what God’s calling you to! :) But we can ALL play a part in the sending process.. Here are a few of those ways…

Prayer - ideally every missionary would be drenched in prayer day in and out, because prayer is powerful! As you pray for specific missionaries, imagine that your prayers are moving real barriers and opening doors, providing in tangible ways, and encouraging real people! By praying, you are partnering with Jesus to shift things in the spiritual and physical realms.
Financially - maybe you cannot go overseas or have a specific calling that doesn’t involve being a missionary, but you can still play a huge part by sacrificing your finances to further the kingdom.
Hospitality - missionaries give up nearly all that they own to start a new life in a completely different culture, so a practical need is showing hospitality while overseas (a simple or elaborate care package will encourage and lift their spirits) or when they are visiting their homecoutry (maybe they need a place to stay, a car for a month, a gift card for groceries, some gently used hand me downs for the kids, etc.)

These are just a FEW of the many ways we can all be a part of the sending process! Regardless of age, gender, giftings, or passions, we are all created unique and can be used by God in various ways to further his kingdom!

A great tool for discovering your role can be found HERE!

Missionary Spotlight

Bill and Debbie Rupe are directors of the Mexican mission agency, Latin America to the World, where their vision is to see the Mexican church become a major missionary force to take the gospel to the unreached nations of the world. This work includes mobilization, training, partnering with field organizations, member care and providing services to the missionaries that are sent. They are currently in a project to build a Campus and a base of operation for their mission agency.

Prayer Requests

Bill and Debbie - for wisdom and discernment with all the ins and outs of directing a mission agency, for unity in their marriage and their leadership team, for rest and intimacy with Jesus.
Mexican believers - for open hearts and ears, for boldness and courage to live out radical obedient faith and step into wherever the Lord leads them. For open doors as many prepare to be sent out into the mission field.
Supernatural provision and favor in building the campus and base of operation for the mission agency.

Watch this incredible update on the campus project they’re currently building! Did you know that when you give your monthly tithe to LifeMission Church, a percentage of it goes toward supporting missionaries like Bill and Debbie as well as different projects like this? What an honor that we get to be a part!

Local Outreach in September

MISSION SOUTHSIDE

ESL (English as a second language) CLASSES -

Language Partners needed! 2 of our amazing Lifer's teach some of these classes. Their language classes are built on relationships and the social aspect of learning another language. They partner each student up with a native English speaker to build relationships and help them in their learning. There is no previous experience required to become a language partner. Classes typically are either Monday evenings, Tuesday evenings, or Wednesday mornings and the fall semester is starting soon.

If you are interested in becoming a language partner, or you know someone who would like to learn english and you'd be willing to be their language partner, or you just would like more information, please email language@missionsouthside.org

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, September 17, 5:30 - 7:30PM

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, September 25, 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, October 6, 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!

Mission Monday

On Monday, September 20, join us at 7 pm in the Olathe campus Barn where LifeMission sent missionaries Joel and Haley will be sharing about what they learned in Indonesia 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

Fall Outreaches

Fall Outreaches are closed for sign ups but let’s continue praying for our teams as they prepare! The Utah Outreach consists of a team of 6 and the LADC Outreach a team of 7! Let's pray for unity & connection within the team, for Holy Spirit to move in Salt Lake City and Los Angeles in powerful ways, and for lives to be transformed by the Gospel!

If you would like to receive prayer requests for these outreaches, let me know and I will get you connected!