Com•pas•sion (kuhm pash' uhn) n. Deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the desire to do something about it.
Scripture teaches that Jesus said our extensions of compassion are not done on behalf of Him, but that our acts of compassion are done to Him.
“I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.” — Matthew 25:40 (The Message)
As Christ-followers, we are called to extend compassion. We are not called to be passively aware of the suffering of others but to actively do something about it. Wrapped in the security of Christ, Stonecreek is dedicated to extending compassion and introducing people outside our doors to the life and freedom found in Him.
We have discovered …
Training and resources are desperately needed by pastors in spiritually impoverished parts of the world.
95% of the least-reached Christian nations lie in a concentrated area that stretches across North Africa, the Middle East, India and Asia.
There are 10,000,000 AIDS orphans. And in the minute you've spent reading this, 28 more street children have died.
The grip of poverty holds children captive with no perceived hope of being freed from its grip and no perceived possibility that they can make a difference.
To do our part in making a difference, the following are the current initiatives and organizations that Stonecreek is partnering with in 2007. To volunteer or support one of these compassion efforts, check out the specific opportunity links below, watch for special emphasis tables in our lobby on Sundays, or contact the Stonecreek main office at 770-754-7900.
Compassion International
Purpose: releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name.
Our Emphasis: individuals sponsoring children around the world and speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
"You Can" Learn More: www.compassion.com
Specific Opportunities: Click here to find a child for sponsorship
More Than 2,000 Reasons "You Can" Do Something About Poverty
Three seconds seems hardly worth mentioning. It goes by so fast. What can one really do in such a short amount of time? In fact, it has taken you longer than three seconds just to read to the end of this sentence. So how could it be so significant? Every three seconds a child under age 5 dies somewhere in the world from a preventable cause such as diarrhea, malaria and measles.
Right now, a little girl is breathing her last breath because she didn't have access to clean water. And a little boy won't wake from his sleep because he got a sickness that could have been prevented with a $1 vaccination. None of it has to happen.
God has called His Church to reach out to the poor and the needy - to take care of His children. In Proverbs, He tells us to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves." In James, we're called to "look after orphans and widows in their distress." In all, more than 2,000 verses in the Bible address children and the poor. God is that serious about it. He has commanded us to get involved. The very least we can do as a church is pray. Please take time today to pray for the millions of children in the world who are suffering in sickness that could and should be prevented.
But don't stop there. Visit www.compassion.com to learn how you can release children from poverty in Jesus' name through Compassion International. Compassion ministers to more than 800,000 impoverished children around the world, and Stonecreek is a part of this ministry!
It's time for us to get involved. Every three seconds we hesitate is another life that could have been saved.
Brandon & Shanna Christensen, Missionaries to Guatemala
Purpose: support the Christensens, missionaries serving a child development ministry in Guatemala City.
Our Emphasis: short term project trips, prayer and leadership support for the Christensens.
Contact:
Learn More about The Christensen's Mission: Guatemala Mission
Learn More about Hope for Guatemala: www.hope4guatemala.org
Specific Opportunities:
Trip to Guatemala: Interested in taking a trip to serve the children and ministry of Hope for Guatemala? E-mail Lynn Miner () to receive more information in early 2008 for our trip to Guatemala, July 12-19, 2008.
North Fulton Community Charities
Purpose: prevent homelessness in North Fulton County.
Our Emphasis: volunteer to sponsor families during the holidays as well as helping with specific projects during the rest of the year.
Learn More: www.nfcchelp.org
Photo Gallery: See photos from the family sponsorship and distribution efforts.
Specific Opportunities:
Pantry Supplies Drive:
NFCC's pantry is empty! Bring in any of the following and drop it in one of the brown boxes located in Stonecreek's main hallways now through the end of December:
Food items: Non-perishable food, tuna fish, canned meat, cereals, instant grits, dry beans, peanut butter & jelly, canned soup, fruit & vegetables, pasta & spaghetti sauce and sugar.
Toiletries needed: Shampoo, hand soap, deodorant, toothpaste & toothbrushes, toilet paper, paper towels, baby diapers & wipes, laundry detergent and dish detergent.
Pastor Elio Martiz, Havanna, Cuba
His Purpose: provide training to pastors and Christian leaders in Cuba. Our Emphasis: monetary support to develop programs and cover living expenses.
Learn More: Contact our main office at 770-754-7900.
Specific Opportunities: Watch this space and the Sunday worship program for specific needs.
"Backpacks of Hope" Christmas Project for Hope for Guatemala
Purpose: bring joy and hope to children in desperate situations in Guatemala.
Our Emphasis: fill 300 "Backpacks of Hope" with needed supplies for Guatemalan children in poverty.
Photo Gallery: See photos of the backpack collection and sorting.
Learn More: Learn about Hope for Guatemala at www.hope4guatemala.org
Specific Opportunities:
Trip to Guatemala: Interested in taking a trip to serve the children and ministry of Hope for Guatemala? E-mail Lynn Miner () to receive more information in early 2008 for our trip to Guatemala, July 12-19, 2008.
