Hyde Park Community UMC will be sending a mission team to Samara United Methodist Church, Samara, Russia, June 22 – June 30, 2016. The mission team will be led by Kevin Betts and me.
Hyde Park Community UMC, and Samara UMC have been ministry partners since 1996. This trip will mark the 20th anniversary of our first trip to Samara. We will work alongside our Russian brothers and sisters in Samara UMC’s Helping Hand ministry, and be involved in other areas of outreach as directed by the Pastor of Samara UMC. In addition, we will be involved in some light renovation projects that will include painting. We will worship together, study together, and grow deeper in our relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, together.
Samara is the sixth largest city in Russia, with a population of 1.2 million people. Government support for those in need is very limited, and Samara UMC has stepped in to fill the gap. Through our partnership, we provide the spiritual, financial, and psychological help that sends the message, “you are not alone.”
This is a great opportunity to serve as the body of Christ and build relationships with our brothers and sisters from another culture. Join us, June 22 – June 30, 2016; we are in the final stages of putting together the Hyde Park Community Team, and we want to make sure you come with us!
Let me know if you have any questions, or would like to register for this life transforming experience; scholarships are available.
Other ways you can support our mission effort:
•We welcome your prayers. As the team from Hyde Park Community is assembled, pray that God will use each team member in powerful ways. Pray that all preparations align with God’s vision and calling. Pray that the ministry/outreach of Samara UMC brings healing and wholeness.
•Make a gift to the Global Outreach Lenten/Easter Offering (soon to come in your mail). The Lenten/Easter offering supports our mission partners, one of which is Samara UMC, and helps build the Hyde Park Community Mission Scholarship Fund. No one who feels called by God to join a mission team, should pass up an opportunity to participate because of lack of funds. It is a priority of Hyde Park Community to provide assistance as needed, and your generosity makes this possible.
May God’s blessings abound as together we make a difference in our community and in the world.
Pastor Doug