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August Women On Mission

A Missionary Legacy

In 1812, Ann Hasseltine Judson and Adoniram Judson were newlywed missionaries aboard a ship bound for India, sent out by a Congregational mission society.  Aboard ship, they studied scripture and concluded that they agreed with the Baptist position on baptism and were baptized upon arrival in India.  (They were no longer supported by the Congregationalist).

They were not permitted to remain in India and after many difficulties, settled in Burma.  (Now Myanmar).  Ann was the first American woman in Burma.  Life was difficult and authorities unwelcoming.  Still, Ann and Adoniram set to work, teaching, translating the Bible and evangelizing.  Adoniram was imprisoned for 2 years, and Ann worked to secure his release while trying to provide him with daily food.

Ann died in 1826 and was soon followed by their infant daughter, Maria.  Adoniram then married a missionary widow, Sarah Hall Boardman, who assisted him in translation, teaching women of the Karen tribe, and serving as a school administrator.  She died in 1845.  Adoniram married a third time.  He died in 1850.  The Judson’s ministry to Burma resulted in the winning of countless souls to Christ.

Fast forward to 2015.  My son, David Russell, pastors a Baptist Church in Ames, Iowa.  This summer he attended a seminar in St. Paul, Minn.  On Sunday he visited the First Baptist Church.  It was an old church with declining membership until refugees from Burma (Myanmar) began attending in 2000.  All of them were Baptists, members of the Karen Hill tribe.  The twin city area is home to thousands of Asians.  This church has a vibrant and active congregation, 75 % of them from the Karen tribe of Burma.  Other congregations have formed in the area from other
Burmese tribes.

The Sunday Dave visited was Judson Sunday, commemorating the arrival of the Judson’s in 1813.  This is an annual celebration.  What an amazing story of how God has worked for over 200 years in the lives of these groups from Burma, beginning with the sacrificial ministry of Ann and Adoniram.

* Please return Hunger Banks on Sunday, August 9th.

* A special thank you to Betty Busch, who has made 589 stocking caps over the past 11   years for the International Seafarers Center on  Lake Michigan.  This is a huge help to     Chaplain Marshal Bundren as he ministers to
  international seafarers who come into the port.  Betty’s late sister, Dorothy Grossman,   made 73 hats.

* Women on Mission will meet Monday, August 10th at 7:00 p.m. at the church.  All our      ladies are invited to join us in a time of study, prayer, and fellowship.

August Spare Change

                      3 Reasons Everyone Should Go on a Mission Trip

Have you ever thought about going on a mission trip?  Many people have but, for one reason or another, they just don’t go.  Maybe you’re too busy with work, family, church ministries, or social activities; maybe all of the above.  Maybe you don’t think it’s financially within your grasp.  Maybe you don’t feel in shape enough or you have physical limitations.  There are a lot of reasons why people don’t go, but here are three reasons why you should go:

1.) You Can Make a Difference!

There are so many people that need help; so many people that need to hear the gospel.  I have been all over this country helping churches, church plants, ministries, disaster victims, inner city kids, homeless persons, etc.  The common theme that runs through all the trips I have been on is that we make a difference.  I may seem small, but often those small, seemingly insignificant, things are what matters most to people.  I have seen people cry over drywall being put in their home.  I sat and listened to a homeless man’s story.  I have been able to make a difference in these people’s lives, all while sharing with them the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.  You can make a difference.  Don’t make excuses for why you can’t go, trust that God will use you in spite of your deficiencies.  I will say it again, YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

2.) It Will Change Your Life!

Inevitably, when people come back from a mission trip there is a marked change in their life.  It happens every time!  People go, see the needs, minister to others, and come home different.  From time to time we need a drastic change in our lives.  We get bogged down in the day-to-day doldrums and stresses of life.  When we go on a mission trip, our perspective on life is reset.  Our priorities are reoriented to the way God wants them to be.  So if you need a refresher in your spiritual life, or just need a break, go on a mission trip, it will change your life.

3.) Jesus Commands You to Go!

The bottom line is that we are commanded to go to the ends of the earth to share the gospel and make disciples.  Christians must go!  The great thing is you don’t have to be a full-time missionary to make a difference.  Our long-term partnerships create an
ongoing relationship that benefits those on the mission field.  We cannot sit on the sidelines, Jesus commands us to get in the game and go!  Will you obey the command to go?

Upcoming Trips:

• Adult Mission Trip to Detroit, MI – October 4^th – 9^th. This trip will be a mix of construction, church planting, ministry, and evangelism projects.  Whatever your gifts, you can be used to reach Detroit. 
  Contact Pastor Bryan at for info.
• Culture Wave Global Trip to India – September 10^th -19^th. This is a medical and evangelistic mission trip.  
  Contact Ron Osborne  for more info.
• Culture Waves Global Trip to China – October 8^th -19^th. Contact Ron Osborne at for more info.