Local Missions efforts at Valley View
November is “Go-Vember” at Valley View, the month we give special emphasis to missions. It is timely that this Sunday we will look at a story in John that I’ve heard taught many times as an example of how to do evangelism in a compelling and winsome way. It’s the story of the woman at the well in John 4 (last week we wrapped up the end of John 3). Some say this story exemplifies the progression of missions outlined in Acts 1:8, “and you will be my witnesses in… Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” In chapter three Jesus talked with Nicodemus, the Jew (“Judea”), in chapter four he actually went to “Samaria,” and then later in chapter four, he healed the son of the ‘official,’ likely a Gentile (“ends of the earth”). The earthly ministry of Jesus shows a pattern of reaching out beyond our own town to tell others about the Kingdom of God.
In last week’s letter I featured our partnership with the International Mission Board, this week I want to highlight a few of the local ministry efforts we have at Valley View. Our food pantry partners with Dare to Care to distribute food to those in need in our community. Project Hope is a way we come along side those recently displaced from their home by providing emergency bedding and furniture needs. Helping Hands serves the homeless community in Louisville by taking them meals and the hope of Jesus Christ on Monday evenings. Our outreach to Booneville Kentucky includes service projects and also an annual Christmas gift partnership for families in need. See details below under Appalachian Christmas. We also have a partnership with Youth For Christ through our very own Mark Singleton. God uses his family to reach many hurting teens in the West End of Louisville in ways many of us never could.
In Matthew 28:19-20 (our memory verse in Go-Vember), Jesus calls us to be going, to be a part of the mission of taking the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. Next week we will look at some of the mission efforts Valley View is a part of overseas. As you read these updates, be praying for how God can continue to direct Valley View in missions and in our efforts to reach families in Southwest Louisville.
For those interested in studying the book of John a little more in depth, you might enjoy purchasing the short but insightful commentary by Josh Moody I mentioned Sunday, called John 1-12 For You. Please be aware that this is volume one of two, just covering the first half of the book.
For a list of all our monthly memory verses for 2022 plus play lists for your family, click here.