In this time of financial hardship many churches might be
tempted to focus their attention within their own congregations and
local communities. But this would be contrary to the teachings of
Jesus of Nazareth.
In this time of financial hardship many churches might be tempted to focus their attention within their own congregations and local communities. But this would be contrary to the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.
He commanded his disciples to spread his message widely, and for centuries Christian missionaries have traveled throughout the world, retelling the good news and working to reduce human suffering.
Gilroy’s South Valley Community Church is an example of a local faith community that continues to reach out to suffering people in other parts of the world.
Over spring break, about 15 members of the church participated in an annual outreach visit to Mexico sponsored by Azusa Pacific University. Led by Tina Valdez, they braved the threat of a swine flu epidemic to work with poor people in Mexico through many varied activities, including:
– Painting playground equipment at the Mexacali Zoo
– Installing windows and decorative crosses in a small village church
– Running a sports camp for children
– Offering Vacation Bible School classes
– Leading a women’s ministry where crafts were made for sale.
Since 2003, SVCC has supported missionaries in the desperately poor African nation of Tanzania. In May, 11 Gilroy residents visited four missionaries affiliated with the church, including a medical doctor, staying nearly a month to provide additional assistance.
They stayed in the village of Kigoma, about 1,800 miles inland from the capital city, near the shores of famous Lake Tanganyika.
Villagers live in mud huts under very primitive conditions. Most electricity comes from individual diesel generators, most waster has to be carried from the lake, cooking is done on outdoor charcoal stoves and sanitation is rudimentary. Gilroyan Julie Hansen likens the situation to “America in the late 19th century.”
Nevertheless, the missionaries accomplished much. For example, they established a training center for women that teaches sewing (using old-fashioned treadle machines), baking (bread and a local pastry called “cakies”) and jewelry-making. The goal of the work is to help these women toward self-reliance.
They have also founded a free preschool for orphans and the poorest children. Thirty six students are learning both English and Swahili, and they will have a good foundation for continuing on to elementary and secondary schools.
Meanwhile, the doctor flies to neighboring villages in a donated helicopter, providing the only medical care in the region.
Also in May, eight members from SVCC, including Senior Pastor Eric Smith and his wife, Carol, traveled to Nigeria to continue the congregation’s support of missionary activities in this troubled African nation.
Earlier in the year, the church sent a large shipping container to the city of Owerri. One of the items packed in it was a 40,000 square foot tent, and they helped erect it in time for a four-day national pastors’ conference.
The Gilroyans saw many past gifts being put to good use:
– The first automatic washer and dryer at work in the local hospital
– Motorcycles used by indigenous pastors, who formed a chapter of CROSS, a Christian motorcycle club
– Twenty beds occupied in the hospital
– The cargo container itself was used for a medical examination room.
One of SVCC’s important efforts is to increase “micro-lending,” a system for native people to get small loans to open their own small businesses.
The visitors taped interviews with recipients of previous loans – a cafe-proprietor, painter, farmer and baker – to show the congregation how their donations have changed lives.
South Valley Community Church members feel strongly that they have an obligation to help not only the needy “across the street, but around the world.”
Through these mission trips, members encounter people who are “financially poor, but spiritually rich,” and the participants come back “humbled that they could assist those in need while returning better for the experience, feeling gratitude for the many blessings we take for granted in our lives.”
For information about getting involved in the world mission program, contact Pastor Mark Turner at (408) 848-2363.
