Dear Church Family and Community,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
– Matthew 28:18-20
I am not quite sure quite when exactly, I met Jonathan Lloyd. My guesstimate would be that we met at some BIC conference, meeting, or event a while back. I had known that Jonathan and his family had served as missionaries in Malawi. I knew a little bit about his work and leadership at the BIC Offices. And I remember being excited when he transitioned into his current role as the Director of BIC U.S. World Missions.
Over the years, though mostly from afar, I have always been encouraged and blessed by Jonathan’s thoughtfulness, intentionality, and heart for God and people. He has always been attentive in every conversation, genuine in all our interactions, and quick with a kind word. I have also really enjoyed his perspectives and have seen how we are so blessed as Brethren in Christ by Jonathan’s grace and service.
A fun fact about Jonathan is that I had my first bowl of pho at Vietnamese Garden with him, a few years back. I am usually an adventurous eater, but for years, Shell could not get me to try pho at the Garden. This was my final step to truly becoming “Harrisburg”. So on a somewhat cool day, a perfect soup day, and with Jonathan, I tried pho and loved it. Shell couldn’t believe it. And now all is right in her world because all Johnsons now love the Garden’s pho.
I am very excited to welcome Jonathan as our speaker for Missions Sunday. Please plan to join us on Sunday as we celebrate, pray for, and hear about God’s wonderful work throughout our world. Part of our mission and vision here at HBIC is to share Christ’s love and serve the needs of our local and global communities. Missions Sunday is an opportunity to learn more about what God is doing through us, but on a more global scale, and also how you can join in.
Each year we also take a special offering that provides support to the 11 households who serve as missionaries sent from our church. Please prayerfully consider what you might give to help us reach our goal of $10,000. Jesus, before ascending to heaven, told His disciples then and us today, to go and make disciples of all the nations, and to teach others to obey all that he has taught us. Jesus commands all of us to do this work, this Sunday affords us just another way to stay faithful to this calling.
Lastly, we will be taking communion together in celebration of World Communion Sunday. What a blessing to also be joining with sisters and brothers along the globe, to celebrate our fellowship together, our life together, and being the Body of Christ. Praise God for the Spirit that teaches and empowers us, Jesus who loves and prays for us, and God who humbly partners with us and inspires us to do kingdom work.
God bless you all, and take care.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Hank
(Matthew 28:18-20)
P: (717) 561-2170, ext. 104
E: pastorhank@harrisburgbic.org
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