Missions

Compassion International
You can make a world of difference in the life of a child who is trapped by poverty through Compassion International.  You can sponsor a child with $32.00 a month. Your sponsorship provides educational, social and health benefits through a local church in the community where the child lives. These churches know and can reach the children in the direst circumstances. You can develop a relationship with a child through letter writing while providing physical necessities. The letters contribute to the child’s self esteem and literacy! Best of all, each child will have the chance to hear the gospel and to learn of God’s love for him or her.  Visit www.compassion.com or contact Carol Farrell, Advocate for Children, at carol3farrell@gmail.com for more information. Plant a seed of hope in the heart of an impoverished child today!”

Centenary CARES
Join us the third Wednesday of every month as we take the lead in serving meals for St. Louis’ homeless population at Centenary CARES, a ministry of Centenary UMC at 16^th and Olive in downtown St. Louis.  Carpools depart the church at 3:30 PM, or you can join us there at 4:30 p.m.  Volunteers are usually back home by 7:30 p.m.  Advance sign-up is required each month – contact Ginny Ahrens at 636-207-0902 or Greg Finfrock at 636-821-2800 if you would like to help.

Mozambique
Living Word supports two Pastors in Mozambique, and supports our sister church in Magumbane. Our liaison for Mozambique ministries is Kathryn Lake, 636-227-0367.

Heifer Arks
For those families who might NOT be familiar with Heifer, International - this wonderful organization has its roots in the United Methodist Church and works to provide livestock and training to impoverished families throughout the world. These livestock gifts help to raise the family’s standard of living, both financially and nutritionally, as well as benefitting the community through education and training in environmentally-sound agricultural practices. When the livestock reproduces, the first offspring is given to another family in the community through a ceremony known as “Passing on the Gift”.

For further information on Heifer, you may visit their website at www.heifer.org or contact Chris Shank at 636-821-2800. For parents of elementary-age children, there is a fun link off this website designed especially for kids. Check it out!

Volunteers in Ministry
Living Word has recently sent VIM teams to Mexico and to the Gulf Coast for Katrina relief.

Circle of Concern
Spend some time at a Food Pantry where you volunteer your time sorting and passing our food to those in need. For more information contact  Lori Kitrel 636-527-0815.