‘Love the World SUnday’ Scheduled for April 7
For many years, the First Sunday of April has been designated as “Love the World Sunday” in the Church of God. This year, this offering will be used to touch some crucial ministries under the exciting new initiative called, “Marcelly’s Dream.”
The offering will assist in missionary support, Bible distribution and translation, as well as holistic ministry to over 130 orphanages of the Church of God around the world.
Marcelly’s Dream grew from the experience of a 7-year old, adopted daughter of missionaries who were in transition from ministry in Brazil. While the family was praying about their new assignment, Marcelly dreamed of being visited by Jesus, who commissioned her to preach to children in Africa. The family’s new appointment – unknown to them at the time of her dream – was to an orphanage in Liberia, Africa.
Marcelly’s dream inspired Tim Hill, director of World Missions, to cast a vision involving taking the Bible to children in the Church’s 130 orphanages, providing clean water to those who are without it, renovating and building in areas where improvements are needed, and offering physical and mental health services to orphanage caregivers and others.
The “Love the World” designation for the World Missions offering is drawn from John 3:16, where God is revealed to “love the world” so much that He gave His Son. God’s people, moved with compassion and concern for a needy world, emulate His example by giving. The 2013 offering will support and undergird the challenges addressed through the Marcelly’s Dream initiative.
Pastors are encouraged to give their congregations an opportunity to support World Missions on April 7 or another Sunday in the month that might better fit the local church schedule.
