Global Missions
GLOBAL MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
Compassion International: Zion Lutheran Church is fulfilling God's mandate to serve impoverished children by providing sponsorship and financial support through Compassion International, to Chuko Kale Heywet Church which is located to the south of Ethiopia. This church deals with issues such as malaria, food shortage, crimes, poverty, and family disintegration. By partnering with CI, the children's physical needs can be more effectively addressed. Help us to help Compassion International reduce the number of deaths among HIV-positive children, reduce the number of children hospitalized with HIV and AIDS complications, and give children practical, quick-response assistance when they lose a parent to AIDS. Join us by contributing to the weekly offering or through the church office.
Crossways International: The goal of Crossways International is to help people read the written word, to understand and believe in the written word, and to demonstrate Him in their daily lives. In addition to their Biblical teaching materials, there is also a mission arm to Crossways International that strives to boost Biblical literacy all around the world. Contact Tina Rasmussen to learn more about how you can help people all around the world better understand the Bible.
Gideons International: The mission of Gideons International is to win the lost for Christ, and their unique method is the distribution of scripture in selected streams of life. A representative from Gideons International comes to share their mission with zion periodically and collect an exit offering to help support their mission. To learn more about their ministry and to help them share the Good News, please visit www.gideons.org.
GlobeServe International: GlobeServe International is a non-denominational mission organization that is committed to reaching the Ewe people group of Ghana, Togo, and Benin - all in West Africa - with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. GlobeServe Ghana was founded by Rev. Sam and Mrs. Jonhild Dunya in June 1996. As missionaries with Bethany Fellowship Mission, the Dunyas have worked in Ghana for the past nine years and are responsible for the planting of some 30 churches, a Bible college, a vocational school, a co-operative Food Farmers Association, and a preparatory school. As their ministry has crossed borders from Ghana into Togo and Benin, GlobeServe Ghana birthed GlobeServe International in order to better coordinate mission efforts.
Mhezi Companion Congregation: Zion has an ongoing relationship with the Mhezi Lutheran Parish is Tanzania. We have sent missionaries to Tanzania, as well as hosted members of their congregation during visits to Des Moines. Zion recently sent a team of missionaries to work at the Gonja Hospital, located in the mountains surrounding the Mhezi Parish. Click here to see photos from the latest mission trip to Tanzania.
Mhezi Student Tuition: As part of our relationship with the Mhezi congregation, groups and individuals at Zion may sponsor a child to attend secondary school in Tanzania. Many children are unable to attend secondary school due to financial concerns. Indviduals, small groups, or classes commit to sponsor a Mhezi secondary student for four years. For $100 a year, one student can attend school and advance their education. This dollar amount includes the cost of books, uniform, and other enrollment fees. If you are interested in sponsoring the education of a Mhezi student email or call BreeAnn Williams at 515-270-8142.
Missionaries:
John & Carmina Donhowe - The Donhowes and their sons, Samuel, Joey, Peter, and Paul serve as missionaries at the Life and Truth School in Caranavi, Bolivia. They are support through Cup of Cold Water Ministries, a missionary organization in Sheridan, IL. To learn more, you may email John Donhowe.
Zechariah Hansemile - The children's Sunday school and Wednesday night offerings support a missionary named Zechariah Hansemile who works in Gabu, Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. Zechariah works with an organization called Youth With A Mission (YWAM), and he is dedicated to reaching the surrounding villages with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Zechariah is very encouraged by the support of Zion's kids, and he asks us to pray for his health and safety, and to pray that many in Guinea-Bissau would come to know Jesus through the work he is doing.
Chris & Kim Swanson - Chris and Kim serve with Campus Crusade for Chris in Boston. They work with undergrad and graduate students. For more information, visit www.theswansonscoop.com.
Mission Mexico International: Zion Lutheran Church has partnered with four Lutheran Churches in Mexico: Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church; Spirit of Faith Lutheran Church; and Mighty Fortress Youth Mission, all in Monterrey; as well as a new mission church in Rio Bravo. Zion sends teams to conduct outreach at these churches through an eyeglass clinic. Team members help hundreds of individuals by giving them the opportunity to have glasses. Zion members also pray with these individuals and give them Bibles. You do not need to havy any medical background to be a part of this trip. Click here to see a few pictures from our last Mission Mexico Trip. Mission Trip Update: We are planning another Mexico Mission trip 11/8-14/10. For more information, please click this Mexico Mission link.
Preaching & Prayer: Dr. Bill Vaswig from Issaqua, WA, is a specialist in healing prayer. We were blessed to have him share his experience and learn some of his techniques in the Fall of 2009. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Vaswig and his mission of healing, please contact him at 425-557-3642.
Support Our Troops: Zion members write encouraging letters, notes of thanks, and send gift packages to our troops bravely serving our country. Drop by the display in the Fellowship Hall or email JoEllen Reimenschneider. Check out some of the other ways to help support our troops: USO: www.uso.org; Prayer Coins and Prayer Tracts: www.americandefendersoffreedom.com; Soldiers' Angels: www.soldiersangels.org; America Supports You: www.americasupportsyou.mil/americasupportsyou/help.html.
Zion Trust Fund: Zion has a trust fund in place to help support members who are called to mission work. It offers financial support for short-term mission trips. The Trust Fund has helped to shend missionaries from Zion to Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Mexico, and also domenstically in the U.S. You can email Paul Zietlow for more information.