If you haven't heard about the "Grassroots Effort" in support of LCMS World Mission, read the original Reporter story by Paula Schlueter Ross at: Here's the story! The effort began after the Board for Mission Services released nearly one-third of its St. Louis staff...the second such "in-house" cut within a year...and eliminated 28 overseas missionary positions.
Since the article was published, individuals have shared it with others; churches have published it in their bulletins and the movement has blossomed. Gifts from $1.00 to $800.00 have come in from individuals and congregations have sent as much as $7,000! As of March 30, the total has reached $58,046.00, not counting gifts that may have been prompted by it, but were not specifically earmarked for the grassroots effort.
Equally, and in some cases more heartwarming are the notes and stories that have accompanied some of the gifts. We told some of the stories last week here in our "Stories to Inspire." Here are some more.
One man wrote: "My wife and I have always been strong supporters of missions at home and abroad, so we want to do our part to erase the shortfall in the Mission budget. After farming for 40 years, we have been retired for 25 years. I am 90 years old and my wife is 88."
Aother said: "This is in response to an e-mail I received asking me to donate $1.00 for every person living in my house. There are just two in my household now, but I want to send [much more] in case some can't give anything right now."
More than one letter said something like this: "Only 3 in our household...but the two dogs are LCMS of course!"
A pastor and his wife ignored the suggested amount (unless they have 248 kids and pets). They wrote that they were sending their gift solely...and then added "soully" for Missions. How appropriate!
Another generous pastor and his wife wrote this prayer: "O Lord, bless this concern of Your people and forgive the lethargy that permitted the situation to develop. Lord, we praise You for another evidence that You turn negatives into positives. O how gracious and forgiving You are! O give thanks unto the Lord for You are good and Your mercy endures forever!"
Until further notice, all gifts to the project "Where LCMS World Mission needs it most" on the Giving Catalog will be counted toward the grassroots effort. You can click on the words Giving Catalog and make your gift right now!