Missions
Leola UMC is truly blessed for the wonderful mission program that was initiated and maintained for over 30 years. The missions supported through this program are in addition to those supported to our giving to the Conference Connectional Ministries. The caring compassion and generous giving of our church members make MISSION POSSIBLE. Thank you for your faithful support.
Each month one of these missions is highlighted in our church services either by electronic visuals in the sanctuary and/or personal presentation by a representative from that mission, articles in the bulletin and newsletter and with a bulletin board display. It is our hope that every member becomes aware of the far-reaching impact these missions have in spreading God’s word and sharing the love of Jesus Christ every day.
The following is a brief description of the Missions Leola UMC helps to support.
Local Missions
A local children's home in Paradise, PA with the heart to serve the Lord by providing services to disadvantaged children (and senior adults) in an atmosphere graced with love, dignity, compassion and respect.
Conestoga Valley Christian Community Services
Located off Witmer Road near Smoketown, local support is provided to families in need of food and clothing through Conestoga Valley Christian Community Services, the outreach ministry of the Leola Ministerium. This year our focus is on the Weekend Blessings program, providing weekend meals for children.
Leola Homes of Hope - Love Inc.
Home donated by Zion Lutheran Church and maintained in partnership with other local churches to provide transitional housing and support services in multiple learning areas that will enable individuals to become self-supporting.
Love INC
Love INC(In the name of Christ) of Lancaster County is a network of over 165 Lancaster County churches from 24 denominations. This ministry allows those congregations to come together to meet the needs in our community by connecting caring church volunteers to people in need of certain services provided by these volunteers.
LUMINA Camp Scholarships
Support through LUMINA to send inner-city Lancaster children to camp.
Provides: Hope and a home for the homeless
Physical healing through their medical and dental clinics
Clothing
Food
Spiritual outreach by sharing the example of Christ's love and compassions
Miscellaneous/Short-term Needs
Special needs brought to the attention of the Mission Committee
Disasters - usually by special offering
Regional Missions
CRU/Snyder
Andrew and Corrie Snyder are serving with CRU (Campus Crusade for Christ) on the Kennesaw State University in GA bringing students the knowledge and love of Christ.
A community of believers in North Philadelphia that serves in meeting inner-city challenges - currently occupying their new church building.
Today Is A Good Day | Our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - NICU Family
Today is A Good Day is a mission started by Martha Benedum Sharkey to help families navigate the NICU journey by providing care packages, informational/listening sessions and direct financial support. This program currently operates in several Philadelphia and suburban Philadelphia hospitals but may expand into the Lancaster area.
Worldwide Missions
HOINA (Homes of the Indian Nations)
Care of abandoned, orphaned, abused and handicapped children in southern India so they can be nurtured and rehabilitated into society. Darlene Large, former Leola resident is the founder and President.
Operation Christmas Child
OCC is a project of Samaritan’s Purse to provide shoeboxes filled with small toys, hygiene items and school supplies as a means of reaching out to children outside the US affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, famine and disease; and to children living on Native American reservations in the US.
The Wengers - Former Missionaries in Guatemala
The Wengers - Now retired from 40 years of missionary service in Guatemala and living in New Holland, Janet and Irv Wenger continue some of their work in Guatemala via electronics to handle financial reports for FAM and teach courses for students at the seminary. They also “attend “ their church in Guatemala, providing services there.
The Congo Partnership, supported by the Eastern PA Conference and 3 other conferences including the Congo Conference, help support the ministries within the Democratic Republic of Congo. These ministries include health care, nutrition, local church ministries, economic development, fresh water wells, and children’s ministries. The children’s ministries is of special interest since Pastor Ryan helped develop it and currently reaches 5,000 children in weekly gatherings. More information can be found at www.congo-mission.org
Please keep these Missions and the people who work with them in your prayers and may God bless you for your faithful and generous giving.