Last Sunday, we set an encouraging milestone as a church family. We were honored to baptize three more individuals during our two worship services, which brought us to a new record for the most baptisms we’ve seen in a year at ABC! I hope you’re as encouraged as I am to see more light bulbs go into our “Let There Be Light” sign, as more people proudly raise their flags for Jesus Christ through believer’s baptism each week. I’m excited to watch that sign continue to light up, as our God continues to light up the lives of those around us.
The Great Commission will always be the heartbeat of our church. Before ascending to heaven, the resurrected Christ told all of His followers to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). ABC is firmly committed to walking in obedience to Jesus’ words. We want to see God light up our homes, our neighborhoods, and the world around us. I pray that God will continue to use ABC to raise up more disciples here in Austin, but I also pray that He will use our church to make an impact all around the world.
This Sunday is an important weekend as it’s themed around this critical mission. I hope you make plans to join us for “Missions Sunday,” as it will be a unique opportunity to get informed and mobilized in God’s mission through ABC. This Sunday we’re going to have a special guest speaker from the International Mission Board. You will be formally introduced to Brother John during our services, but he has decades of leadership experience in the IMB, and we’re thrilled to have him come share a special word about what God is doing all around the world through the faithful efforts of the IMB.
Additionally, this Sunday we will spotlight many great ministry opportunities for you to partner in. We will have a ministry fair in our Great Hall showcasing some of the key local ministries that ABC supports. These organizations receive both funds and volunteers from our church, and we want to give you an opportunity to familiarize yourself with their work. They will be able to answer questions and help you get mobilized in the kingdom efforts they are leading in. You will also receive a missions brochure in our worship services, and it will spotlight some of ABC’s upcoming missions opportunities for 2022.
As you know, COVID put a wrench into all of our travel plans these past 18 months, and it unfortunately made a negative impact on mission trips as well. However, we are working hard right now to offer several great opportunities for you to go on mission with ABC here in our country, and around the world. Pick up a brochure this weekend and begin praying for wisdom on whether God is calling you to go this coming year. This Sunday will also be the official kick off to our annual Lottie Moon offering. We have set a church goal to raise $50,000 above our regular tithes and offerings to go directly to missions during this Christmas season. Please begin praying now on how God is calling you to partner through this special offering.
We’ve got lots to be thankful for at ABC. I pray that Missions Sunday will prepare your heart for Thanksgiving as our church “give thanks” for changed lives at ABC, but also for changed lives all around the world. I pray that God will continue to light up your life this week, and we look forward to you joining us for this special Missions Sunday at ABC.
www.jonathanspencer.org 