“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people……….” Galatians 6:9-10
Cory and Angie Williamson in Ica Peru
Cory and Angie welcomed a son, Caleb into their life this past year. They continue to minister to the youth teaching them about Jesus Christ hoping to break the cultural teaching of pagan gods that are followed in that part of the world. One thing that I have found interesting is Cory shares that the receipt of Operation Christmas Child boxes are a big asset to his ministry.
IDES
Based in Noblesville, IN their last mailing states that they are working with 86 partners in 43 countries on 100 projects that will minister to 170,000 people in need for all kinds of assistance. This ministry provides food, shelter, clean water, and the message of Christian love wherever there is a need.
Jacob and Camille Scott working to go to Bangladesh
Jacob and Camille are working to raise support and recruit team members to go with them to minister in Bangladesh. They will be taking a trip there this summer. Bell Ridge is going to pay their expenses for this trip. Please pray that God will meet their needs as they work towards serving in Bangladesh.
Food for Kids – A Backpack Program
This group of volunteers works to provide food for school age children so that they may have some food each weekend of the school year. This ministry is supported by the Paris community hoping to make a difference in the life of a young person.
Oblong Christian Children’s Home
When life gets hard for young people because their parents are not able to properly care for them, for all kind of reasons, they need a place to go to receive that security every child wants. The Children’s home in Oblong, IL provides them a safe home where loving Christian parents provide Christian faith, morals, and values so that young people can grow up and realize their potential. We have supported Oblong for a number of years because of the Christian values that they provide to those in need.
https://www.oblongchristianhome.org/
Sunday Ude Obeten
The work of the church has continued to grow. Ministers to train, medical needs to be meet, people to feed and concern over Muslim influence in the northern section of Nigeria occupy Sunday’s time. Souls are being won to Christianity which makes the effort worth everything.
Choices, Pregnancy & Health
Our local center is on the corner of Wood and High Streets in Paris is dedicated to helping men and women that find themselves facing the decisions of unplanned pregnancy. They minister to those that come to them by striving to teach them about God’s plan for them and their child. The ministry does not end with the birth of the child but families can have support with parenting classes and the opportunity for clothing and supplies to help them as they raise their child.
https://choices4pregnancy.com/
Faith in Action
The office of this ministry, that is located on Wood Street west of the square, helps people stay in their own homes by supplying a little help with the tasks of life. They are care givers, ramp builders, and drivers that provide transportation and encouragement to our neighbors in the Paris community.
Compassionate Food Pantry
This ministry helps those that are food insecure. People can come on Wednesdays to the warehouse on Cherry Point Rd. to get food that is donated and secured from the Eastern Illinois Food Bank.
Compassionate Clothing Closet
People that need help with their clothing needs can come to The Closet on Tuesdays to pick out clothes that they need for their family. They also provide blankets in the fall to help people prepare the winter months. They are located on Central Ave. across the street west of the Prospect Bank’s parking lot.
Missionary Assist Panama
Yvonne Oldenburg has continued to serve in Panama after the death of her husband, David this past year. The work continues providing the needs of the churches in Panama. They have secured a source to purchase Bibles to distribute to the people. All this gives them great satisfaction but the real reward is when they see people come into a relationship with Jesus Christ.
https://www.facebook.com/MultiMinistriesPanama/
Lincoln Christian University
This institution of higher education which was started to train young people to be Kingdom workers is still serving that purpose but in a different format. Their new programming is called, “LCU to You”. Their undergraduate studies have been reduced to two fields of study, Christian Ministry and Bible & Theology. The courses for these fields are done online with some regional classes being taught in local churches. Lincoln is still offering post graduate degrees in their seminary; though the fields of study have been reduced as well. Pray that God will bless Lincoln with continued success of supplying Kingdom workers.