As of October 15^th, NACCC Churches and Individuals have donated $75,000 through the Missionary Society’s One Great Hour of Sharing – September 11^th Fund

for families and victims of terrorist attacks. Contributions continue to arrive.

These funds will be distributed to individuals and agencies as directed by our New York/New Jersey Association Churches.

Thank You!

OPERATION SUNSHINE
Blessed with a large kitchen, an active congregation, and older inner city neighborhood, the Central Congregational Church of Houston, Texas, was looking for a mission.  They found one.  They have joined with area churches to provide 3,500 meals a month for area residents.  These hungry folks fall through the cracks of local government programs.  The food is prepared and packaged in the church kitchen and delivered by volunteers from 37 participating churches.  Founded under the leadership of Rev. Richard Campbell, this program is a true mission in this older neighborhood.

Submitted by:  Joelle Sommers, Missionary Society, Chairperson

If your congregation is involved with a local, national, or international mission  -  please let us know, we’d love to hear about it.

Additionally, we would like to learn more about mission programming, for youth or adults, that has been successful in your church.

Please contact Ruth Mahnke at the NA office with details:  PO Box 1620, Oak Creek WI, 53154 or Email:  rmahnke@naccc.org

AN URGENT MESSAGE FROM THE ARGENTINE MISSION:
“We are writing this letter with deep concern in our hearts.  The economic crisis in Argentina is getting worse every day and our mission is struggling to survive in the midst of financial uncertainty.  Without your support, we are unable to keep the mission going.

Please accept this letter as an expression of our solidarity with the American people.  We also want to express our identification with the values of tolerance and life which were attacked that day.”

Peace, Pr. Teodoro Stricker & Dr. Harding Stricker

The Argentine Mission ministers to thousands of the poor living on outskirts of Jardin, America.  Each week, the mission holds worship and Sunday School for hundreds of adults and children.  Additionally, the mission runs a garden/farm project where mission clients are taught to be self-sufficient.  Dr. Harding Stricker has opened a medical clinic at the mission that meets the needs of the impoverished and elderly.  Finally, the mission oversees a child sponsorship program for children.

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

Many NACCC sponsored mission projects offer special programs for holiday giving.  Listed below are specific projects:

The Pan American Institute
Located in Tijuana, Mexico:

“Once again we appeal to your generosity to enable the Pan American Institute to provide, for the 30^th consecutive year, Christmas food baskets for our student’s families.   The  average PAI  student  comes

from a family of four whose income is just $50 per week.  Last year, donations provided each of our student’s families with two large bags of food, warm clothes, and some toys. Each basket costs $35 (US) and contains:  Pinto beans, rice, wheat flour, bread, powdered milk, sugar, cookies, gelatin, pastas, tomato sauce, frozen chicken, canned tuna, vegetables, margarine, cereal, oatmeal, cooking oil, soap, shampoo, toilet paper, tooth brushes and paste.  Upon availability, families also receive:  Sweatshirts, warm clothes, shoes, socks, and toys.

Everyone at Pan American Institute wishes you a Merry Christmas.”           Juana Santos, President

The Morgan Scott Project
Located in Deer Lodge, Tennessee:

The Morgan Scott Project ministers to the poor, elderly, and disabled residents of eastern Tennessee.

The mission’s Christmas Program serves over 900 children and 350 families during the holidays.  Morgan Scott provides one large toy, one small toy, and an article of clothing to a child in need.  The cost is approximately $12 per child.  Parents may choose the toys and clothing items from one of four locations and often stand in long lines as they wait to receive gifts for their children.

Bread of Life Christian Mission,
Plant City, Florida:

Julio and Elba Santana, Directors of the Bread of Life Mission, request assistance with the Adopt A Child For Christmas Program. A $15 financial donation provides sponsorship for one child.  Preference may be given to a boy or a girl if desired.  Nearly 500 children benefit each year from this program.  Each child receives a new toy and shoe box filled with candy and toiletries

Maine Seacoast Mission
Located in Bar Harbor, Maine:

The Maine Sea Coast Missionary Society provides pastoral care and outreach ministries to persons living in the rugged coastal and island villages of Maine.  A ship named the Sunbeam pays regular visits to island communities. 

The Mission’s Christmas Program touches more than 3,000 children, nursing home residents, shut-in’s, and students enrolled in Head Start Programs.  Caps, mittens, scarves, and socks arrive throughout the year from knitters across the country.  The program provides a wrapped gift, a tide calendar, and occasionally a financial donation to those supported by the Mission. Knitted items may be sent to the mission at:  The Maine Sea Coast Mission, 127 West Street, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609.

Seafarer’s Friend
Located in Boston, Massachusetts:0

Seafarer’s Friend, a member of the North American Maritime Ministries Association, welcomes and assists seafarer’s aboard commercial vessels in New England.  Chaplains and volunteers provide ditty bags filled with small gifts, personal items, candy, a pair of mittens, a cap, and a Christmas greeting. 

ITEMS NEEDED FOR DITTY BAGS:

Gloves/Scarves             Shaving Cream
Toothpaste                    Deodorant
Kleenex                        First-Aid Kits
Razors                          Socks/Knit Hats
Nail Clippers                  Postcards
Shoe Polish                   Shoe laces
Tooth Brushes               Envelopes
Writing Paper                Pens    

Seafarer’s Friend
22 Drydock Avenue, #303
Boston, MA 02210 
Telephone:  (617) 426-1665