8 Missions

When the missionaries are visiting or on furlough raising support, I like to attend their programs. I am always stunned and humbled by their commitment to Christ. Here's what we at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church will be enjoying in the month of January. This is the Lytham Road schedule, which I received in an e-mail, but the same people will be speaking at the Mill Run campus too.

Lytham (Founders Hall)
Jan 4, 9:45 Lower Lights Christian Health Center, Dr. Dana Vallangeon
Jan 11, 9:45 Alaska Mission Team, Karen Kemp and team
Jan 18, 9:45 Anna Gruntz, OSU ministry through InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
Jan 25, 9:45 Chad & Laurie Brennan, OSU ministry through Campus Crusade

Alaska Mission Trip - Karen Kemp and a team of 18 went to Quinhagak, Alaska in July 2003 to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through Vacation Bible School and basketball. Come, hear the report of their mission trip and why we sense the call to return in 2004.

Lower Lights Christian Health Center -- Dr. Dana Vallangeon leads a Christian medical health center on West Broad Street, which serves both Franklinton and the Hilltop. Come, hear how her ministry is making a difference in the lives of many, both physically and spiritually.

Anna Gruntz and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at OSU -- Anna Gruntz (UALC member) reaches out to commuter students on the Ohio State campus. Come, hear how pizza and the gospel of Jesus Christ can change lives of college students.

Chad & Laurie Brennan and Campus Crusade for Christ at OSU - Chad and Laurie Brennan originally served with Campus Crusade in New York City. Recently they have returned to Columbus to join the Crusade staff at OSU. Laurie (née Stanek) grew up in UALC and was supported by UALC doing short-term mission in Turkey. Come, hear about the outreach to students at OSU.

On Sunday January 4, the team members of our congregational medical mission to Honduras were prayed for as the congregation laid hands on them. The local organizer is one of our neighbors from Abington Road, although we didn't know her then. My friend Adrienne's son Craig, an RN, participates in this as does our family doctor and his teen-age daughter, and one of our neighbors in the condo complex.

Another couple from the church, Judy and Bill Gibeaut, participate in a Medical Ministry International team that will go to a remote town in northern Haiti, February 28-March 13. Judy is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and her husband goes along as a general helper. SALT groups from the church are collecting vitamins to send with them.