UBC Mission Update - 2022, Issue 7
Prayer Focus: False Religions in the United States
Last month, we changed our focus of praying for missionaries we support, agencies we partner with and unreached people groups to those in our country who identify as Christian (Protestant and Catholic) but are not truly saved especially due to false doctrine. These religions were all monotheist (meaning they believe in one God). While we did not specifically address or pray for the Jewish people in the United States, we ask that you also add them to your prayers as those needing Jesus.
In the month of July, we will continue our prayer focus on those in this country who are separated from God who are polytheistic (believe in multiple gods such as Hinduism and Buddhism), New Age/Universalist and agnostic or atheist. Following are a few brief facts about these religions to aid you as you pray:
Hinduism & Buddhism:
A 2015 study estimated that approximately 2.23 million people in the U.S. are Hindu, which made it the 4th largest religion in the country at that time. Most Hindus here are immigrants; 9% are their children and 10% are converts. Hinduism was founded in India and views God as a universal spirit with many parts. These manifestations (gods and goddesses) in the form of man-made idols are all worshiped. They believe in reincarnation. Buddhism also originated in India and focuses on a cycle of death and rebirth until nirvana - liberation and enlightenment - is attained.
Did you know The Hindu Temple of Dayton is just 1.2 miles from UBC behind the Beavercreek Shopping Center? Let’s pray for these neighbors!
Universalism & New Age Practices:
One of the Universalist beliefs is that it is impossible for a loving God to give salvation to some while others are doomed to eternal punishment. They also believe that after death, there can be a limited time of punishment during which the soul is purified for eternity in the presence of God. There are fewer adherents of these religions in the U.S.; however, there is a Universalist church on Yankee Road in Washington Township.
Atheist/Agnostic:
The word atheism originates from the Greek atheos, which is built from the roots a-(without) and Theis (a god). Atheism is the doctrine or belief that there is no god; however, an agnostic neither believes nor disbelieves in a god or religious doctrine. Agnostics assert that it is impossible for humans to know anything about how the universe was created and whether divine beings exist. Agnosticism comes from the Greek word agnostos meaning unknowable.
Spotlight: UBC Foster and Adoptive Care Ministry
UBC Foster and Adoptive Care has partnered with an organization called Coalition of Care (CoC). Their mission is “to mobilize churches to care for vulnerable children and fragile families, positively impacting the trajectory of their lives, before bad things happen, before a family is separated.” CoC is a nonprofit bridge ministry that focuses on mobilizing churches to respond to God's call to care for orphans and vulnerable children. They partner with churches to establish a sustainable Family Advocacy Ministries (FAM). Studies have shown that with a care community surrounding foster families, 90% continue after one year. Without support, only about 50% continue.
An overview of what this ministry can look like for adoptive and or foster families is as follows:
Meeting immediate physical needs
Coordinating directly with agencies to support fragile families
Focusing on connections not transactions
Providing ongoing relational support
Prayer
Meals
Encouragement
Help around the house
Immersing your family by welcoming a child
UBC members Melissa Clemens and Lillie Kromer are co-chairs for this ministry under the Core Mission Team. They have been through hours of intense training and will be offering training to others as well as opportunities to get involved as the new school year begins. The UBC Core Mission Team and our co-chairs realize this ministry needs to be a marathon and not a sprint as we begin.
If you would like to learn more about this ministry, please email: fosterandadopt@ubcbeavercreek.com
For more details on CoC, click the button below:
Recent Highlight: Pro-life Ministry Initiatives Begin
The Core Mission Team is in the beginning stages of launching a new ministry at UBC focused on engaging in pro-life issues. We have held two meetings so far and attendees included people from college age to grandparents, from a variety of backgrounds. Our first initiative was to hold a day of prayer and fasting on Tuesday, June 14th in anticipation of the Supreme Court’s official announcement of their decision in the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Center case and the potential fallout from that ruling. We are planning a diaper & wipes collection for the Miami Valley Women’s Center (MVWC) in early September and also plan to serve MVWC by providing refreshments to the staff and volunteers at each of their four centers.
We discussed and recognize that pro-life ministry includes a range of care including advocacy and defense of the unborn, services to pregnant women and the organizations that support them, mentoring moms and dads, abstinence education and mentoring youth, and care and support for post-abortive women. While we can’t address all of these at once, we hope to build on these initial steps and eventually develop more in-depth programs. If Roe v. Wade is overturned and abortion laws are returned to the states, the Church will be needed more than ever. If you would like to get involved, please contact Jim at jim@corbins4him.com or Sharon at skerestes4@gmail.com or see any member of the Core Mission Team.
Opportunity:
Operation Christmas Child School Supplies Drive
July 10 - September 4
The Mission Team is collecting school supplies in preparation for the upcoming Operation Christmas Child season. As you are out shopping, please consider buying some school supplies (pencils, pens, crayons, markers, notebooks, erasers, pencil sharpeners) while they are on back-to-school sales. This is also a great way to get your kids involved in thinking and serving other children around the world. Drop off the supplies at the Mission table and they will be used to help UBC build more boxes to reach the children of the world.
The deadline for dropping off supplies is Sunday, September 4th.
To read past Mission Updates or to get more information about UBC on Mission, visit www.ubcbeavercreek.com/mission.