Mission At Home and Abroad

Mission Updates From Woodlawn Chapel:

From paint brushes to Masai weavings, Woodlawn Chapel’s life is filled with the transforming power of mission.

Some highlights:

Members of Woodlawn Chapel have completed and prepared more than 120 gift bags for patients at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in Saint Louis. The gifts are presents for the patients' mothers on Mother's Day...a tangible gift of love and hope for a family in crisis. This year, each gift bag will include a copy of our recently published Bon Appetit From Woodlawn Chapel.

On Sunday, April 22, we welcomed to our pulpit Mr. Bernard Kabibu, an elder in the Presbyterian Church of the Congo and administrator of the Christian Medical Institute of the Kasai (Good Shepherd Hospital). Mr. Kabibu preached an inspiring sermon on mission during worship. Using Matthew 28:19-20 as his text, Mr. Kabibu challenged us to think about the church’s evangelistic mission in Christ, answering the question, “How are we changing our communities for Jesus?” Mr. Kabibu ended his sermon on an emotional note by inviting the congregation to stand and sing the traditional Gospel song, “Bringing in the Sheaves.” As he sang this Gospel hymn in his native language, the congregation joined him in affirming our calling to mission in Christ. More than a few of us had tears in our eyes as his lilting voice called us to consider our own contexts for mission and service.

The joy and emotion of that moment will always be a significant part of this church's story.

Joining Mr. Kabibu was Dr. Leon Mubikayi, medical director of the Good Shepherd Hospital, and one of only seven physicians of the 160-bed hospital. During adult education, they shared stories and photos of the ongoing work of this Presbyterian mission. IMCK is considered one of the premier hospitals in the DRC, providing much needed care for mothers and infants, children, and adults. Their needs include such practical gifts as a tap for a spring of clean water ($500), and support for obstetrical care ($10 will insure a mother’s safe delivery.) As an expression of partnership, Mr. Kabibu presented Woodlawn with a weaving made by Masai villagers. It is a great symbol of a new partnership, and a reminder of our extended Christian family. Please pray for ways that we can be involved further in this mission.

On the same weekend, eleven Woodlawn youth and adults were involved in “Rebuilding Together,” a Saint Louis metro-area project that helps low income citizens remain in their homes. This year’s project was conducted in memory of John Schrotenboer, who was an active volunteer in Rebuilding Together, and a key leader at Woodlawn Chapel who died in September. You can visit their website at http://www.rebuildingtogether.org/. This year, our house captain was John’s son, Brian, whose excellent leadership skills brought honor to his father and pride to his church.

Finally, around 3:00 a.m. Sunday, Woodlawn Chapel member Kyle Price returned from a week of mission with our Presbytery’s Katrina response team in Houma, LA. Work continues on the village which is already hosting volunteers from across the nation. True to form, Kyle traded his drywall clothes for a choir robe Sunday morning. We give thanks for his dedication, and for the commitment of four others from Woodlawn who will be headed to Houma in May.

Give thanks for new mission! Give thanks for the joy of serving! Give thanks for God’s transforming love! If you're looking to be involved in a church that seeks to be in service to Christ, we invite you to join us at Woodlawn Chapel!