God is Closing in on Our Year-end Goal!

Have you ever sat down and asked someone for more? It’s awkward for both parties involved. As we wrap up 2015 and get ready to embark in next year’s adventure, we are called to finish strong. I’ve come to realize that it’s not about me asking you to give more — it’s about God working in our lives. I’ve experienced, firsthand, God’s amazing faithfulness and all of your willingness to be called to give generously.

Together, we've accomplished so much by God’s grace.

Over the past two years, the church as given over $301,000 towards the Ministry and Operating fund. This number includes $20,000 given towards the Camiola Family and Grace Gardens in Jos, Nigeria. In Matthew 6:21, Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” I feel like we’re showing Jesus where our hearts are by how much we’ve increased our participation in God’s mission at MDC and around the world.

It's not about the money—it's about the mission.

I don’t remember a time at MDC when we’ve heard so many stories about God at work. Yes, these past year has not been the easiest for many of us, but I am amazed by the number of unexpected blessings along the way! We see and hear about families being changed because of Vacation Bible School, our surrounding community recognizing our love and hospitality during Halloween, Missional Communities serving in the community and of MDCers who’ve been able to share their love for Christ with their neighbors or family.

Sure we can measure attendance and financial giving, and we do, but the stories are what give us the true picture of how God is leading us to accomplish our mission of being “a church with passionate faith in Jesus Christ that sacrificially loves, serves those in need, and draws people into an ever-deepening relationship with God.”

For your prayerful consideration.

So, while I’m incredibly encouraged about how God is watching over and blessing MDC, I’m also again inviting you to help us finish the year strong financially. After calculating our giving from this past Sunday, December 13, we have $3,176.14 remaining to meet our budgeted expenses for 2015 and nearly $2,400 needed for our Advent Conspiracy goal! Please pray that we would reach our goal of covering all of MDC’s 2015 expenses, and if you have not yet given a year-end gift, pray about how God might want to use you to help us finish the year strong.

How can YOU help finish strong?

For starters, if you need assistance with an end of the year contribution, please contact a deacon (Todd, Brent, or John). Keep in mind that contributions must be received in the church's office by December 31, 2015 or postmarked no later than December 31, 2015 to qualify for a 2015 tax deduction.

• Click here to give online by 11:59 PM, December 31, 2015.
• Mail contribution, must be postmarked by December 31, 2015. (Missio Dei Church, 123 West Wood Street, New Lenox, IL 60451)