In the last few days, we looked at the multi dimensions of the Indian Orthodox Mission. Over the years, the IOC mission has done so much that the articles on the dimensions can continue for many days.
We are a day away from Mission Sunday. Today instead of looking at what the IOC mission has done, we will look at what we can do for the IOC mission during this year's Mission Sunday.
Clearly, Sanjoy's earlier mail sheds light on what we could do. This Sunday, we can do at least three things for the mission.
1. Pray: The IOC mission would have been no were without the grace of the Heavenly father. It's our responsibility to pray for IOC's mission that Heavenly father will give us everything that's needed to take this mission to greater heights. Pray for the selfless leaders like HG
Osthathios thirumeni and Very Rev. Philip rambachen and the many unsung heroes who have toiled their lives for this mission and continues to be a part of this mission. Pray for our missionaries.
Pray for the needy.
2. Preach, learn and educate: Almost all our clergy have a very good understanding of our mission. They must preach the importance of this day and the mission to their church members. There might be something about the mission that we know. We must educate some one who does know that. There might something about the mission that we do not know. We must take the efforts to learn it. The greatest focus must be on the children. Parents must educate them about the importance of the day and the mission. We must communicate to them how the offertory of this Sunday is being used and how it helps to reach out to the needy. We
must create the awareness about the needs of the world and how the church is trying to reach out through our organizations.
3. Participate: We saw the multi dimensions of the IOC mission. To sustain such a mission needs the participation of everyone. There are many ways to be a part of the mission. Even if we did not go the mission fields, we still can be a part of the mission. The mission that preaches the teaching of Jesus also believes in the value of the 'widows 2 cents'. Hence, it is not at all difficult for anyone to participate in it. With what ever you have you can support the mission
in your own ways. If you are convinced about the need of such a mission, on mission Sunday we can be a part of the mission by supporting these initiatives through the Mission Sunday cover
collection. The three questions we must ask ourselves on Mission Sunday are:
a. Did I Participate?
b. Did my family participate?
c. Did my church participate?
The greatest encouragement for the people working for the mission field would probably be to know that every one of the 25 lakh people participate in the mission and are behind them.
If we do our part, there is no doubt that the IOC mission will reach greater heights in the future and will continue to be the source of hope for many.
Thanks,
Rajesh Vargheese
http://www.stgregoriosaustin.org/
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