Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:40 that, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” He was talking about those in need of food, clothing, water, a friend, or a visit to those that were ill or in prison. There are plenty of opportunities to minister and serve in our community, and all it takes is a willing heart; it does not require a large bank account or special talent. Please join us as we reach out to the “least of these….”
-- Kim Cassell, Assitant to the Pastor for Evangelism

Mission Programs:

PUMC Relay for Life
The Missions Committe organized our first Relay for Life team in 2009, raising almost $3000 for the American Cancer Society. Our 2010 fundraising season is underway now, with Flamingo Flocking is our main fundraising activity. <more>

Operation Christmas Child
Perry UMC is proud to participate in Operation Christmas Child, a Samaritan's Purse program which sends shoeboxes of essentials and gifts to underpriviledged children around the world. Gifts are delivered along with special Bibles and discipleship materials, sharing the love of Christ in a meaningful way. <more about OCC at PUMC>

UMCOR
HAITI:
Support for emergency relief to can be made to Haiti Emergency, UMCOR Advance #418325 and sent to:
Conference Administrative Services Office
PO Box 52101
Macon, GA 31208

You can make donations to UMCOR Advances at any time by noting it on the memo line of a check to Perry UMC. Past campaigns included a month long fundraiser for world hunger through UMCOR. We also highlighted one of UMCOR's many programs that educates farmers in impoverished countries about sustainable agriculture.

Loaves and Fishes
A completely volunteer-run local emergency foodbank for individuals and families in need. Consider contributing time, food, or a financial offering to this worthy effort. <more info>

Brian Bowen's Snax Sax
The PUMC Missions Committee has started a "Snax Sax" food program at a local elementary school for children that are in need of food. The bags of pre-packaged food will be given to the children on Fridays so they will have food to eat over the weekend. <more info>

Thanks from the Mission Committee
Those of us on the Missions Committee would like to thank you for the funds you provide for the mission work of the Perry United Methodist Church. Many lives all over the world have been blessed though your generosity.

The members of the committee include:

Linda Mason, Chairman
Dianne Ayer
Kim Cassell
Rev. Roland Fall
Vicki Mosteller
Alvalyn Pope
Jennifer Ratliff
Leslie Sinyard
Dawne Watson

Soles4Souls

In the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami that hit Southeast Asia, Wayne Elsey, the Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls© Inc., felt compelled to do something. Like many of us, he did not know what to do. He was at home one night, watching TV and he saw a picture of a single shoe washing up on the beach. That triggered a few calls to some other executives in the footwear industry and the subsequent donation of a quarter of a million shoes to victims in the devastated countries.

PUMC collected 473 pairs of shoes for the flood victims of Nashville, Tennessee. Central Georgia Foot and Ankle in Perry shipped the shoes to Nashville.

Mission News:

Mission News: Brian Bowen's Snax Sax
The Missions Committee has entertained the idea of naming a Mission Project in memory of Brian Bowen. Kellie gave us the idea of renaming Snax Sax to include Brian’s name.

Brian was the chairman of the Missions Committee for several years and had a passion for helping people.

During his time as chairman, the Missions Committee became very active and took on many new projects. Snax Sax was one of those projects.

We can still hear Brian telling us that we needed to
“Do it to it!”

OCC contributions for August, September, October and November
Remember that the church collects items for Operation Christmas Child throughout the year. The donation article requested for:
August ~ School Supplies
September ~ Flip-Flops
October ~ Toys
November ~ Socks

Operation Christmas Child 2009: Thank You Letters from India
We have received letters from two families in India that received boxes from our church. Both of the responses were from pastors of churches.

Pastor Elias Mathew said, “Our children are very glad to see the gift items. We are blessed by 2 children, the elder son, 8 and the older daughter, 2. My son received the gift and he’s overwhelmed and very excited to have it. We as a family are working for the Lord since the last 15 years in North India. My wife’s from Tamil Nadu. She was an orphan and a nonbeliever coming from a Hindu background. She was in a Christian orphanage and that’s how she came to know about Jesus and now she’s helping in GODEST’S ministry.

We’ve come across a lot of orphaned children who are not treated well and are going in the wrong path. GODEST gave us a vision of opening an orphanage many years ago. We always remember you and your family in our prayers and will continue forever.”

He also gave an e-mail address. Contact him if you wish at elias.mathew77@gmail.com

Here is the letter from the second pastor in India.
”I am pastor K. Vijaychandra, who’s called by God to lead more than 100 children of God. We are the people who have seen and experienced the true love of the Lord through your generosity and care for the people you have never seen. One of our orphan girls has received your shoebox. Our Sunday School children had a great joy and real happiness of Christmas and their parents have known the love of the Lord in their hearts because of the boxes you have sent out with love. You’ve not only reached their needs but their hearts through your love.” His e-mail address is shalomkv@yahoo.com I’m sure he would like to hear from you.

Operation Christmas Child 2010
In the next few weeks, you will see OCC collection boxes around the church. We will collect a certain item each month.

I also need someone to take on the project of packing boxes during the year. If you would like to help out in that area, please contact me: Linda Mason – 997-1582.