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The Citizen, 1992-04-15, Page 20PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15,1992. Auburn church knows how to give Reaching the unreached Dan Little (left) and Melissa Campbell (right), both of RR 3, Blyth reach out across the world with these paper hands which were used to indicate the fundraising goals of the Auburn Missionary Church's annual Missionary Conference held in March. Amazingly, the church congregation surpassed their goal of $22,000 and raised $24,735 despite the hard economic times. Auburn Missionary church pastor James Carne (middle) was overwhelmed by the congregation's generosity. Framing the trio are three backdrops church members made to highlight the week-long conference which featured missionaries from such countries as France, Haiti, Equador and Nigeria. BY LISA BOONSTOPPEL-POT In these tough recessionary times, the Auburn Missionary church has done the seemingly impossible. When most people are tightening their purse strings, this congrega­ tion opened their wallets wide and raised almost $25,000 during their annual missionary conference held in March. "The response has been kind of overwhelming," said Auburn Mis­ sionary Church pastor, James Carne. "Our goal was to raise $22,000 but we surpassed that mak­ ing this the most money we've ever raised." What makes it even more incred­ ible is that the Auburn Missionary church only has a membership of approximately 35 with an atten­ dance of about 85 people. It was this group of people, totalling under 100, which raised $24,735. Mr. Came explained the mission­ ary conference is a five-day, annual event undertaken by all Missionary Churches to raise funds in support of missionary work in Canada and abroad. The money raised is used to per­ sonally support missionaries; edu­ cate, feed and clothe children in struggling countries and build churches. It's all part of the church's evan­ gelical background, said Rev. Came. "We preach the old-time gospel and have a keen sense of fulfilling the mandate of Christ to go out into the world to preach the gospel." Back home in Auburn, the con­ ference becomes quite a produc­ tion. Before it began, church artisans were busy creating backdrops to highlight the countries visiting mis­ sionary speakers had worked in. Each night of the conference, a different missionary would provide insight into the kinds of challenges and needs exhibited in different countries. The first night, a missionary from France was featured. In following nights, missionaries from such countries as Equador, Haiti and Nigeria took center stage. Not only are foreign missions highlighted, but local ones as well. One night, a missionary from the OASIS mission in Kitchener, Ontario talked about the crisis faced by inter-city missions. This particular missionary brought a man off the street with him which seemed to really affect the congregation, said Rev. Came. "The missionary interviewed the man as to his background and we learned he was the son of bikers and had been brutalized as a child," remembers Mr. Came. "The young people were really moved by this presentation. I think a lot of them went home with a new appreciation of living in a Christian home." Some of the $24,735 raised will go to support OASIS plus the other missions the congregation gained insight into during the conference. Some of the money will also be used to support Dave and Debra Rodgers, missionaries from the Auburn Missionary Church. The couple is now in Missouri taking language classes to prepare for their service in Papua, New Guinea beginning Jan. 1993. The rest of the funds go to the Missions Committee of the Canada East District of Missionary church­ es which decides what missions and missionaries wil be supported. This committee receives money from all Missionary churches in the district (approximately 73). Last year, these 73 churches raised $1,142,151. Be creative in love, says minister continued from page 3 Jesus' Kingdom, that were revealed in this act, are loyalty and obedi­ ence. He said the Lord has need of our time, our strength and our minds. God's time is forever, whereas we have only a lifetime in which we can work for Him. He wants us to give Him some of our energy in the form work for the church. God also wants us to use our minds, to be creative in our love and service. Most important, Rev. Ramirez said that Jesus' Kingdom requires that we use our voices. We must tell others of the good news of his love. We must not try to silence the gospel but rather declare it through­ out the world. Rev. Ramirez said, in closing, that we all have a mission in fol­ lowing Christ, if we dare to call ourselves Christians, then we dare to tell his love. THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA You are welcome this Sunday April 19 - Resurrection/Easter at Trinity, Blyth St. John's, Brussels 9:30 a.m. 11:15 a.m. The Rev'd E. Paul Acton, 887-9273 Blyth United Church Rev. Lorenzo Ramirez Jr. Good Fririav 11 a m MHApril 17 - Good Friday Service 11 a.m. April 19 - Easter Service 11 a.m. "He is not here, for He has risen" Matthew 28:6 you are ‘Welcome, at the BLYTH CHURCH OF GOD 9:45 a.m. - Sunday School for Children and Adults 11 -12:15 - Morning Worship Bible Studies - Wednesday 10 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. Phone 523-4590 McCONNELL ST., BLYTH MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS Rev. Carolyn McAvoy 11.00 a.m. - Morning Service - Sunday School 9:30 a.m. -Belgrave Service We welcome you to come and worship with us. HURON CHAPEL MISSIONARY CHURCH PASTOR JAMES H. CARNE AUBURN 526-7515 Good Friday Service -10:30 a.m. Easter Sunday -10 a.m. - Family Bible Hour - 11 d.m. - Morning Service - 8 p.m. - Evening Service Wednesday - 8 p.m. - Prayer & Bible Study Friday 7:30 p.m. - Youth BRUSSELS UNITED CHURCH Rev. Cameron McMillan Church Office 887-6259 Manse 887-9313 11:00 a.m. - Easter Sunday -"You will see me” - Family Service -Nursery 9:30 a.m. -Ethel Easter Sunday Morning Worship****** "Jesus Christ is Risen today - Alleluia" Have you been thinking about starting to attend church? Easter is a time of new beginnings.... BRUSSELS MENNONITE^^vj-^ FELLOWSHIP"7!^ 1 7:30 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service and Breakfast - hosted by MYF youth 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Christian Education Hour Pastor Tom Warner Elder John Baan 887-6388 887-6967 &BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH HIGHWAY 4, BLYTH Good Friday -10 a.m. - Worship Service Sunday -10 a.m. - Seminarian Ken Benjamins Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Sunday - 7:30 p.m. - Seminarian Jim Pott ******** The Church of the "Back to God Hour" and "Faith 20" Back to God Hour 10:30 a.m. CKNX Sunday Faith 20 5:00 a.m. Weekdays, Global T.V. Wheelchair accessibleAll Visitors Welcome Holy Week Services Sponsored by Brussels Ministerial Association April 16th 7:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday Melville Presbyterian Church Service of Tennebrae (Darkening) Holy Communion April 17th 9:30 a.m. Good Friday Brussels United Church Worship Service April 18th 7:30 p.m. Saturday Evening St. John's Anglican Church Ecumenical Worship Service