Listen! God is Calling,"" WOV 712 & ELW 513"
Refrain
(Listen,) listen, God is calling,
through the Word inviting,
offering forgiveness,
comfort and joy.
(Listen,) listen, God is calling,
through the Word inviting,
offering forgiveness,
comfort and joy.
1 (Jesus gave his mandate:)
share the good news
(that he came to save us)
and set us free. Refrain
2 (Let none be forgotten)
throughout the world.
(In the triune name of God)
go and baptize. Refrain
3 (Help us to be faithful,)
standing steadfast,
(walking in your precepts,)
led by your Word. Refrain
Devotion
More than 15 years ago, one of our members did a college interim in Tanzania. She served the Tanzanian Plantation Company Parish in Moshi. She came back with a love for the people. (Her father was offered 30 cows if he would give her hand in marriage and let her stay. He turned the offer down and allowed her to return.) Jessica asked if we could do something to support the people of TPC.
We decided to take a special offering. All the money not in envelopes one Sunday would go to help the ministry of that parish in Tanzania. It was then suggested and agreed upon by the church council that we would continue that special offering once a month, every month.
Peace Church has given a large amount of money over the years, but we have received even greater gifts from our association with the African congregation. They have shown us their dedication and a world we might never have known. Our bond with TPC changed our perception of our own mission field.
Are we listening? God is calling. The Tanzanian hymn reminds us of Jesus’ mandate, “Share the good news.”
Prayer
Lord God, you are always calling. Awakened by your Word, help us to listen, live faithfully, stand steadfastly and walk in your way. Amen.