The Great Commission is one of the most significant passages in the Holy Bible. First, it’s the last recorded personal instruction given by Jesus to His disciples. Second, it’s a special calling from Jesus Christ to all His followers to take specific action while on this earth. The Great Commission is found in the Gospel of Matthew:
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age’” (Matthew 28:18-20).
YOUTH MISSION TRIPS
Nine High School students and three adults traveled to Denver, Colorado for a week to work with Open Door Ministries in their many programs to homeless and low income families. We are so thankful for these kids and adults – for their commitment and dedication to furthering the gospel. Mission Team: Andrew Boyer, Noah Christensen, Hannah Herrman, Abigail Boyer, Jordan Boyer, Nathan Johnson, Jacob Johnson, Christopher Gillman, Gavin Bussert, Deron Boyer, Paige Boyer, and Jan Rathburn.
HOLY LAND TOUR
Countryside Christian Church will be taking a group on an 11-day “Holy Land Experience.”
These various locations will take us through nearly 5,000 years of ancient Israel.
Pastor Boyer said he had learned the best way to teach people was to help them get their hands dirty.
“To be effective, I need to take them to the streets to feed the homeless,” he said. “I need to take them to Haiti to smell and feel the conditions in order to develop a passion for missions there.
“Israel is no different,” he said. “By leading them on a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage, I am able to show them where Jesus grew up, where he fished and where he left his incredible imprints on the world. By showing people his empty tomb, their faith will increase. By baptizing them in the Jordan River, they will develop a sense of commonality with thousands of others who have been baptized in the same waters.”
Once a month (the last Sunday of each month), Countryside Christian Church is a collection/pick-up point for the community’s local food pantry. We join with URICMA (Upper Rock Island County Ministerial Association) in offering this service to those in need.
What started as a Prayer Shawl Ministry now includes hats, scarves, gloves, cowls, and lap blankets knitted and crocheted by women in the church. They donate their items to local ministries such as homeless veterans, battered women, foster children, homeless individuals, those experiencing loss or death in the family, and illness.
Each year, Countryside Christian Church hosts a blood drive. Donating blood is an easy way to serve our immediate community especially right now! One donation can save three lives – so this small act matters so much more than you know! Our next blood drive hosted by the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center will be held in January. Please take this opportunity to donate blood and help our community.
Our Annual Cruise-In is something the community looks forward to! Each year, we use the donations received to benefit a community need such as new furniture for the school library, funds for the local food pantry and IDES (International Disaster Emergency Services), we’ve even auctioned cars! We have free food, music, classic cars, and activities for kids. The local fire department brings one of their firetrucks for the kids to tour along with giveaways.
Each year during the month of July, Countryside Christian Church holds a School Supply Drive. We collect needed items for the local school children such as backpacks, crayons, pencils, markers, tissue boxes, etc. These items are delivered to the school where they can be distributed to children who need them.