Advent in Action
Christmas Can Still Change the World!
This year, through Advent in Action, we are encouraging our congregation to celebrate Christmas by spending less and giving more. America spends an average of $130 billion a year at Christmas! So what are we asking? That each of us consider buying one less gift this year. Just one. By spending less, we have the opportunity to redirect those dollars to a ministry who will use them to build the Kingdom.
Where will the money go?
This advent season we are partnering with 
Masters Heart Ministries to model generosity to the benefit of the local church in Sodwana, South Africa and Gondola, Mozambique. In a place where the scarcity of clean water produces illness and dehydration, we are confident that our investments can improve an entire community one well at a time.
Through our research in partnership with local engineering firms and the local church we estimate each well will cost $1,500 and serve between 75-300 people. A gift of $20 represents one person’s life improved through clean water. Our goal is to holistically invest in a clean water initiative that improves the water source and the sanitation concerns that will reduce dehydration and illness caused by contaminated water.
- “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father,
- inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
- For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink,
- I was a stranger and you welcomed me… “(Matthew 25:34-35 ESV)
The Problem
Throughout the world, 1.8 million people die every year from water borne
illness. This means that 3,900 children will die today because of contaminated water. In Sodwana, South Africa women spend the entire day fetching water for their families and the average person drinks less than one glass of water per day. Dr. Kari Sikkink, a Bethel member who was there recently on a medical mission trip, tells one story of a little girl who suffers from worms in her intestines because the water is so unclean. Taking medicine doesn’t ultimately help because the water she drinks to take the medicine continues to be contaminated. Too many suffer with similar medical conditions.
Showing God's LOVE!
In partnership with Masters Heart Ministries we are researching and 
planning how we can best invest in two local communities to make disciples of Jesus. The local church is excited to work with Masters Heart as a living witness to the love of Jesus expressed through clean water and community development. Our commitment is that 100% of the funds raised will be used to invest in local communities to improve water source and sanitation in partnership with local resources and the local church.
Photos from Sodwana - Care of Masters Heart
How do I give?
On Sunday, December 4 you will see a box in your worship service at Bethel. During each service you will be given an opportunity to come forward and present your gift for this project. You may also give online.
Thank you for giving toward Advent in Action online or during a worship service December 4, 11, 18 or 25!
Click here to read a letter sent to the congregation.
Will what I give make a difference?
If we all give a little, it adds up to a LOT. Your gift of $40, $100, or $1,000 will go a long way toward providing clean water for families in South Africa and a way to build relationships with them and share the GOSPEL! If every adult at Bethel gave $50 we would quickly raise over $60,000! Let's join together this season in sending a special gift to Masters Heart. Merry Christmas!