Olivia Jessup | Echo
Most churches aim to tear down walls. Hanfield United Methodist Church (UMC) in Marion, Ind., however, is building them for a cause-a missionary family in need.
This weekend, Hanfield UMC is having their annual Missions Weekend, where the congregation and those in the community can learn more about what's going on in the mission field and provide support for a specific missionary family through a variety of events.
This year's theme is "Builders of the Wall," in support of John and Beth Muehleisen, who need a retention wall to keep their house in Kampala, Uganda from sliding down a hill. The church will be raising money to finish building the wall."It's going to cost $11,000 and they've already raised $8,500, so we thought, 'Let's just raise the rest!'" Hanfield's Pastor Tim Helm said. A 5K Fun Run the morning of Friday, Sept. 27 will provide those funds.
For Muehleisen, however, it's not just about the wall; it's about sharing stories.
"It's also to report to the people what's been happening, let them know how much we are grateful for their obedience to the Lord and what God's doing out there," Muehleisen said.
He and his wife have been missionaries in Africa for over 20 years, having served in Kenya and now Uganda. Hanfield has supported the couple's ministry for about 26 years.
"I feel like we're hearing stories from the book of Acts when we hear how many people are coming to faith in the field," Helm said. This weekend, Helm wants the church to be able to renew both its financial and spiritual support for the Muehleisens.
Muehleisen said that they are returning to Hanfield to help the church broaden its vision and understanding.
"God is at work in amazing ways, and we get to be a part of it. Sometimes it's hard to hear these stories; most of it's pure statistics, occasional stories of how the Lord is at work in other parts of the world. It's very easy to be detached from that," Muehleisen said.
He wants people to know that they can and should get connected with various ministries.
"Don't just hold global ministry at an arm's length. Don't just watch the show from a distance. Somehow find a way to connect very deeply and be a part of what God is doing."
The Muehleisens will be at Hanfield Friday, Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m., where a traditional Ugandan meal will be served. They will tell those in attendance about their ministry. Helm hopes that by the end of the night there will be a few people interested in forming a team to go to Uganda with the Muehleisens in the summer of 2014.
A 5K Fun Run will be held tomorrow morning around the Hanfield and World Gospel Mission grounds. Registration is open from 7:45-8:45 before the race. The entrance fee for the race serves as a donation for the Builders of the Wall project, $10 per brick. A runner can make more than one donation.
Hanfield will have a concert tomorrow night at 8:30 featuring the band Luminate and opening act Lexi Elisha. During intermission, the Muehleisens will share about their ministry. Admission is free, and a freewill offering will be taken.
Missions weekend ends on Sunday morning, Sept. 28 with Luminate leading worship and the Muehleisens sharing with the congregation about their ministry. Services are at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. For more information, log onto www.hanfield.org.
