Dedication to mission efforts is high on Trinity’s priority list. From local to international missions, we strive to make Christ known to as many people we can. This article gives a background of the goals of the mission program and highlights two missions: the annual mission trip to Guatemala and mission efforts at Rushton Elementary School.

Goals

• To take the lead in establishing and expanding relationships with missions organizations and programs
• To provide information to the congregation about missions opportunities, and promote/coordinate volunteer activities
• To make recommendations for the Missions and Benevolences budget
• To seek God’s guidance in all these efforts

Program Components

Guatemala annual home construction and mission trips—Trinity has financed construction of two new homes and improved and completed construction of four other homes since 2015.  Teams of six to ten Trinity members have participated in four annual trips, assisted with the construction, and helped distribute donated shoes and sweaters in impoverished villages.

Lutheran Urban Mission Agency (LUMA) —Trinity supports a new Community Outreach Coordinator, based at Immanuel Lutheran, 42nd and Tracy, Kansas City, Missouri.

Metro Lutheran Ministry (MLM) Saturday breakfast sponsorship —Trinity volunteers help prepare and serve meals to an average of 90 people per week at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Kansas City, Kansas; and to an average of 180 people per week in mid-town Kansas City, Missouri.

Rushton School—Trinity  has provided school supplies, mentoring, and food pantry items for students, as well as emergency funds for neighborhood residents.

Mini Grants—This annual program provides funds for a variety of projects supported by Trinity members including: camps for youth and people with a range of disabilities; evangelical ministries; Bible translators; health clinics; and feeding programs.  Beneficiaries have also included: homeless and low income people; and individuals with mental health issues, infant loss situations, and employment problems. Fifty four mini grants have been provided since 2014. A group of eight to ten Trinity members meet once a year to discuss proposals and make suggestions on which proposals should be funded.

MLM Financial Opportunity Center—Trinity supports job placements and scholarship assistance.

Gathering Table—Trinity supports a social ministry in the Northeast Area of Kansas City, Missouri, which serves three meals and provides two worship services per week, as well as a clothing room and a shower facility, to a community group of about sixty who have severely limited means of support.

Emergency and other opportunities—Trinity supports food aid, hurricane relief, and other causes as needs arise, and two “Reverse Giving” events.

Trinity is returning yet again to the Guatemalan mission field. We’ve been at this for several years now and are eager to continue to work God has for us there. This year’s trip will occur July 13-20, 2019 (Saturday to Saturday).  

Throughout the year Trinity supports families in villages around Lake Atitlan with food assistance, ministries of care and compassion, and construction of homes that can withstand volcanic earth rumbling.  

Building a house for Patricia

Rarely have I (Pastor Ben) seen the face of God in the face of others so vividly as when I’m with the people of the Panajachel (“Pah-nah-ha-chel”) region. From their faces, their gratitude, there’s something of God that fills our hearts when we’re down there. I’d like you to experience it too.  

The work we do while in the region is varied. There’s something for all skill levels (or non-skill levels!) to work on. My favorite element is the work of just being present with people. We meet with people who have received assistance from Trinity’s food ministries, and these blessed saints of God, many are widows, speak a divine blessing back to you in a regional Mayan language. The time and space of this is sacred. We also work on basic construction projects, where again there’s something for all ages and skill levels.

Remembering Chuchipaca

If you want to learn more about this, we’re taking a group of ten this year and would love for you to come along. Write Benjamin Vineyard, pastor, (Benjamin@tlcms.org) for more info, and to officially apply for the trip. The cost of travel, lodging, and meals comes to $1,400. But talk with pastor Ben if you need some assistance with making the finances work out. He knows quite a few people who love to support these sort of missions.  

Grace and Peace to you! Come with me to Guatemala! I know something of God down there that will affect your heart and soul. Come and see!

As part of our mission at Trinity to go and be His hands and feet in our community we began a partnership with Rushton Elementary school in Mission. Rushton has since become one of our focused mission projects at Trinity.

There is ongoing need for support of families at the school. Many see the area surrounding the school and think that the need in Johnson County is low. However, there are many in the surrounding neighborhoods and apartment complexes, who are struggling to make ends meet, facing food insecurity, health issues, and other needs on a daily basis. Currently at Rushton over 46% of their families qualify for free or reduced lunch. Of that 46% close to 90% qualify for the free lunch program. There is also a large number of families who just miss qualifying for this program but still face hardships on a regular basis.

Christmas Gifts for Adopt-a-Family

Trinity began our relationship with Rushton with the hope of being a support to our community through the school. Since our relationship began, we have helped on an annual basis with a school supply drive and the Adopt-a-Family program which helps provide gifts for families in need at Christmas.

Trinity also helped Rushton establish their food pantry and provided basic hygiene and clothing needs. With the support of Trinity’s Mission Team, we have been able to provide a refrigerator for the pantry so they can provide fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables. Each year we also support the pantry with our Fill-a-Truck canned goods drive at Trunk or Treat. Special food drives have been held at various times to help fill the pantry when it is low.

Food Drive for Rushton

Trinity’s Mission Team has supported this cause through focused funds that have also helped us help families in need of utility or rent assistance. We work closely with the school staff and social worker who bring these needs to light for families who are truly in need. The needs arise with loss of a job, illness such as cancer, or homelessness. We have also helped fund school lunches.

Trinity has also had a number of volunteers who serve in the school directly through the MVP program. People from Trinity have served as mentors, tutors, classroom assistants, pantry organizers and in their Chat & Chew reading programs to name a few.

Rushton Fall Festival

Trinity began a partnership with Caring for KC Kids in 2016 which promotes partnership of the school, and their PTA, with area churches, businesses, and local government to provide even more support for activities and events at the school. Through this partnership Trinity helped organize their Fall Festival in 2018 which was a huge success. A number of Trinity adults and youth volunteered their time that evening to lead a large game area, grilled hotdogs, and donated food for the evening. In fact, one of members generously provided the large grill needed for the event.

Making Meals for Rushton

Recently, Rebekah Circle sponsored a wonderful lunch for Rushton on Valentines Day to show their support for the dedication of the teachers and staff to the Rushton students and families.

There are so many other ways Trinity has been involved. We invite you to join us as part of this mission to reach out to our neighbors in need and help build community. If you are interested in being a part of this ongoing effort please contact Rhonda Synovec,   rhonda@tlcms. I would be happy to connect you with special projects or as a volunteer. Training and background checks are required for the MVP program to serve directly in the school.