Arkansas Baptist are scattered across the state but we can partner together in many ways.  One example of this partnership is the way we cooperate together in missions through the Cooperative Program, Dixie Jackson Offering, Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions.  We are also tied together through our relationship with Christ.

As followers of Christ, He has called all of us to be on mission in the world, including where we live.  Jesus set the example of ministering to people as He came in contact with them in His daily life.  Mark 1:29-39 illustrates this concept.  First, Jesus’ healing is complete.  Next, He taught others to carry on the mission.  He set the example of seeking His Father for wisdom and strength, and finally, the disciples went out because it was their mission.

With these facts in mind, consider these things.  Where do you live?  With whom do you come in contact on a daily basis?  Maybe it is someone who lives right next door to you or a few houses down.  Or maybe it is someone that lives down the road.  God has planted each of us in an area and wants us to be on mission there.  This is something you can do as a family.  To accomplish this mission, we must see the area where we live as our mission field.

There are people in need all around us (remember Jesus’ healing is complete).  Building relationships with neighbors can provide opportunities to share Christ.

The challenge is this – how can you be on mission where you live?  Below are a few suggestions:

• Take your family on a windshield tour of your neighborhood – write down what you see as you go.  Then, look over the list and pray about how God can use your family.
• If you are good at basketball (or enjoy it), set up a basketball goal and invite friends over to play.  At some point during the game, take a break, provide some water and share a quick devotional.
• Offer to help rake leaves in the neighbor’s yard.
• Replace front porch lights.
• Provide batteries for smoke detectors.
• Offer to pressure wash the neighbor’s driveway or sidewalk.
• Pick up trash in the neighborhood.
• Start a Mom’s or Dad’s walking club.
• Develop in-home Bible studies.
• Organize neighborhood play days, provide some snacks, a short devotional and a Bible story craft.
• Start a scrapbooking club – share a short devotional during the meeting.
• Host a backyard Bible club during the summer.
• Replace or repaint house numbers.
• Adopt a senior adult couple in the neighborhood – fix them a meal once a month, check on them, send cards.
• While walking or running by driveways in your neighborhood, toss the newspaper closer to the door.
• When you see someone cutting the grass, take them a cup of cold water or iced tea.
• For more ideas contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

I read a book recently that talks about how the church must be where life is lived. As Arkansas Baptist we are the church and we are called to be on mission including where we live. Are you willing and ready to accept the challenge?