Shining God’s Light for All to See
Our mission to share faith, show love, and shine God’s light is informed by Jesus command to “love one another.” We share, show, and shine our love for one another through our ministry and outreach.
Newport lutheran Church
outreach & Community Ministry
Newport Lutheran Church’s partnership with Kimala, Tanzania
Newport Lutheran Church has a companion relationship with Kimala, a village in Tanzania, Africa. Prayer, Presence, and Projects are the foundations of this relationship, but we have discovered so much more through our three visits there.
Prayer is the first building block and is taken seriously. They pray for us and we pray for them.
Presence is an opportunity to visit and see first-hand the love they have for the Lord and for one another. They open their hearts, hands, and homes to make us feel welcome. Newport has visited three times and is planning to visit again in 2021.
Projects is one of the ways we can assist them in their ministry. One of the most exciting, life changing projects we assisted with was water for the village. Newport provided a portion of the funding and the government kicked in the rest. The people of the village worked on the project and they now have a water tank that provides clean water to the entire village. This has freed up time and the women are now able to help supplement the family incomes. The school has drinking water and water for watering their plants and washing their hands. There has been a major decrease in disease.
Scholarships are and have been helping to educate students beyond grade school. In addition to this we have provided funding for a home for one of the evangelists, a meeting place for the church leadership, solar power for the main church building (which has now been upgraded as electricity availability has expanded), laptops to facilitate better communication, they now utilize cell phones and we are able to exchange e-mail and WhatsApp texts. A large truck, slightly smaller that a semi was provided. They use this truck to haul their harvests to the city and also rent it out to others in need of one. Most recently we have provided a motorcycle for the pastor and evangelists to use.
collections for shoes, food, and other items
Newport Lutheran Church strives to engage with the community in many ways. We have an ongoing collection of new shoes, socks, and underwear for local children. These items are primarily distributed through schools and social workers, although some families come to the church to pick them up.
During food share month and other times during the year, we collect paper products for Friends in Need Food Shelf. During Christmas, we collect gifts for families in need, and other special collections as needed.
A quilting group meets twice a month to make quilts. These quilts are then donated to Lutheran World Relief.
Other community engagement
Four times a year, Newport Lutheran Church hosts a blood drive. We have saved over 5,000 lives and still going strong!
On the 2nd Saturday of each month we host a monthly community meal. It is an opportunity for food and fellowship. A goodwill offering is collected, but the meal is offered for free.
Newport Lutheran Church realizes there are many organizations that need funds as well as donations, so each month we have a different mission emphasis. Included are Friends in Need Foodshelf. Special projects for our partners in Kimala, Tanzania, Connect Center, and Lutheran World Relief to assist homeless teens, as well as Newport Elementary teachers lunch and other activities as requested.
Twice a year there is opportunity to participate in cleaning up the roads through the state Adopt-A-Highway program.
We also host the annual Night to Unite, participate in Relay for Life, host an Easter Egg Hunt, Trunk or Treat, and game nights.
There are many ways for you to get involved based on your interest and abilities. Come and be a part of something bigger and spread the light of Christ!
