Mission Opportunities:

The ELCA’s motto for mission is “God’s Work. Our Hands.  For the sake of the World!”  Enlarging the vision for missions, Zion has stepped out of the four walls of the church building and is reaching out locally, regionally, and globally to make an impact in the Kingdom of God right now!  Zion’s Mission Team is made up of volunteers who serve to oversee the following Mission opportunities. For any information on how you can serve in mission, contact the church office at zion@zionsa.org

Local Mission:

Opportunities abound for people of Zion to volunteer and give assistance through local ministries that we support such as San Antonio’s Haven for Hope, Christian Assistance Ministries (CAM), San Antonio Food Bank, and other local giving.

Regional Mission:

Zion has an on-going relationship with ELCA Pastors Moises and Marianna Mendez and their ministries along the border in Laredo, El Cenizo, and Mexico.  Volunteer Mission Teams go twice a year to build relationship and assist with ministry projects.  Next mission trip is TBA.

Global Missions:

Honduras:

Zion’s first mission trip to Honduras was in June 2009 where an intergenerational team of 15 went to serve at the all girls orphanage, Talitha Cumi.  Next mission trip 2012. Please check back for more information.

Rwanda:

In September 2010, we led a team of 10 to serve with Pastor John Rutsindintwarane.  While there, we built relationship with the people of Rwanda by helping to build onto a medical clinic in the remote village of Mumeya, visited with the youth of the Lutheran School of Ramagana, and taught the Lutheran Church of Kigali how to teach children’s Sunday School.  Next mission trip 2013.

Costa Rica:

In October 2011, we led a team to serve with the Lutheran Church of Costa Rica.  There they supported the indigenous people by teaching workshops on how to run a small business, while also learning about the churches’ role in political and social justice on behalf of marginalized people in Costa Rica. Next mission trip 2014.

Meet our Missionary:

Grace Spell with Commission to Every Nation (CTEN) has served to help Zion by leading us on each of the global mission trips and teaching us how to develop Zion’s Mission Task Force that oversees all the mission work of our church.

Videos:

Agua Viva Mission Trip	Rwanda Mission Trip
Honduras Mission Trip

The Accompaniment Model for Mission:

Zion Lutheran Church is committed to other parts of Christ’s Church through the practice of accompaniment.  The model for accompaniment is defined as: walking together in a solidarity relationship that practices interdependence and mutuality.  In this relationship, gifts, resources, and experiences are shared with one another to deepen and expand our work within God’s mission. 

Scriptural Basis:

The mission efforts of your Church are based on the truth of God’s Word as revealed in Acts 1:8, Romans 10:14-15, and Matthew 28:19-20.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.—Acts 1:8

But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!—Romans 10:14-15

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.—Matthew 28:19-20