While Oakseed considers prayer the most vital support we can give our ministry partners, the Bible also has much to say about mercy ministry in relation to gospel proclamation.  We are entering the Christmas gift-giving season, and our Bazaar Catalogs have gone out in the mail and are available online. Why does Oakseed consider gift-giving an important way to support our ministry partners?

Oakseed Director Tiffany Crosley sums it up in this way:

“These are gifts given in the name of Jesus Christ by our ministry partners. So, it comes as an opportunity for the ministry partners to develop long-term relationships with those who need it most. And you are giving them that gift of opportunity to work with them and to be able to bless them for the long haul. It’s not just a one-time gift of a mosquito net or a Bible, or an education. It is a long-term relationship, with opportunities for discipleship and integrating those people who need the love of Christ into a Christian community and ministry.”

We asked Sam Oluoch (Oakseed Ministry Liaison to Africa) and Rick Horne (Oakseed Ministry Liaison to Africa and the Dominican Republic) why mercy ministry is an important aspect of missions and the proclamation of the gospel.

“So long as we are a church, there will be a need, in one way or another, to also balance our ministry with practical acts of mercy, whatever the context is.”
~Rev. Sam Oluoch, Oakseed Ministry Liaison to Africa

“It’s a cup of water in the name of Christ. It’s not just a cup of water, but it’s in the name of Christ.”
~Rev. Rick Horne, Oakseed Ministry Liaison to Africa and the Dominican Republic

“So, these things we must see how to balance both sides and be able to, if possible, trust the Lord that he’ll be able to give us both the food we need for daily living and also the food we need for the soul. ”
~Rev. Sam Oluoch, Oakseed Ministry Liaison to Africa

“The gospel is a whole gospel. It’s not just saving the soul – it addresses the whole person.”
~Rev. Rick Horne, Oakseed Ministry Liaison to Africa and the Dominican Republic

The Oakseed bazaar catalog is an alternative to traditional gift giving – a way to give meaningful presents to loved ones while also meeting the needs of the poorest of the poor globally. Please take a moment to consider how you can provide practically for our ministry partners as they seek to bring the gospel to the nations.