Missions
Missions Outreach is a strong and growing part of Aldersgate UCM. The Mission Task Force has been active for a great many years, with Christian outreach to the needy in many areas: locally, state wide, nearby states and in foreign countries. 
The current committee is chaired by Charles Kitchell.
Task Force Committee members are:
Sylvia Patterson, David Cory, Stan & Gaila Leamon, Mike Lock, Doris Ogden, Derrell Patterson, Nancy Phillips, Jimmy Swaim, Bob & Barbara Washam, Jack Darnell, Carlton & Sally Villers, David Feemster.
The Task Force supports and maintains contact with the following agencies and mission groups: Hope Haven, Abilene Methodist Service Center, Noah Project, Salvation Army, CHIA, Methodist Diaster Relief, Love and Care Ministries, Methodist Children's Home, Four Corners Indian Mission, Lydia Patterson Institute, Youth Missions, Volunteers in Mission, and missionaries in Spain, and Costa Rica.
The Mission Task Force receives financial support from "Faith Promise" giving. Church members are asked to support missions with money over and beyond the regular support of the Church. It is an agreement between the individual and God that the monies will be provided so that this support may be provided. This is a step of faith by each individal and year after year we have maintained a strong mission effort through "Faith Promise" giving.
Volunteers in Mission Trips
Each year Aldersgate UMC furnished the leadership, team members and financial support for mission trips both in the USA and foreign countries. In each case we address the needs we find locally. Normally there are construction activities and Christian activities such as Bible study for Adults and Vacation Bible School for children.
Other activities such as Medical Clinics and eyeglasse fittings are done when we have qualified team members and local conditions permit. We welcome Christians to join our teams who have the desire to serve God through serving needy mankind.
Our teams are sponsored by The Northwest Conference of the Methodist Church and/or Aldersgate UMC. We normally send the following teams each year.
1. Costa Rica
The work site is normally in the vicinity of Quesada, Costa Rica. Quesada is about 50 miles north of San Jose, the Capital. We help the missionaries expand their outreach by working on various construction projects. Opportunities abound to do medical work in this area. We do what ever we are capable of in the area. We usually headquarter at the Centro Rural Metodista, which has dormitory like facilities. We eat Costa Rican food which includes meat, rice, beans and fresh fruits and vegetables.
A valid passport is required. Anyone can go who has a desire to share the love of Jesus Christ and follow the Missioners Covenant. Youths must be accompanied by a parent and have completed the 8th grade.
Costa Rica is a peaceful country. Americans are welcomed everywhere. The people are loving and trusting. They always encourage and inspire us when we work with them.
2. Four Corners Indian Reservation
We send teams each year to the Navajo Indian Reservation at Window Rock, AZ (Four Corners). We assist the local pastors in their outreach to the Indians. Construction projects such as sheet rocking, painting, roofing and electrical work are performed. We normally conduct a VBS for the children, and have Bible studies for adults. Many problems exist due to poverty conditions that exist and the lack of opportunity for the young Indians.
3. Disaster Relief Teams
We send teams to do construction and general clean-up where we find a need we can fill. We look for people who would be suffering without our help. These projects normally last for an extended time, so it is important that several teams are scheduled so that the project can be completed. We normally work through the Methodist Church's disaster co-coordinator to accomplish this and ensure the continuity of the work.
4. Other Mission Efforts
We support our church members who join other teams which do mission work in places such as: Guatemala, Mexico and the Congo.
Missioners pay part of the cost of the trips. For domestic trips the cost is nominal. Usually this is about $100 - $200, which will be the cost of meals. Cooking is usually done by team members. Overseas trips cost about $1000 which is due to airfare. The Task Force pays part of the cost for Aldersgate Church members, the amount depends on the availability of funds. Individuals also make contributions for this mission effort.
Our purpose as a member of a team is to readiate the love the Jesus Christ while serving Him. We do not go just to complete a task such as building a Church, providing medical care, holding a Bible study or responding to a disaster. Worthy as those tasks may be, we have a higher purpose which is to honor God and share Christian love and enjoy God's wonderful people.
We urge you to join one of these teams and/or support them with your contribution to our "Faith Promise" funds.
 
Why Go?
by Rev. Marion Woods
Missionary to Costa Rica
 Sometime when people ask that question out of a life of plenty and privilege I sorta want to take a deep breath and say, "Because the tremendous Lord and Savior of us all, God's son and Mary's son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth commanded us to do it."
It is not a task, It is a privilege. Get on board and stop holding up the train - - we're going places with Him. And He also says, "Lo and I am with you always." If you really want to get in step with Jesus, go in His Name and work in His Name. Be in His Name, and in doing so you will become a much better and jumble Christian than if you protect your faith and save it up to do "something really great." In that case, if you save it up, you've struck out.
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