Missions & Outreach

Our Missions Outreach

One of the last statements of Christ recorded in the last two verses in the Gospel of Matthew is as follows:

“Therefore go 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 I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Understanding that this command applies even to our local congregation, Elmwood Presbyterian Church has for many years supplied some of the support for a number of mission programs both throughout the world, in the United States, and locally. The number now stands at thirteen different organizations. We are including a web site for each of the missions which has one and nearly all do, however for security reasons some of the sites will not have specific information on some of the people we support.

Worldwide Missions

Russell Fryer Family – Vietnam
The Fryers are working with Vietnamese pastors and their wives as well as other individuals in an effort to strengthen marriages and improve families. They feel the church must take the lead in that effort. The Fryers have visited our congregation at times over the years, and it is always a treat because we can hear a first-hand account of what they are doing. We also get to hear Ann play the piano. She is a truly professional pianist who is the equal of anyone you have ever heard. The only way to appreciate what she does is to hear her play. The Fryers have family living in Bloomington/Normal who previously lived in Elmwood. elimfellowship.org

Jeff & Marilyn G – Wycliffe Bible Translators – SE Asia
Jeff and Marilyn are members of Wycliffe Bible translators serving in SE Asia since 1991. Jeff grew up in central Illinois, and he and Marilyn have visited our church in the past with updates on how the Lord is using our church to reach others through His Word in their language.

Samaritan’s Purse
Samaritan’s Purse is a mission project located in this country, but which is involved in projects both in this country and worldwide. They are the organization which handles the Children’s Christmas Boxes project which our members have participated in for many years. Quoting a part of their statement of purpose: “Samaritan’s Purse has followed Christ’s command by aiding the world’s poor, sick, and suffering”.

U. S. Located Missions

Ignite Student Ministries – Jason Vana
We became aware of Ignite Ministries through Dan Asbell, who was a participant in Ignite, while a student at Monmouth College. Jason Vana who heads up Ignite, was a speaker a few times while we were without a pastor.

The Ignite Ministries states that: “Our purpose is to ignite student’s hearts to meet God, to meet others, and lead others to the Kingdom life.”

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Additional information is available at their web site.

RBC / Daily Bread
The Radio Bible Class has been broadcasting for many years and they publish the Daily Bread daily devotional publication which is used regularly by many of our members.

Local Area Missions

Faith Bible Camp
Our church has been involved with Faith Bible Camp for many years, through giving, contributions of goods and work projects. The camp was started during the 1950s with a donation of 20 acres of land — one half of his apple orchard– donated by Mr. and Mrs. Edward Swanson. Ed was a devout Christian, a friend of Richard Schrimp and a fellow employee of CILCO. The current director of the camp is David Hartwig. Much information regarding the camp, its stated purposes and its work is available on its web site.

Peoria Rescue Ministries – Peoria
Peoria Rescue Ministries was founded in 1955 and the original mission is located at 601 SW Adams St., Peoria. However, the organization consists of five different operations located at different locations in Peoria. They are the Rescue Mission, Victory Acres, Barnabas Center, Women’s Pregnancy Center, and Esther House. They are also involved with a sister ministry, The Riga Bible Institute in Riga, Latvia.
The Executive Director, Jerry Trecek, has often been a speaker in our pulpit. Their web site provides a wealth of information about their work.

Southside Mission – Peoria
Southside Mission, “The Lighthouse on Laramie,” is another mission organization our church has helped support for many years. They are primarily involved in giving help to disadvantaged women, children and the elderly. Although their headquarters location is 1127 South Laramie in Peoria they are also active at several other locations like Camp Kearney for children, mission mart stores, homeless shelter etc. Their web site provides excellent detail on all their activities.

MANNA Meals – Elmwood
MANNA provides meals to those in the Elmwood, Yates City area to elderly or disabled persons for minimal cost. Volunteers deliver the meals, which are prepared and packed by volunteers at the Methodist Church in Elmwood, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Some of the ladies in our church have for a long time donated pies to MANNA to add a desert to some of the meals. MANNA also prepares a meal at the church for anyone who wishes to attend the last Thursday of each month. There is always a crowd. MANNA can always use more volunteers for preparation or delivery. Those wishing to volunteer or donate funds can call 309-742-3003.