Based on the following scripture passages, our vision for LGC is to fulfill The Great Commission given to us by Christ prior to His ascension.
To make disciples of Jesus Christ in every opportunity of service granted to us. Starting locally in our surrounding communities, and branching out to provincial and national ministry opportunities. As doors open to us even globally, we endeavour to minister in countries around the world through various mission projects and outreach.
Because we have an open door to the Mennonite culture based on our own background, our primary focus has been to serve within the Mennonite communities locally and abroad. Our desire is to impact these religious, often isolated people with the power of the gospel, knowing this will not only bring eternal salvation, but enhance and bless families and lives within these communities.
Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[b] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””
Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Because our desire has been to operate within the open door that has been divinely granted to us, we strive to accommodate the Mennonite culture without compromising the integrity of the gospel.
By providing a regular Low-German Service every Sunday morning, Mennonite families attending the services feel a degree of familiarity, and open themselves up to conviction by the Spirit of God, and become open to a life of faith in Christ rather then religious traditions.
We remain open to non-Mennonite families as well, though anyone attending would notice the obvious Mennonite influences.
Additionally, we also willingly invest into Low-German audio bibles for those limited in the English language, support local Low-German radio programs, and send funds to support missions and missionaries in Low-German speaking communities within countries such as Bolivia, Belize, Paraguay, and Mexico.
How has this vision changed or been clarified over the years?
Our vision has remained pretty constant over the last 20 years or so. At times our leadership has considered veering away from the Mennonite community, only to again experience the Spirit of God pressing and convicting us strongly to continue in this direction. We are often reminded of the following scripture passage and how it has been true for us in this pursuit. 1 Corinthians 16: 9a “for a wide door for effective work has opened to me….”