At Riverside mission is not simply a department of the church which is involved in projects, but is the church. For us church and mission are synonymous. The church is a witness to the world of the love, grace and power of God as expressed in Jesus Christ. Thus our mission philosophy is that we want every recipient to realise that what we do is done through the love of Jesus. We make that point very strongly because although social action and humanitarian aid can be very effective, without the gospel we feel that for us it is incomplete.

So we say it is the love of Christ that compels us and those who receive need to know that.

The world begins at our doorstep and so our focus is not restricted geographically, but includes local, national and international mission. We want to be “witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”. (Acts 1:8)

But we also want to act responsibly and ensure that the church is involved in what we do. Thus we operate on the basic principles of:

• Personal contact
• Accountability
• Relationship

Where there is personal contact a greater sense of ownership is created. Accountability gives the church a sense of security in being involved. Relationships give a greater sense of belonging. We look for these three principles to be present wherever possible. When they are present there is no sense of remoteness with mission. Hence everyone can be encouraged to be part of what is going on. Here are some examples of what we have been involved with over the past few years.

Nottingham: Help to provide funding for food for the Betel people who work at Manna Farm, Calverton, Nottingham.

Hungary: Helped with financing and refurbishing showers and toilets at an orphanage in Koersec.

Romania: Helped with funding and manpower in conjunction with the YMCA Lincoln, to renovate buildings for use by the YMCA in Romania.

Burkina Faso: Provided wells for fresh water. Support for evangelism through the Jesus film.

Funded the building of an orphanage and currently support 56 children at that orphanage in Narsapur, Orissa.

This is just a taste of what the Lord has prompted us to do. But we are always open to hear from Holy Spirit as to where we need to be involved. If you are interested in being involved with us in any of these areas then please contact us.

Terry Walters