Missions

Have you ever thought, who is actually on the Missions Team? How does West Side choose who to support? We took some time to interview a team member, and hopefully give you a better picture of West Side Missions!

Barb Sachtleben is one of the members of the Missions Team at West Side. She has been serving for several years and has led the Poland trip for the past few years as well.

Why are missions important to the church?

First of all, Jesus’ followers were commanded to go, teach, baptize, and teach…He told the apostles to go “into all the world”…so if the church is to be obedient to Jesus, missions–or reaching others with the Gospel–is important.  Also, just as thinking of others before ourselves is a blessing for individuals, I believe that is also true for the church.  While not everyone is able to be “on the field”, the various trips WSCC has sponsored and the Christmas in July program are great ways to offer people first-hand experience in the importance of missions.

How much does West Side give away every year?

Unfortunately, I don’t have that number memorized and it is not at hand just now.  However, the Board of Elders made a decision some years ago that the missions budget should be at least 10% of the total church budget.  In addition to the $$ for which the missions team is responsible, there is another fund called New Horizons that is also used in supporting missions.  AND there is support from ABFs, small groups, summer VBS, and individuals, including many who are supporting children in Nairobi because of the Christmas emphasis a couple years ago.

How do you choose who to support?

That is so difficult!  There are so many ministries that are doing great things in order to share the Gospel around the world.  When we add a new mission to our support list, we try to look at any connection there may already be to WSCC.  We also choose mostly to support works that are part of our particular “brotherhood” of churches.  In addition, we want to support works around the world, on as many continents as possible.  We also want to be as good stewards as possible with the $$ God has given to WSCC, so we try to stay informed about what is being accomplished in the various missions so that we know the $$ is being well invested.  All of those considerations are wrapped in prayer for guidance in our decisions.

Why do you serve on the Missions Team?

I was blessed to have grown up in a home and home church in which missions were important, so it has also become important to me.  I just believe supporting missions is important for the church as well as for the individual and have been blessed to have had personal connections with missions in my life.

Where is one place you have served?

One of the mission ministries that I came to know growing up was Good News Productions, Int’l., based in Joplin, MO.  For the last 20+ years I have attended their annual banquet and Advisory Council meeting, and in 2009 I was privileged to be asked to serve on their Board of Directors.

Which West Side mission trip has been your favorite? Why?

Although I have known about numerous missions over the years, the one mission trip in which I have participated has been the trip to Poland to assist in a week of camp.  Since it’s the trip I know personally, it would have to be my “favorite”.  But I believe WSCC people have been given opportunities to participate in some great mission trips, and for anyone who does participate, THAT trip becomes the favorite!  

Thanks Barb for your continued service to the West Side Missions Team! Please pray for our missions team that they would be wise decision makers and good stewards with God’s many blessings!