Local Mission Partners
Jerusalem
Area Churches Together Serving (ACTS)
ACTS mission is to partner with churches, organizations, and individuals to provide assistance to our neighbors in need, in the name of Jesus Christ. ACTS is funded through local churches; individuals, business and organizational contributions; grants; and the two ACTS Resale Stores in Aiken and Graniteville. ACTS provides assistance with food, clothing, utilities, medication, and housewares/furniture. A Senior Food Program is also available for qualifying Seniors on the 3rd Saturday of every month with distribution in Aiken, Jackson, and Wagener.
ACTS mission is to partner with churches, organizations, and individuals to provide assistance to our neighbors in need, in the name of Jesus Christ. ACTS is funded through local churches; individuals, business and organizational contributions; grants; and the two ACTS Resale Stores in Aiken and Graniteville. ACTS provides assistance with food, clothing, utilities, medication, and housewares/furniture. A Senior Food Program is also available for qualifying Seniors on the 3rd Saturday of every month with distribution in Aiken, Jackson, and Wagener.
Salkehatchie Summer Service (Sand River Camp)
Salkehatchie is faith in action. High school and college age students with the help of adult leaders spend one week serving less fortunate families by upgrading their homes. During each week-long camp, youth volunteers reach out to these families and one another in friendship and Christian servanthood. The Sand River camp is hosted at St. John's with our members providing leadership and also meals for the campers.
Salkehatchie is faith in action. High school and college age students with the help of adult leaders spend one week serving less fortunate families by upgrading their homes. During each week-long camp, youth volunteers reach out to these families and one another in friendship and Christian servanthood. The Sand River camp is hosted at St. John's with our members providing leadership and also meals for the campers.
Christ Central of Aiken
Christ Central's mission is to enrich Aiken and Graniteville by uniting volunteers to help people in need through food, clothing, prayer, education and job skills training. Their vision is to see Aiken and Graniteville become cities where an increasing number of young people graduate from high school, adults are able to find employment, poverty is clearly on the decrease, and both the natural and spiritual needs of its citizens are being met.
Christ Central's mission is to enrich Aiken and Graniteville by uniting volunteers to help people in need through food, clothing, prayer, education and job skills training. Their vision is to see Aiken and Graniteville become cities where an increasing number of young people graduate from high school, adults are able to find employment, poverty is clearly on the decrease, and both the natural and spiritual needs of its citizens are being met.
Habitat for Humanity of Aiken County
Aiken County Habitat unites people to build strength, stability and self-reliance through housing education and constructing safe, affordable homes. They create opportunities for homeownership among those who would not have access. Through their ReStore, shoppers connect with the mission and volunteers learn another way of serving others.
Aiken County Habitat unites people to build strength, stability and self-reliance through housing education and constructing safe, affordable homes. They create opportunities for homeownership among those who would not have access. Through their ReStore, shoppers connect with the mission and volunteers learn another way of serving others.
Grace Kitchen
Grace Kitchen provides a free breakfast every Saturday morning in the Gym for the hungry and less fortunate. In addition to physical nourishment, spiritual encouragement, and prayers, Bible study is also offered to all. Each place setting includes an explanation of the Cross. Individuals are given an opportunity to take home a Bible. This mission is supported by volunteers and your Faith Promise gifts.
Grace Kitchen provides a free breakfast every Saturday morning in the Gym for the hungry and less fortunate. In addition to physical nourishment, spiritual encouragement, and prayers, Bible study is also offered to all. Each place setting includes an explanation of the Cross. Individuals are given an opportunity to take home a Bible. This mission is supported by volunteers and your Faith Promise gifts.
Life Choices Pregnancy Care Center
Life Choices Pregnancy Care Center is a non-profit Christian ministry with a three-fold purpose to protect the life of the unborn; equip women and men to care for themselves and their babies; and to promote God’s design for a healthy lifestyle. Life Choices also provides individual post-abortion counseling, weekly Bible studies and a men’s support group. All participants receive “Mommy/Daddy money” which allows them to purchase items for their family from our store.
Life Choices Pregnancy Care Center is a non-profit Christian ministry with a three-fold purpose to protect the life of the unborn; equip women and men to care for themselves and their babies; and to promote God’s design for a healthy lifestyle. Life Choices also provides individual post-abortion counseling, weekly Bible studies and a men’s support group. All participants receive “Mommy/Daddy money” which allows them to purchase items for their family from our store.
Joseph's Coat
Joseph’s Coat is a community outreach group whose goals include caring and giving comfort to others. The name represents all the textures and colors of His love. Members crochet and knit items for hospices, wheel chair ramp recipients, chemo clinics, nursing homes, etc. Items include shawls, blankets, lap robes, chemo hats, and many other handmade items. Only by special request, will they create baby blankets and layette sets. They work with 18 local organizations that deal with children in crisis, pregnancy care, newborns, hospice care, nursing homes as well as individuals who seek their help. Members also serve as contact persons for several of these organizations. In the first year alone, members of Joseph’s Coat produced and donated nearly 500 items.
Joseph’s Coat is a community outreach group whose goals include caring and giving comfort to others. The name represents all the textures and colors of His love. Members crochet and knit items for hospices, wheel chair ramp recipients, chemo clinics, nursing homes, etc. Items include shawls, blankets, lap robes, chemo hats, and many other handmade items. Only by special request, will they create baby blankets and layette sets. They work with 18 local organizations that deal with children in crisis, pregnancy care, newborns, hospice care, nursing homes as well as individuals who seek their help. Members also serve as contact persons for several of these organizations. In the first year alone, members of Joseph’s Coat produced and donated nearly 500 items.
Helping Hands
Helping Hands is a non-profit organization in Aiken, SC that houses and takes care of children that have been removed from their homes by the South Carolina Department of Social Services or Department of Juvenile Justice. Their mission is to “work unselfishly to ensure that all children are afforded every opportunity to grow into healthy adults.” Helping Hands was formed in 1973 because there was nowhere to house neglected, abandoned, or abused children except at the county jail. Volunteers are continually in demand and training is provided. Helping Hands is always in need of supplies which enable the children to live comfortably in a loving environment.
Helping Hands is a non-profit organization in Aiken, SC that houses and takes care of children that have been removed from their homes by the South Carolina Department of Social Services or Department of Juvenile Justice. Their mission is to “work unselfishly to ensure that all children are afforded every opportunity to grow into healthy adults.” Helping Hands was formed in 1973 because there was nowhere to house neglected, abandoned, or abused children except at the county jail. Volunteers are continually in demand and training is provided. Helping Hands is always in need of supplies which enable the children to live comfortably in a loving environment.
Jack Meeks Memorial Wheelchair Ramp Ministry
St. John’s offers wheelchair ramps for individuals in the Greater Aiken Area. The church has been building ramps to enhance access for people within our community since 1997. This ministry is coordinated and run by volunteers from the St. John’s congregation. The ramp ministry can always use donations of supplies and financial assistance. Workers are also needed. No specific skills are required other than an interest in helping others. Ramps are built on Fridays and Saturdays.
St. John’s offers wheelchair ramps for individuals in the Greater Aiken Area. The church has been building ramps to enhance access for people within our community since 1997. This ministry is coordinated and run by volunteers from the St. John’s congregation. The ramp ministry can always use donations of supplies and financial assistance. Workers are also needed. No specific skills are required other than an interest in helping others. Ramps are built on Fridays and Saturdays.
Stand at the Crossroads Ministry
Stand at the Crossroads Ministry is an organization designed to help, encourage and support those with low incomes and/or those in destructive, unhealthy lifestyles. Founded by Deborah Lamb in 2000. My Father’s House provides transitional housing for single women. Crossroads Community housing provides additional housing for women with children, which includes 5 apartments. Residents are required to participate in daily devotionals, weekly bible study, Celebrate Recovery and classes on parenting and budgeting.
Stand at the Crossroads Ministry is an organization designed to help, encourage and support those with low incomes and/or those in destructive, unhealthy lifestyles. Founded by Deborah Lamb in 2000. My Father’s House provides transitional housing for single women. Crossroads Community housing provides additional housing for women with children, which includes 5 apartments. Residents are required to participate in daily devotionals, weekly bible study, Celebrate Recovery and classes on parenting and budgeting.
Regional Mission Partners
Judea
Epiphany Ministry of South Carolina
Epiphany Ministry, Inc. is an ecumenical Christian Ministry for young men and women who are in the custody of Juvenile Justice Facilities. The ministry’s purpose is to manifest God's Love to incarcerated youth, known as "Stars" through a three day short course in Christianity and an ongoing follow up program. Each Epiphany weekend involves a team of adults and youth from the Christian community who work together to show the Love of God to those attending. Epiphany Ministry is always looking for volunteers. Contact St. John’s member Jackie Hyche,
(803)295-7512 , for questions regarding volunteering.
Epiphany Ministry, Inc. is an ecumenical Christian Ministry for young men and women who are in the custody of Juvenile Justice Facilities. The ministry’s purpose is to manifest God's Love to incarcerated youth, known as "Stars" through a three day short course in Christianity and an ongoing follow up program. Each Epiphany weekend involves a team of adults and youth from the Christian community who work together to show the Love of God to those attending. Epiphany Ministry is always looking for volunteers. Contact St. John’s member Jackie Hyche,
(803)295-7512 , for questions regarding volunteering.
Epworth Children's Home
Epworth Children's Home is a licensed and accredited non-profit organization in Columbia, SC that provides group residential care for children and youth from all over South Carolina. They provide child care, counseling and related services to families and children without regard to race, religion, national origin or ability to pay. The mission of Epworth Children's Home is to serve children, youth and families through a caring, accepting and safe Christian community, where hurts are healed, hope is nurtured, and faith in God, self and others is developed. The goal is to break the destructive cycle of abuse, neglect and shame and replace it with an opportunity for each child to live a life of self-respect, responsibility, and productivity.
Epworth Children's Home is a licensed and accredited non-profit organization in Columbia, SC that provides group residential care for children and youth from all over South Carolina. They provide child care, counseling and related services to families and children without regard to race, religion, national origin or ability to pay. The mission of Epworth Children's Home is to serve children, youth and families through a caring, accepting and safe Christian community, where hurts are healed, hope is nurtured, and faith in God, self and others is developed. The goal is to break the destructive cycle of abuse, neglect and shame and replace it with an opportunity for each child to live a life of self-respect, responsibility, and productivity.
Kairos of South Carolina
The mission of the Kairos Prison Ministry is to share the transforming love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to impact the hearts and lives of incarcerated men, women and youth, as well as their families, to become loving and productive citizens of their communities. St. John's members have been regular participants on inside teams, who meet with the residents, as well as on outside teams, who help prepare meals for the visitors and inmates. We also provide funding through Faith Promise, bake 200 dozen cookies per event, provide church resources and serve on prayer teams.
The mission of the Kairos Prison Ministry is to share the transforming love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to impact the hearts and lives of incarcerated men, women and youth, as well as their families, to become loving and productive citizens of their communities. St. John's members have been regular participants on inside teams, who meet with the residents, as well as on outside teams, who help prepare meals for the visitors and inmates. We also provide funding through Faith Promise, bake 200 dozen cookies per event, provide church resources and serve on prayer teams.
Salkehatchie Summer Service (PeeDee & Santee)
Salkehatchie Summer Service is a pioneering servant ministry at selected sites in South Carolina involving high school and college age youth, adult community leaders, and persons of different cultures. During each week-long camp, youth and adult leaders are grouped into site families that work together in upgrading housing and making a bond with their site homeowners, who are of a different background than their own; learning about teamwork and community while making friendships that last a lifetime. St. John’s youth and adults have been participating in Salkehatchie trips for many years, most notably the Pee Dee, Santee, and Sand River camps. St. John's hosts the Sand River camp each year. Through Faith Promise we give financially to each of the three camps that our church has historically participated in.
Salkehatchie Summer Service is a pioneering servant ministry at selected sites in South Carolina involving high school and college age youth, adult community leaders, and persons of different cultures. During each week-long camp, youth and adult leaders are grouped into site families that work together in upgrading housing and making a bond with their site homeowners, who are of a different background than their own; learning about teamwork and community while making friendships that last a lifetime. St. John’s youth and adults have been participating in Salkehatchie trips for many years, most notably the Pee Dee, Santee, and Sand River camps. St. John's hosts the Sand River camp each year. Through Faith Promise we give financially to each of the three camps that our church has historically participated in.
Bennettsville-Cheraw Area Cooperative Ministry
Shirley Townsend-Jones is a missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church serving as a Church and Community Worker with the Bennettsville-Cheraw Area Cooperative Ministry, in Bennettsville, South Carolina. She coordinates, implements, and supervises programs as a part of the ministry that meets the spiritual, social, ecumenical and educational needs of the member churches and community. Ms. Townsend-Jones’ many areas of responsibility include: Vacation Bible School, SBC Resource Center, educational and spiritual leadership training, summer camps, after school tutoring, scouting, mission fairs, health fairs, Strengthening Families for Renewal life programs, Shalom programs, housing, food distribution and transportation for the ten rural churches that comprise the cooperative ministry. This cooperative is the first rural ministry to become involved in the Communities of Shalom.
Shirley Townsend-Jones is a missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church serving as a Church and Community Worker with the Bennettsville-Cheraw Area Cooperative Ministry, in Bennettsville, South Carolina. She coordinates, implements, and supervises programs as a part of the ministry that meets the spiritual, social, ecumenical and educational needs of the member churches and community. Ms. Townsend-Jones’ many areas of responsibility include: Vacation Bible School, SBC Resource Center, educational and spiritual leadership training, summer camps, after school tutoring, scouting, mission fairs, health fairs, Strengthening Families for Renewal life programs, Shalom programs, housing, food distribution and transportation for the ten rural churches that comprise the cooperative ministry. This cooperative is the first rural ministry to become involved in the Communities of Shalom.
International Mission Partners
Ends of the Earth
Life for Children Ministry (Kenya)
This ministry reaches out to the children of Kenya that have been orphaned by the AIDS/HIV pandemic. Our philosophy is to place these children with their extended relatives in their native communities to help preserve their heritage and self-esteem. Life For Children Ministry (LCM) provides food, clothing, healthcare, education and most importantly the word of Christ to give these little souls a chance. In addition, LCM reaches out to the boys living in the streets of Kisumu. These kids have to scrounge for recycling items or steal to meet the most basic of needs. Every Sunday a warm meal is provided for these boys with the teachings of Christ. In 2013, LCM began a Micro-Finance Division, called Heart for 100. Heart for 100 provides loans to women groups and individuals to create and run their own small business. With accountability group support, mentored by the LCM credit officers loans for as little as $100 empower participants to provide for their families and achieve financial stability. Other projects include clean water initiatives and building homes and school classrooms. .
This ministry reaches out to the children of Kenya that have been orphaned by the AIDS/HIV pandemic. Our philosophy is to place these children with their extended relatives in their native communities to help preserve their heritage and self-esteem. Life For Children Ministry (LCM) provides food, clothing, healthcare, education and most importantly the word of Christ to give these little souls a chance. In addition, LCM reaches out to the boys living in the streets of Kisumu. These kids have to scrounge for recycling items or steal to meet the most basic of needs. Every Sunday a warm meal is provided for these boys with the teachings of Christ. In 2013, LCM began a Micro-Finance Division, called Heart for 100. Heart for 100 provides loans to women groups and individuals to create and run their own small business. With accountability group support, mentored by the LCM credit officers loans for as little as $100 empower participants to provide for their families and achieve financial stability. Other projects include clean water initiatives and building homes and school classrooms. .
Honduras Agape Foundation (Honduras)
The Honduras Agape goal is to manifest the love of Jesus Christ to the people of Honduras by providing medical and dental health care, education assistance, construction and support for the community of believers. The Honduras Agape Foundation began as a foreign mission ministry of South Aiken Presbyterian Church to Quimistan, Honduras in response to Hurricane Mitch in 1999. Ministry goals include: a) Education; b) Medical/Dental Treatment; c) Construction; d) Evangelism; and e) Tejeras Food Ministry; and f) General Support for the residents of the Quimistan valley and surrounding communities. For many years members of St. John’s have participated in mission trips with the Honduras Agape project and we also provide financial support through Faith Promise to help with specific missions. Our youth support an annual mission trip during their spring break each year.
The Honduras Agape goal is to manifest the love of Jesus Christ to the people of Honduras by providing medical and dental health care, education assistance, construction and support for the community of believers. The Honduras Agape Foundation began as a foreign mission ministry of South Aiken Presbyterian Church to Quimistan, Honduras in response to Hurricane Mitch in 1999. Ministry goals include: a) Education; b) Medical/Dental Treatment; c) Construction; d) Evangelism; and e) Tejeras Food Ministry; and f) General Support for the residents of the Quimistan valley and surrounding communities. For many years members of St. John’s have participated in mission trips with the Honduras Agape project and we also provide financial support through Faith Promise to help with specific missions. Our youth support an annual mission trip during their spring break each year.
Thailand Now (Thailand)
Their mission is to serve Thai people with the love of Jesus. The Reverends Mike and Sherri Morrissey began serving in 2006 as the first United Methodists in Thailand. Since that time, Thailand Methodist Mission has expanded its ministries:
Their mission is to serve Thai people with the love of Jesus. The Reverends Mike and Sherri Morrissey began serving in 2006 as the first United Methodists in Thailand. Since that time, Thailand Methodist Mission has expanded its ministries:
- Blessing Home Centers –Saving and Protecting Children from Being Trafficked
- Pioneer Pastors – Planting Churches in Unreached Areas of Thailand
- Abundant Life Groups – Gaining Financial Freedom Together
- Special Blessings Korat – A SPECIAL place…for SPECIAL families…with SPECIAL needs.
TMS Global
TMS Global sends people around the world to spread the love and message of Jesus. Since 1984, TMS Global ( formerly The Mission Society) has mobilized, trained, and served hundreds of cross-cultural witnesses. Currently, more than 180 workers serve in 34 nations around the world. Thousands of people have been introduced to Jesus and discipled in their faith. Churches in the US and abroad have embraced God’s plan for their congregations and reached out to their communities, nation, and the world with the hope of Christ. Together, we are joining Jesus in His mission.
TMS Global sends people around the world to spread the love and message of Jesus. Since 1984, TMS Global ( formerly The Mission Society) has mobilized, trained, and served hundreds of cross-cultural witnesses. Currently, more than 180 workers serve in 34 nations around the world. Thousands of people have been introduced to Jesus and discipled in their faith. Churches in the US and abroad have embraced God’s plan for their congregations and reached out to their communities, nation, and the world with the hope of Christ. Together, we are joining Jesus in His mission.
Christian Union Sports Club (Colombia)
In 1986, the founder, Marcos Wittig, along with some other Christian friends, organized a micro-soccer tournament in a neighborhood of Medellin, Colombia. The tournament was a way to share the Gospel with young people who were recruited into the life of violence and crime generated by the Medellin Drug Cartel. Soccer was a relevant means to reach and impact these young people and re-directing their lives towards God and away from drug trafficking. Three decades later the ministry that started as a micro-soccer tournament now has 3,000 participants between the ages of 5 and 20, in 130 football teams represented in 24 sectors of the Aburrá Valley, 40 coaches and three facilities (a sports venue, the factory Brownies and a community-church headquarters). Over the years it has impacted more than 25,000 children and young people, and around 100,000 people among family and friends. CUSC continues dedicating resources to new projects to bring youth to Christ throughout Colombia.
In 1986, the founder, Marcos Wittig, along with some other Christian friends, organized a micro-soccer tournament in a neighborhood of Medellin, Colombia. The tournament was a way to share the Gospel with young people who were recruited into the life of violence and crime generated by the Medellin Drug Cartel. Soccer was a relevant means to reach and impact these young people and re-directing their lives towards God and away from drug trafficking. Three decades later the ministry that started as a micro-soccer tournament now has 3,000 participants between the ages of 5 and 20, in 130 football teams represented in 24 sectors of the Aburrá Valley, 40 coaches and three facilities (a sports venue, the factory Brownies and a community-church headquarters). Over the years it has impacted more than 25,000 children and young people, and around 100,000 people among family and friends. CUSC continues dedicating resources to new projects to bring youth to Christ throughout Colombia.
Dave Williams- Missionary (Ethiopia)
Dave Williams works through Frontier Ventures to engage the unreached of Ethiopia. They use interactions built in the business environment to build trust and relationships in the hopes of finding a "Paul", a disciple with the faith and desire to help share the Gospel with fellow Muslims. Dave explains, "They need to hear the Gospel in their own language from one of their peers so the message will take root and spread.“ Since 2008, St. John's has provided significant financial support for David Williams. St. John's members have visited the family in Ethiopia.
Dave Williams works through Frontier Ventures to engage the unreached of Ethiopia. They use interactions built in the business environment to build trust and relationships in the hopes of finding a "Paul", a disciple with the faith and desire to help share the Gospel with fellow Muslims. Dave explains, "They need to hear the Gospel in their own language from one of their peers so the message will take root and spread.“ Since 2008, St. John's has provided significant financial support for David Williams. St. John's members have visited the family in Ethiopia.
Carolina Honduras Health Foundation
The mission of the Carolina Honduras Health Foundation (CHHF) is to establish and maintain centers for providing medical, dental, and ophthalmic health care services in the Department of Colon, Honduras. Through these centers, CHHF is working with community leaders in local villages to develop and promote programs designed to improve overall community health. Volunteer mission teams serve these medical centers up to 19 times each year and also work to promote clean water programs, provide nutrition programs for children, provide educational scholarships, and promote Christian education through outreach by team members. CHHF was formed in 1995 by a group from Barnwell, SC, and sponsored by Barnwell UMC. In 1996 a UMC Volunteers in Mission team began construction of the Limón clinic that is still in use today. The area served by CHHF clinics stretches along the Caribbean Coast and inland to nearby mountains, included the village of Limón, 23 hamlets, and a rural area encompassing 633.4 square kilometers. In 2014 CHHF began serving an additional 6 hamlets in the Chapagua area near Trujillo. Having three clinic facilities is insufficient to reach all who need medical care; thus, volunteer teams travel to even more distant villages, setting up clinics in schools or churches in order to reach thousands more.
The mission of the Carolina Honduras Health Foundation (CHHF) is to establish and maintain centers for providing medical, dental, and ophthalmic health care services in the Department of Colon, Honduras. Through these centers, CHHF is working with community leaders in local villages to develop and promote programs designed to improve overall community health. Volunteer mission teams serve these medical centers up to 19 times each year and also work to promote clean water programs, provide nutrition programs for children, provide educational scholarships, and promote Christian education through outreach by team members. CHHF was formed in 1995 by a group from Barnwell, SC, and sponsored by Barnwell UMC. In 1996 a UMC Volunteers in Mission team began construction of the Limón clinic that is still in use today. The area served by CHHF clinics stretches along the Caribbean Coast and inland to nearby mountains, included the village of Limón, 23 hamlets, and a rural area encompassing 633.4 square kilometers. In 2014 CHHF began serving an additional 6 hamlets in the Chapagua area near Trujillo. Having three clinic facilities is insufficient to reach all who need medical care; thus, volunteer teams travel to even more distant villages, setting up clinics in schools or churches in order to reach thousands more.
St. John's Missions Giving for 2020
The congregation and friends of St. John's have given & continue to give generously to support our mission efforts and mission partners all around the world. Take a look at what we have been able to provide through January 31, 2021.
Jerusalem (Local): $59,800
Judea (Regional): $13,600
Ends of the Earth (International): $115,400
