Are you living your life on mission with God? If so, that means you realize that wherever you go and whoever you go with, that is your mission field. If we ourselves aren’t going to foreign lands to spread the gospel good news, then as a church we are called to support those who do! This past Sunday, LECC was blessed to have a visiting minister tell us about a college whose mission is to train men and women for Christian service. For many years, our little church has faithfully supported and made monthly contributions to Ozark Christian College, so hearing how our Joplin, MO missionary partner is making an impact was music to our ears.
Dru Ashwell, OCC’s Donor Engagement Officer, explained how the college has grown since it opened its doors 81 years ago. More than 15,000 alumni are actively spreading God’s word in all 50 states and in over 100 countries around the world.
The college is pleased that 98 percent of their students received financial aid and get their degrees without going deeply in debt. In fact, tuition is half the cost of most comparable universities. That truism is made possible by 330 church partners, like LECC, and 1,008 individual partners who send monthly checks to support the college’s $13 million a year budget. The year 2024 is the college’s 14th year to be completely debt free.
Located on a hundred plus beautiful acres, OCC identifies itself as a Christian campus where people of all religious and non-religious backgrounds have a seat at the table. It emphasizes vocational preparation for preaching, missionary, worship, youth, and children’s ministers and offers both undergraduate and master’s degrees.
Ashwell said the school fulfills what the Bible says delights God. He quoted Jeremiah 9: 23-24, saying, “Let him….who knows… that I am the Lord… practice steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, says the Lord.”
The school trains graduates to bring people to repentance, preparing them for “the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.” (2 Peter 3:7). Ashwell reminded us of the amazing love, forgiveness and patience that our Lord and Savior shows toward us. said, quoting 2 Peter: 3:9: “The Lord is not slow about His promise as some count closeness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish.”
We should all be elated that God wants none of us to perish, but calls all of us to the Great Commission—to go and tell the good news of salvation in Christ and make disciples who will help make heaven crowded. The number of schools like OCC is dwindling. Many have closed their doors, and others aren’t producing as many graduates as needed. Ashwell cited three ways individuals can help OCC to continue preparing leaders to preach, teach, baptize, and make disciples.
First, pray for the college’s leadership to stay focused on its mission. Second, send prospective students to meet administrative officials and see the campus. Third, give to the cause. Ashwell suggested starting with $5 a month to begin opening your heart to supporting missions.
LECC will certainly continue to be OCC’s ministry partner. Find out next Sunday other ministries we support by coming to 415987 Highway 9, Eufaula, for small group Bible study at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m., and Wednesday night activities at 6:30 p.m. We take seriously the great invitation of Matthew 11: 28: “Come to me, all who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Ashwell said we should pray specifically and consistently and always ask ourselves, “Is God calling us to do more than pray?” I think we know the answer. I pray that you have a beautiful Thanksgiving week, knowing that Jesus loves you and your family more than you can possibly imagine.
God Bless You!
Jeremy Little, Minister
