September 2024
“A Few Words From Cory Lemke”
For nearly 20 years now I have been aware that the immigration of legal and illegal immigrants into Western countries was essentially inevitable, and something that was predicted by the low birth rates in Western countries. Currently we are seeing immigration that is increasing wildly and beyond the ability of Western countries to assimilate them and help them be productive citizens. That is hard and unfortunate and I want to suggest unethical. I recently viewed a video on Rumble.com and the title is “Immigration and World Poverty explained with Gumballs.”
As I watched this video and realized that well over ½ of the world population lives on less than $2 per person per day. Most of us can’t live here on $2 per day, in fact the cost of a cup of coffee at Starbucks or Dutch Bros. averages well over $2 per cup.
The point of the video is that even with the United States accepting 5 million immigrants per year, the level of poverty cannot be helped and in fact this may actually cause the poverty rate in most countries of the world to increase. Why? Because the predominance of those immigrating is those who are smarter, more energetic, willing to work, and assimilate. The problem is they may gain skills while in the West, but they do not return home to aid their own people.
Reflecting on that, the most obvious solution is not the immigration, but for us to send and find ways to be strategic to lift the rest of the world out of poverty. As followers of Christ we are uniquely situated to do this. In Luke 10:2 Jesus says something that fits into the idea: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
As believers we are called to find ways to help people and that includes preaching the gospel, instilling morals, teaching skills, everything from construction to well drilling, to water management, culinary skills, small business skills, micro loans as well as just about any other skill you can imagine. As believers I believe Jesus is also calling us to be strategic in our thinking, finding ways to meet the needs of those in the majority world.
That is why I’m proud of Ben and Kathleen in Cambodia, June in Ukraine, the Urdu work in Pakistan and many other ministries where it can be difficult to serve as well as profess Christ, but where the light of the Christ is shining brightly, transforming communities, lifting people out of poverty and preparing them to share the same skills and gifts with those around them. This happens when the Church of Jesus is reaching out, being obedient and doing all that He asks to see our world have hope and salvation!
You are a part of that and I’m proud to be in a place like Klamath Falls, serving at Shasta Way Christian Church, as we strive to be salt and light to our own community, but also to the communities of the world! Please be praying and asking the Lord not just to send workers, but also what we can do personally to help those around the world who need the skills and wisdom we possess!
God Bless You,
Cory
September Events
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September 8th - Kickoff Sunday - We will be honoring our teachers during worship service
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September 8th - Current Events Discussion at 6pm at SWCC
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September 15th - Mission Committee Meeting following worship service. Lunch will be provided for those attending.
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September 15th - Youth Group will be starting back up. 5:00pm
Food Bank items for September
Canned items such as: soups, chili, stew, meats, tuna, chicken and crackers
Funny things kids say in school
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“I can’t wear my new glasses in my Math class because my doctor said they are just for reading.
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While watching a “Walking with Dinosaurs” movie, a student said to the teacher, “Is this actual footage?”
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A teacher wrote this on a whiteboard: William Shakespeare (1564-1616). A student asked, “Is that his real phone number?”
