Category: Missions

“40 Days of Hope” Clean Water Campaign

On By Aaron AllisonIn CIL News, Liturgical, MissionsLeave a comment

Today is the beginning of Lent, a 40 day season (not counting Sundays) until Easter. We prepare ourselves for Easter by walking with the Lord in this season of praying, fasting, giving, and reflection. There are no rules for Lent. Simply follow the Lord’s lead to turn from sin and connect with Him.

As part of our Lent journey, I invite you to give a gift to our “40 Days of Hope” giving campaign. For $25, you can provide clean water for years to a family in the developing world by providing them a water filter. And 100% of your gift will go directly to families in need. This project is through our partners Convoy of Hope. During Lent, replace something you may fast during the 40 days of Lent with a gift to this project.

I hope every person in our church family can give towards the “40 Days of Hope” campaign.

You can give now by clicking here:

https://cil.churchcenter.com/giving/to/40-days-of-hope

We can make a tangible difference in the quality of someone’s life. Let’s do it!

Thank you, Salvus Center

On By Aaron AllisonIn Hendersonville, Tennessee, MissionsLeave a comment

The Salvus Center is a Sumner County non-profit inspired by the Biblical mandate to care for the sick and the needy. I have been an advocate for this ministry since its 2004 inception, serving on the Board of Directors since 2014 and as Board Chair since 2019.

July 1 means my term is up, but my enthusiasm for the mission remains! While I will not be part of the legal oversight, my heart is still with the patients and staff, and I believe in our President, Jennifer Flanagan. I am so grateful for the outstanding leaders I have met through this organization, and they have my support going forward.

Thank you, Salvus Center, for an inspiring mission and a great future in health care.

Salvus Center presents “Colors In Bloom”

On By Aaron AllisonIn Hendersonville, Tennessee, MissionsLeave a comment

The Salvus Center is a ministry I have been part of for years, and we are doing great work to reclaim the Biblical and historical commitment to care for those who are sick and in need.

Our annual fund-raiser will be fresh and a lot of fun! Join us on June 9 or June 11 at Jollie Ollie’s Pizza and Pub for great music, food, and friendship.

COLORS IN BLOOM: PASSION AND PURPOSE
Link to Event Information

CIL Tornado Relief

On By Aaron AllisonIn CIL News, Culture, Current Events, MissionsLeave a comment

CILCares

TORNADO RELIEF

There is a widespread path of devastation and need in the greater Nashville/Mount Juliet/Cookeville areas.  Beth and I have spent the past 2 days in communication with area leaders and pastors, assessing how to best direct our resources.

We have identified a great need in several ministries we currently support, as well as some potentially overlooked or lesser known ministries/communities that may not have the exposure or resources that others do.

GIVE:

CIL will receive donations at CIL.Church or by accessing the Church Center app. Select “Give” and then select “Tornado Relief.”  100% of these funds will be dispersed to those directly impacted by the tornados.

https://cil.churchcenter.com/giving/to/tornado-relief

VOLUNTEER:

Our friends at the Donelson Fellowship (3210 McGavock Pk, Nashville, TN 37214) are helping the community with food, water, and meeting other practical needs in the Donelson area. They will have relief training at 7:30 am at their church building to prepare for a day of help. Volunteers from CIL are welcome. If you have equipment such as chainsaws, etc., these are needed! This schedule will likely continue indefinitely.

DONATION OPPORTUNITIES:

The Bridge Ministry – our friends who serve the homeless under the Jefferson St. Bridge every Tuesday night – are in need of bottled water, pop-top canned food, tents, sleeping bags, and flashlights/lanterns.

The Laundry Stop – a ministry that washes clothes and bedding for the homeless – is in need of tarps, sleeping bags, and tents.

***You can bring your donated items to CIL on Sunday and we will transport them for you!  If you need to drop them off before Sunday, contact Beth at beth@cil.church.  

Father God,
Your love enfolds the helpless,
the needy, and those who mourn.
Give us strength through Jesus Christ
to be instruments of Your compassion
to those who are overwhelmed and hurting.
Amen.

The Bridge Ministry

On By Aaron AllisonIn Current Events, MissionsLeave a comment

On Tuesday, I had the honor to preach at The Bridge Ministry in downtown Nashville.   We have partnered with The Bridge since 2006.  I am so thankful for their faithful presence for Christ to the homeless of our city.   

This ministry feeds these friends and treats them with dignity and inclusion into the church.  Thank you for your faithfulness, Bridge Ministry!

Reflections on India

On By Aaron AllisonIn Missions, Travel3 Comments

My five days in India was an incredible experience, and a true gift from God. My close friends Balakumar and Yamuna Mannar were incredible hosts, and their hospitality allowed me to experience Indian culture and opened great doors of ministry.

Indian - Thomas & Manar

I spent the entire trip only in Chennai (formerly known as Madras), but there was more than enough to see in this sprawling, exciting city. I enjoyed staying two nights in an Indian home, and experiencing the daily rhythms of life in that neighborhood. The idol worship that occurs through Hinduism was present everywhere. This was a constant reminder that these wonderful people need to know and accept the message of Jesus Christ. Pray for India.

I was thrilled to see that the message of Christ is advancing in the city of Chennai. Local pastors Abraham Thomas, David Mohan (see video below) and Sam Chadwick have built churches of thousands that are turning people to the living God. I was privileged to speak in each of these men’s pulpits, and these churches were thriving and filled with God’s presence. There are many other churches in Chennai, but more are needed to reach the millions who are not saved and discipled in the way of Christ.

The future is bright for India economically, politically and culturally. Yet, the greatest story could be the emergence of Christianity as the predominant religion. Statistically, there is much distance to cover to classify India as a Christian nation, but with the outstanding leadership of the church, and the fervent faith of the young people that already exists; there is great hope for the rapid spread of the gospel in India this century. Pray for India. The best is ahead!