local and global mission work
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always,
to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:19-20
Local mission work
We are passionate about showing you who Jesus is. Whether it is in our own neighborhood or across the globe, we can tangibly express God’s love for humanity through our mission work and support both in our neighborhood or around the earth. Join us as we extend our mission beyond our walls and share the love of Jesus in our local and global community.
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Released Time Bible Program
Released Time is a Christian ministry to children in the ELCO Intermediate School, sponsored by OnFire Youth Ministry, spreading the love of Christ to children in our area. The Released Time Bible Program is a Pennsylvania state approved program which allows public school students to be dismissed from school for one hour a week of nondenominational religious instruction. Students must have parental permission to participate. Over the years, many Zion members have been volunteering their time. This school year there are 4 members involved. The program is always in need of more volunteers both as a group leader for the 3rd, 4th and 5th grade children and as a babysitter for the younger children of the volunteers! Contact Sandy Sandoe for more information or to sit in with her and her group for a day to see what Released Time is all about.
United Methodist Women Prison Ministry
Volunteers with Zion's United Methodist Women have an on-going local prison ministry for incarcerated women at the Lebanon County Prison
5 Stones Fight Club
5 Stones Fight Club began in 2008 in the basement of Shane Manney's home in Myerstown as a way to use mixed martial arts to attract 18-35 year old males and, in the process, help them discover that they can become, "mentally tough, physically fit, and spiritually sound." The club's ministry director, chief instructor and head coach is Sean Knauff, who has over 18 years of training in karate. Working together, Sean and Shane run this non-profit sports ministry, which is committed to building relationships and sharing the gospel. Working with the Free Burma Ranger organization , Sean and Shane are helping to train a select group of volunteers that will travel with the Ranger group to help what is known as "internally displaced people" in Burma (Myanmar), Iraq, or Syria. These are people who have lost their homes and livelihoods. They are in desperate need of medical care and supplies, training in survival tactics. Volunteers will also be assist in the spiritual needs of these impoverished people. As Shane states, "We try to live our faith out loud." For more information about 5 Stones Fight Club contact Sean Knauff.
global mission work
The life-changing message of Jesus Christ is intended for a worldwide audience. Our purpose is to impact nations by equipping believers to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19.) Our church supports the missionary work of Carrie Callahan in Hungary and Amos Ngeze and family in Tanzania East Africa.
Carrie Callahan — Papa, Hungary
Carrie is presently a music/elementary teacher at Quality Schools International in Papa, Hungary and had been an upper elementary/middle school music teacher at Quality Schools International in Shenzhen, China.
Carrie grew up in Myerstown, PA and has also grown up being a member of Zion UMC. She states, "I feel privileged to know and love the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that my life will show the world the power of His love! There is a great plan for my life and I am excited to see it played out! God is good, all the time!
I have been a missionary teacher for a long time now...since 1996 and I am so thankful to have had the chance to meet so many wonderful people and see so many wonderful countries."
Amos Ngeze — Tanzania East Africa
Pastor Amos works for the Katunguru Bible Training School in Tanzania East Africa. He states, "July of 2018 KBTS witnessed 42 students graduating. All of them have been assigned by the council of the Africa Inland Church in Tanzania to ministry stations. Each one of them is very excited to be headed to the field to spread the good news. Staff and workers of KBTS are so encouraged to see our graduates do very well in their ministries. Glory to Him who empowers to do what He does in our hearts in equipping future pastors of Africa and the world!"
