Since the beginning of Congregationalism we have taken missionary work very seriously. Through the generations Congregational missionaries have visited nearly every part of the world.  Here at the First Congregational Church of Emporia we do our best to keep that mission-minded attitude alive. With God's guidance, the missions committee of our church has selected a few mission sites to support regularly. Some are local, others international. In either case, we are pleased to support their work. We strive to not only provide financial support, but to be involved as well through mission trips for youth and adults and local volunteerism to organizations in need. Below are a list of some of the regularly supported missions and missionaries of our church. Some have links which can provide additional information and pictures as well.

---

Happy Life Children’s Home
   Location:  Nairobi, Kenya
    Director:  Rev. Peter Ndungu

Happy Life Children’s home is a shelter for abandoned babies. There are currently over 1.5 million orphans in Kenya. This fact is attributed to both HIV/AIDS epidemic and the dismal economic realities of that country. Some parents are dying, others are literally leaving their children out to die because they cannot afford to care for them. Happy Life takes these children in, gives them a loving and healthy environment, introduces them to the Lord Jesus Christ, and facilitates adoptions to caring Christian families.

---

Shiloh Home of Hope for Women
   Location:  Emporia, KS
   Director:  Carol Alderman

Shiloh Home of Hope for Women is a non-denominational residential Christ-centered facility serving women who are experiencing crisis in their lives. It serves women who want to change their lives, giving them a safe and loving place to live and grow while they learn who they are in Christ and God's purpose and plan for their lives.

Shiloh is unique in that they allow women to have their children live with them as they go through our program. The Pregnancy Center serves the needs of women in unplanned pregnancies, providing free, confidential pregnancy testing and abortion alternatives counseling. It also provides practical assistance through the “Earn While You Learn” program. By participating in this life coaching program, young women are eligible to earn “credit” to redeem for much needed items, such as maternity clothes, baby clothes, and diapers.

---

The Emporia Rescue Mission
   Location:  Emporia, KS
   Directors:  Lee Alderman

The Emporia Rescue Mission is a member of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions. Currently it operates a Men’s Shelter and The Abundant Harvest Food Kitchen but has plans for additional ministries in the future.  The shelter houses up to 30 men at a time providing food, shelter, and Biblical teaching and counseling.  The Abundant Harvest Food Kitchen serves a hot home cooked dinner to any one in need, 4 days a week and in its first 4 years served over 20,000 meals.

---

Lyon Country Restricted Emergency Fund
   Location:  Emporia, KS
   Director:  Captain Jeremiah Burris

The LCREF is a fund supported by local churches and the United Way which helps Lyon County residents with basic needs including rent, utilities payments, and groceries. These funds are administered by the local Salvation Army.

---

For more information on any of our missions or to make a contribution contact us at (620) 342-6854 or via email.