Intra-Church “Missions”

Our missional effort begins at the intra-church level.  Technically, this is not missions per se.  However, we do view intra-church renewal as foundational for missions.  First, it is often the case that many folks come to church as seekers or skeptics, and they have not entered into a relationship with God.  We believe this is our “first” mission field.  Secondly, when a person becomes a Christian, they may be a saved child of God, but they are far from perfect. In fact, at conversion, God is actually just beginning the renewal process.  Renewal is something Christians experience throughout the entirety of their lives.  This is clearly seen in the epistles where the writers constantly exhort and encourage growth and renewal in the lives of the already converted.

Consequently, New Mercy provides programs, activities, and services to facilitate renewal in the lives of Christians both inside and outside our walls.  They include worship, small groups, discipleship, counseling and referral services, medical ministries, home and hospital visitations, education and practical seminars, sporting events, fellowship activities, leadership training, prayer groups, and so on.  As is typical of all our ministries, the NMCC leadership is constantly devoting time and effort to meeting the needs of growing Christians.  We desire to “push the envelope” with passion and wisdom so that we can be a ministry that serves the community of believers faithfully and effectively.

Local Missions

Oftentimes, missions is seen solely as an overseas endeavor.  However, this could not be further from the truth.  In Acts 1, when Jesus commissions the disciples to devote their lives to missions, he does not only tell them to go abroad.  He tells them to serve locally (Jerusalem & Judea) and abroad (ends of the earth).  Many churches, for various reasons, have constructed their missions programs with an overseas “bias.”  This is not to say that the need overseas is not significant.  Clearly it is.  Nevertheless, living in affluent America, we can sometimes be blinded to the incredible suffering and need and broken lives right underneath our noses.

Consequently, New Mercy is dedicated to bringing balance to our missional efforts – to serve locally and abroad.  That does not mean our resources will always be distributed in equal proportions among the various regions; however, it does mean we will take seriously the needs near and far and work faithfully to address them as best as we can.

Local Partner Organizations

Because we desire our impact to have lasting significance, we partner with local organizations for the long-term rather than employing a hit-and-run method of service.  Within the United States and the surrounding metropolitan area, NMCC achieves its missional vision by partnering with already established charity organizations as well as creating new initiatives of its own.  The leadership of New Mercy is always striving to expand these local efforts.

Currently we have long-term partnerships with the following organizations:

Hana Mission (www.hanamission.org) – This is an inner-city mission serving the residents of Paterson, NJ.  We partner with them because we desire to help them achieve their mission, which is to instill hope in the lives of homeless individuals, substance abusers, ex-felons and children from inner city areas by providing housing, case management, counseling, job training and children’s programs in the context of Christian beliefs.

Bowery Mission (www.bowery.org) – This is an urban mission serving the people of New York City.  We desire to help them accomplish their mission and goal, which is to minister in New York City to men, women, and children caught in the cycles of poverty, hopelessness and dependencies of many kinds, and to see their lives transformed to hope, joy, lasting productivity and eternal life through the power of Jesus Christ.  To be the most effective provider of compassionate care and life transformation for hurting people in New York City.

Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) Christian Fellowship – This is an outreach mission opportunity where we serve and enjoy fellowship with student, faculty and staff at the nearby FDU metropolitan campus.  We provide prayer nights, worship events, retreats, fellowship and other helpful services (e.g. moving in).

Milal (American Wheat Mission) (www.mijumilal.org) – America Wheat Mission two objectives are to serve and educate people with difficult living conditions by helping them to improve their lifestyle.  Wheat Mission started its mission serving 2 million people with disabilities in Korea, and is currently expanding to serve more than 0.5 billion people with disabilities around the world.  A total of 120 members are involved in their local branch in New Jersey to serve adults and children with disabilities.

Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County (www.habitatbergen.org) – This organization helps build affordable housing in Bergen County.  We volunteer to build and help raise awareness of poverty housing in Bergen County.

College Moving Day Service – In conjunction with college ministry, we help out college students especially freshmen who are moving in for the first time to their dorms.  We are able to build an on-going relationship and accountability as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Teaneck Snow Shoveling Service – We go out to our neighboring residents’ houses around Hope church to provide snow shoveling service for free.

Blood Drive & Bone Marrow Donor Screening – These are annual volunteer services where we partner up with American Red Cross and Be the Match to provide blood or possible bone marrow donor matches to people who need it the most.