July 14, 2008 issue
Convenience stores are pastor's mission field
By Mayeken Kehr Mennonite Mission NetworkSOUDERTON, Pa. — Victor L. Rampogu’s mission field is not in a distant country. His ministry starts at the local 7-Eleven.
Victor Rampogu, with John Dommati, a member of United Christian Church International in Souderton, Pa., shows his bumper sticker, “Jesus for Life.” — Photo by Dean Heisey/MMN
“The Great Commission, ‘Go ye into the world and make disciples of all nations,’ has changed,” said Rampogu. “You don’t have to go all over the world. The world is around you now.”
Rampogu, a third-generation Mennonite Brethren pastor, established United Christian Church International, in partnership with Zion Mennonite Church of Souderton and Eastern District Conference.
Together, they work to share the light of Christ with an evolving local community.
“As Mennonites we believe in mission,” said Hunter Hess, lead pastor at Zion. “We are sent to go forth and call people into relationship with Christ and participation with the body, the church.”
Hess said some evangelists advised Rampogu to distance himself from the Mennonite church. Rampogu refused.
“Victor holds strong to his Mennonite background and wants to stay deeply connected to the Mennonite church,” Hess said.
Every Saturday night, Rampogu — with his wife, Esther, or other members of his congregation — visits grocery stores, gas stations and mini-marts to meet and establish relationships with business owners. Many are Hindus and Muslims from India.
After UCCI members build trust, they share the gospel. Rampogu’s goal is to get one new non-Christian immigrant family to attend church each month.
Rampogu stresses the importance of building cross-cultural relationships when sharing the salvation story, citing Christ as the example.
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