Short Term Missions
Missions Ministry at Orangewood Presbyterian Church
“Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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." Mt. 28:18-20
God’s Word from beginning to end shows that the heart of our God is one that loves and includes the entire world. Scripture is clear that the people of the Sovereign God of the universe are to be a people who are about something far greater than themselves. They are to be concerned for the hearts and souls of others, both those who live next-door and those who live around the world. From Genesis to Revelation, the people of God are to be change agents who love others and who are focused on the needs of others. In the call of Abraham in Genesis 12, God tells him that he is blessed in order that he might be a blessing to others. This strand of God’s love for the nations runs all the way through Scripture to the vision of John in Revelation 5:9, “And they sang a new song, saying, " Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.”
The Church is to act as salt and light in our own communities and also around the world where there is no church to act as salt and light. Where God is raising up churches around the world to proclaim the Good News, we at Orangewood want to partner together with our brothers and sisters to make Christ known. We desire to come alongside them as servants of the King in order to honor the King of kings and Lord of lords.
At Orangewood the Deacons that God has raised up, along with our Bridge Building Pastor, Robert Stephan, and gifted individuals ministering in the name of Jesus, are on the point with leading us in our being salt and light in our local community. The Deacons are responsible to disperse benevolence funds, which are directed locally toward a number of strategic mercy ministries.
The Elders at Orangewood have empowered the Missions Team and Missions Pastor, Joe Creech, to be on the point of leading the gifted members of Orangewood in our being salt and light to the nations, beginning here at home and extending around the world. We are seeking to proclaim Christ around the world through our building strategic partnerships with gifted nationals from a number of regions of the world. Additionally, we support financially and prayerfully about 50 missionaries and ministries serving Christ in a variety of ways from church planting, to ministry to the poor, to theological education, to meeting medical and educational needs, and many more.
All of our missionaries in local or foreign context are committed to sharing the love of Christ with a dying world, convinced that He is the one who saves from sins and changes the hearts of men and women, boys and girls. In building PARTNERSHIPS with God’s people around the world, we believe that a vital part of that is facilitating Orangewood members actually spending time on short-term trips with our partners in other countries. Generally, well over 100 individuals representing Orangewood spend 1-2 weeks overseas, using their gifts and skills in communicating the love of Christ to men and women, boys and girls.
SHORT TERM TRIPS
Each year a number of trips are offered to our members, who can get out of our comfort zones and use the gifts and abilities that God has given us to come alongside the people of God in other countries in order to make Christ known.
This ministry generally will include regular ministry trips to the following areas where we are seeking to develop significant ministry partnerships:
1- Mexico City- Ministry to the poor
We have gone for 19 years to minister to the very poor of Mexico City, alongside Saul and Pilar Cruz. We try to provide eye care, dental and medical care, as well as light construction. This trip is usually around Labor Day each year.
2- Acapulco- Orphans and street kids
Each summer we try to take a group of High School youth and a group of parents and children to minister in the Children’s Home of Acapulco. We do construction on new facilities, Bible lessons, and crafts and show love the children there.
3- Honduras- Ministry to the poor
Each summer we seek to send a group of medical people and others to meet the needs of the very poor in this country.
4- Japan- Ministry to Christian leaders of Japan
We have participated with Church Planting Network and Steve Childers in providing training to the Christian leaders of Japan. We have helped carry out a conference for this group, which has grown to hundreds, for many years.
5- Middle East- Theological Training and more
We have been working with key national leaders in a country in the Middle East to help establish churches and training for those desiring to serve Christ.
6- Far East-
We have a growing interest in what God is doing in the Far East and want to be part of His Spirit’s work there.
INTERESTED IN A TRIP?
Contact Joe Creech or Judy Stephan at 407.539.1500 X511
WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW FOR MISSIONS?
- Pray for our missionaries
- Pray for our church to be what God wants
- Give to our missionaries or others whom God places on your heart.
- Read missionary biographies and missions’ journals.
- Go on one of our short-term trips.
- Help us with our annual Missions Festival
|
