Are You Thinking About Short-Term Missions in 2018?

Vol. 6: No. 10
November 2, 2017

Click here for a printable bulletin insert or 8.5x11 poster of this report

Members of Team Praha 2017

Are You Thinking About
Short-Term Missions for 2018?

by Janet Birkmann

I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service. 1 Timothy 1:12 (ESV)

Are you considering participating in short-term missions next summer? Are you wondering what short-term missions are like? Do you need some inspiration to serve as a short-termer?

The smiling faces and brief comments shared below offer just a glimpse into OPC short-term missions! The links provide you with the option of delving in further!

STM Survey:

We are learning so much from the results of our first-ever Short-Term Missions Survey, and are very thankful to those who participated! As we endeavor to respond to information that was conveyed to us in the survey, we are happy to report that the majority indicated that:

the length of their trip was "Just right"
the cost of their trip was "Just right"
raising funds for their trip was not difficult
their expectations of their trip were "Exceeded"
and about half said they may now consider the possibility of a longer term of service as a Missionary Associate.

Enjoy this wrap-up of summer 2017, and stay tuned for news of opportunities to get involved in short-term missions in the summer 2018!

Boardwalk Chapel, English Club...Venture Missions...English for Kids, Team Haiti.

English Club, English for Kids, English Camp, Venture Missions

Boardwalk Chapel, Team Haiti, English Camp, English for Kids

Key West, English Club, English Camp, English for Kids

"What I Learned ..."

Team Utah, Team Haiti, English Camp, Venture Missions

"What I Learned..." and other comments from the 2017 STM Survey:

That even a very short missions trip can still be beneficial to my faith and friendships with people from my church.

I learned how much God uses things like small talk and pleasantries to further His kingdom, and how important those things are.

I wish that I took the time to serve God and people in specific ways like this more often.

He taught me that my "comfort zone" can actually be a bad place of complacency.

As a young person, I was incredibly blessed and edified by the older team members.

I did not expect to feel bonded with the team. Everything we did we did as if we were one mind.

The team testimonials were the most helpful to me in preparing for the trip to the Czech Republic.

I did become more comfortable in talking to unbelievers about Christ, and I praise God for growing me in this way.

That prayer is more important than action. That being around believers at all times is good for Gods people.

That God has given everyone different gifts and that no matter what ours is, there is a way we can use it for His glory and to help other saints.

It was a wonderful time where I believe I really had an impact on some of those I encountered and the entirety of the trip definitely affected me deeply.

God taught me that you learn much of what you actually believe by telling what you believe to others.

God taught me much patience, humility and compassion. He also gave me a greater love for corporate prayer.

I learned how much work goes into teaching children. I gained a new appreciation for what such teachers do.

The global nature of his people, the difficulties missionaries face on the field, the precious fellowship that flows from serving the Lord/sharing his gospel together.

He showed me that no matter what hardships or obstacles we encounter (and there were plenty of those), He will always provide, and I have no reason to fear or try to control a situation that isn't mine to control.

Am so grateful the OPC provides short trips like these--it might be the very thing God uses to put me on the field long term!

It was challenging in ways that produced growth in my life. Thank you, Jesus.

STM Fields

Team Haiti

Follow these links to learn more about any particular field:

Testimonials and Photos

Young members of a Ministry Team at the Boardwalk Chapel

2017 STM Reports, Testimonials, and Photo Galleries

Boardwalk Chapel Videos

These videos include photos, brief interviews with Evangelism Team members, and musical clips from the nightly program at the Boardwalk Chapel!

Boardwalk Chapel Videos

Team Haiti Video

This excellent presentation was shared with us by Team Haiti 2017 member Amelia Bolyard.

The video portions really give a great idea of what it is like to be with this team in Haiti!

Current Opportunities

OPC Hurricane Relief

Volunteer Team in Houston

Click below for further information on how you can get involved in hurricane relief:

OP Uganda Mission

MISSIONARY ASSOCIATE

Mark and Carla Van Essendelft will soon join the OP Uganda Mission and will need a Missionary Associate to help them with household duties like cooking, cleaning, babysitting, homeschooling, shopping, etc.

All inquiries about Missionary Associate service should be directed to:
Rev. Douglas Clawson
Associate General Secretary
Committee on Foreign Missions
douglas.clawson@opc.org

TEAM OF THREE SKILLED MEN

The OP Uganda Mission is seeking a team of three skilled men to travel to Uganda for one week or more to refurbish and make repairs to two of the missionary residences in Karamoja.

All inquiries about this project should be directed to::
Rev. David Robbins
OP Uganda Mission
davidandrashel@gmail.com

Click below for further detail on the skilled team:

Global Opportunities for Short-Term Service