Faith & Spiritual Growth

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Category: Faith & Spiritual Growth

Grateful for YOU this Thanksgiving

Whether you’re gathering around a Thanksgiving table this week, enjoying your favorite seasonal food (pumpkin pie? mashed potatoes? or that controversial dish only a few people love 😄), or you live in a place where this isn’t a national holiday at all—we want to pause and say something important:

We are deeply grateful for you.

Your prayers, generosity, and commitment help carry the love of Jesus into cities and communities around the world. Because of you, people are finding hope, hearing the Gospel, experiencing healing, and stepping into the fullness of who God created them to be.

From our entire CFCI family: Thank you for the life-changing role you play in God’s mission.

Whether this week looks like a full table, a quiet moment, or a normal Thursday where you live—may you feel God’s goodness, presence, and abundant love.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Christ For the City International

Expect the Unexpected: Jenna’s Story from El Salvador

At the soccer school Jenna talked about her testimony: Jesus is pursuing you no matter how far you try to run, He is more powerful than our short comings.

When Jenna signed up for her first-ever mission trip with Christ For the City International, she wasn’t sure what to expect. She imagined long days of dusty roads and constant spiritual mountaintops—but what she experienced was far deeper, and far more life-changing.

From the very beginning, God began surprising her. At a small school in the mountains, Jenna and her team were greeted by over a hundred children whose joy and affection overflowed before the first game even began.

“They just started bouncing around giving us all hugs, and my heart exploded,” Jenna recalls.

That moment, and so many others, became an unforgettable reminder of God’s love breaking through in simple yet powerful ways.

But it was on a small island off the coast of El Salvador where Jenna’s heart was changed forever. As the team delivered bags of food and prayed for families living in houses made of dirt floors and tin roofs, she saw something unexpected: joy.

“I thought they were missing out on things I had in life,” Jenna said. “But I realized they had something I didn’t fully have—unshakable faith and joy that transcended circumstances.”

That realization shifted her perspective. These families, though lacking clean water or electricity, overflowed with gratitude—not just for food, but for the prayers and presence of people they had never met. Their lives displayed what it means to depend completely on God, and their eyes shined with a light that Jenna says she will never forget.

Of course, the trip also came with challenges—long days, little sleep, last-minute changes, even racing through thunderstorms and nearly missing flights. But through it all, Jenna says, Jesus was present, moving, and teaching her to listen to His voice in new ways.

Her biggest takeaway? Expect the unexpected.

“God used the people of El Salvador to touch my heart as much as He used me to touch theirs,” Jenna said. “He was with us in every moment, and He was leading us.”

FIND YOUR PLACE IN THE MISSION

From Urban Plunge to Global Ambassador: Adalee’s Next Step

When Adalee first heard about Christ For the City International’s Global Ambassador program, she knew it was the right next step. Having grown up connected to CFCI—her parents serve with the ministry, and she herself is involved with Urban Plunge—Adalee longed to serve on a mission trip that went deeper than just one week. The Global Ambassador program offered exactly that.

Her time in El Salvador can be summed up in one word: life-changing.

Each day began early, often before sunrise, as she and her teammate walked to the nearby school or headed out to other ministry projects. Whether teaching, serving alongside local leaders, or helping at the church, Adalee found joy in the rhythms of daily mission life.

“Lunch was always cooked for us and never fell short of delicious,” she remembers.

Evenings ended with family calls, shared meals, and an early bedtime to prepare for another full day of service.

But what stood out most weren’t the routines—it was the relationships. Two second-grade girls at the school ran to hug Adalee and her teammate every chance they got.

“Those hugs were some of my favorite parts of the day,” she shared.

Through this season, Adalee discovered newfound confidence in living independently and gained clarity on the path God is leading her into. She also witnessed the contagious joy of children who, despite difficult circumstances, overflowed with laughter, play, and love.

Her advice for anyone considering becoming a Global Ambassador?

  • Go with a friend—sharing the experience makes it even more meaningful.
  • Be flexible—plans will change, and that’s part of the adventure.
  • Don’t let language be a barrier—sometimes love is best spoken through actions.

When asked if she would go again, her response was immediate: “YES! I know that I will be going again and that I’m called to the nations. This is only the beginning of the plans the Lord has for me.”

FIND YOUR PLACE IN THE MISSION

A New Chapter, A Shared Calling

Dear CFCI Family,

Today marks the beginning of a new chapter — not just for me personally, but for all of us together. As I step into the role of President of Christ For the City International (CFCI), I am deeply aware that this moment is not about a person, but about the ongoing work of God through a faithful community. Thank you for being part of that community.  As we look to the future, I am filled with hope and anticipation for what God will continue to do through us.

And let me be clear from the very beginning: the leadership of this organization is not changing — because God has always been, and will always be, the true leader of CFCI.  We are simply stewards of His mission, and it is our joy to follow where He leads.

In that spirit, I want to begin by honoring someone who has modeled that kind of servant leadership so beautifully — Dr. Chip Anderson. His faithful leadership has been a gift to this organization and to the Kingdom. He has led with wisdom, humility, and a heart fully surrendered to Christ. Because of Chip’s leadership, we are not starting something new —we are building on the strong foundation that he and others have laid.

As we look ahead, it’s important to remember that history, and remember who we are. Our identity is rooted in the values that have shaped CFCI from the beginning. These values are not just words—they are the heartbeat of our organization.

I’d like to highlight a few that will be especially important as we move forward:

COMMUNITY OVER INDIVIDUALISM
We are better together. We choose to live sacrificially for the sake of the gospel, to empower others rather than seek our own success. This is not a solo journey — it is a shared calling. And in a world that often celebrates individualism, we choose community, collaboration, and Christ-centered unity.

BEING BEFORE DOING
Our daily pursuit is to be like Christ — not just in what we do, but in who we are. Disciple-making is not a department — it is our identity. And we do not walk this path alone — we love His bride, the Church, and we serve her with joy.

ACCOUNTABILITY AND INTEGRITY
We work hard. We do what we say. We speak truth with grace, and we lead with authenticity. Vulnerability is not weakness — it is strength in the hands of God. This is how trust is built, and how transformation takes root.

A HUNGER FOR IMPACT
Each of us is a co-owner of the mission. We are not spectators — we are participants in God’s redemptive work. We are here to clear away the clouds that obscure His kingdom, and to invite others into the light.

From the very beginning, CFCI has been about inviting more and more people into God’s kingdom and His mission. Jesus compared the Kingdom to a mustard seed — small at first, but destined to grow into a great tree. That growth is inevitable. And so we should expect it, yearn for it, and work toward it. Every day, in every city, in every conversation, we are inviting people in.

So let us move forward — not with fear, but with faith. Let us build on who we are, and trust God for who we are becoming.

Thank you for the honor of serving alongside you. May God continue to lead us, empower us, and use us for His glory.

With deep gratitude and great expectation,

Jake Hjemvick
President & CEO
Christ For the City International

From Carpio to Cuba

What happens when a community known for receiving hope decides to carry it across borders?

Meet the Renuevos family—seven passionate leaders from La Carpio, Costa Rica, a neighborhood long marked by struggle and transformation. Now, these missionaries are preparing to take the hope they’ve experienced to a place in deep need of it: Cuba.

“For all of us, this trip means so much,” shares Josue, one of the team members. “We’re doing it as a Carpio family. We’ve grown to love each other, the community we serve, and the people in it. This trip could be the beginning of something incredible.”

Cuba is a nation facing profound economic, social, and spiritual hardship—especially among children and youth. In partnership with three local churches, the team will lead youth programs, train church leaders, and host a pastors’ retreat offering emotional, spiritual, and relational support for ten ministry couples.

It’s a full-circle moment. The people of Carpio, many of whom know what it’s like to be overlooked, under-resourced, and underestimated, are now boldly stepping into the role of missionaries themselves.

Coming from Carpio—a place where relational ministry is at the heart of everything—they’re not just planning to “go and preach.” They’re going to listen, to connect, and to build relationships that transform lives.

“We believe in ministry that doesn’t just preach the Gospel but makes it tangible and meaningful,” Josue said. “That’s what we hope to bring to Cuba.”

The team has already experienced moments of encouragement as they’ve gathered to dream and plan. They’re excited—but they also recognize the weight of the mission.

“Going to Cuba won’t be easy. We may face spiritual warfare,” Josue said. “But we know the Lord is in control. People are stepping up to help, and we’re trusting God to provide.”

They’ve set a goal to raise $11,000 to cover the full cost for the team of seven—and they’re inviting others to come alongside them in prayer, encouragement, and support.

“It might look impossible,” says Josue, “but we believe God will provide everything we need.”

This mission is more than a trip—it’s a testimony of how God uses once-broken places to bring healing elsewhere. It’s a picture of our Anywhere to Everywhere mentality: God can use anyone, from anywhere, to go everywhere with the hope of the Gospel.

You can join the Renuevos family as they carry light from Carpio to Cuba.

Support the trip and learn more here!

Why Church Camp Still Matters: And the Story of Camp Kikomar

Church camp is one of the most powerful tools the Church has to engage, disciple, and ignite the faith of young people. It’s where kids unplug from distractions, encounter Jesus in a fresh way, build real friendships, and discover that they have a place and purpose in God’s family.

That’s the heartbeat behind Camp Kikomar—a unique Christian camp located right on the beach of the Gulf Coast near Tuxpan, Mexico. Over the years, this seaside sanctuary has become a vital space for local churches, youth groups, ministries, and families to connect, be refreshed, and grow deeper in their walk with Christ.

But Camp Kikomar didn’t start with pristine cabins and ocean breezes. It started with a vision.

In the 1960s, Juan Isáis—a Mexican missionary—and his wife Elisabeth, an American missionary, moved to Mexico with a dream to see youth reached for Christ. Their time serving across Latin America and the U.S. left a lasting impression: camps have a way of capturing hearts for Jesus in a way few other environments can.

In 1995, that vision took root when Juan and Elisabeth purchased the first parcel of beachfront property near Tuxpan. They later added a second lot in 1997, dreaming of what this land could become. At the time, it was wild and undeveloped—no electricity, no bathrooms, just tents and a hope that God would use it.

By the early 2000s, Juan had passed away, and the camp struggled to stay afloat. But God wasn’t done with Camp Kikomar.

In 2007, Diana, a long-time missionary with CFCI, and her teammate Mirna, moved from the outskirts of Mexico City to the Camp Kikomar site—unsure of what the future held, but certain that God had called them there. The early years were filled with sweat, prayer, and perseverance—tearing down what didn’t work and slowly building up new infrastructure, one step at a time.

With the help of a faithful church partner eight hours away and annual construction teams from Canada, the camp began to transform. In 2015, the dining hall and kitchen were inaugurated—turning the camp from a hopeful project into a fully functioning space for ministry.

Today, Camp Kikomar can host over 100 people, with eight cabins (including jungle-style youth cabins with hammocks!), plenty of tent space, and staff who live on-site and treat each guest like family.

What makes Camp Kikomar truly special isn’t just the location—though it is the only Christian camp on the beach in the region! It’s the heart behind it.

Camp Kikomar doesn’t run its own programming. Instead, they come alongside churches, youth leaders, and ministries—equipping them to run their own camps and retreats. They provide facilities, advice on games and counselor training, meals when needed, and a peaceful environment for growth, healing, and encounter.

And it’s not just about youth. Local churches come for baptisms and family days. Pastors send struggling couples to retreat. People wander into camp just needing someone to talk to—and find loving staff ready to listen, mentor, and pray.

As Diana puts it, “Camp Kikomar is a place of reconciliation—with God and with others.”

That’s not just a motto. It’s a reality that plays out week after week—whether it’s a teen experiencing Jesus for the first time, a youth leader being equipped to lead, or an indigenous family encountering healing and restoration.

After nearly two decades of service, Diana and Mirna are prayerfully preparing for a new season—revitalizing the board, rebuilding the staff, and raising up new leaders who will carry the vision forward. Their dream is to strengthen the camp’s focus on serving indigenous churches, who they call their “VIP guests,” while still welcoming churches and ministries from across Mexico.

They’ve weathered many storms—including the COVID-19 pandemic, financial challenges, and health struggles. But they believe the best days of Camp Kikomar are still ahead.

 

Letter From the President

I want to share some important—and very personal—news with you. After 25 years serving as President of Christ For the City International, I will be retiring from my leadership role on June 30.

This decision comes after much prayer and reflection. It’s hard to put into words what these past two and a half decades have meant to me. From the very beginning, when I stepped into this role in 2000, I believed that God had something powerful in store for this mission. And what He’s done since then has gone far beyond anything I could have dreamed.

When Mary and I first served as missionaries in Costa Rica in the early ’80s, we saw firsthand how God transforms lives through local ministry. That same passion followed me into this role—fueling a vision to expand into more cities, launch new initiatives, and make it possible for more people to say “yes” to missions.

By God’s grace, we’ve grown from 6 countries to 17. We’ve launched new bases across Latin America, Africa, North America, and most recently in Asia. We’ve created programs like Urban Plunge, Global Teams, and Global Ambassadors that have allowed thousands to step into service and experience transformation.

And none of this would have happened without you.

Whether you’ve supported CFCI for decades or just joined the journey, your partnership has made a difference. Your prayers, your giving, your encouragement, and your faithfulness have built this mission. Thank you—for trusting us, for believing in this work, and for being part of it.

As I step away, I do so with complete confidence in the future. Beginning July 1, Jake Hjemvick will become President of CFCI. Jake and his family first joined the mission field with CFCI in 2011, serving in El Salvador. In 2015, he became the director of our El Salvador base, where he led with compassion and vision. Then in 2020, Jake and his family moved to Omaha as he stepped into the role of Chief Operating Officer. I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Jake these past several years, and I can tell you—he is a man of integrity, wisdom, and deep love for the Lord. I believe with all my heart that God has prepared him for this moment.

Mary and I will continue as faith missionaries with CFCI and support Jake and the staff in any way they so desire. The mission continues, and it is in trusted hands.

I truly believe that the best is still ahead. The Lord is not finished—and neither are we. I hope you’ll continue to stand with us, to invest in what God is doing, and to stay connected to the stories of hope and transformation still being written around the world.

From Mary and me—thank you. These 25 years have been the honor of our lives.

With gratitude and love,

Dr. Duane “Chip” Anderson

Global Ambassadors – Andy & Deborah Knapp

At Christ For the City International, we’ve always believed in the power of partnership, especially those that feel like family. For my husband Andy and me, that family began back in 2012 when we went on a short-term mission trip to El Salvador. I had been on mission trips before, but there was something about that trip that felt different—something deeper. Within 24 hours of being in El Salvador, I felt the overwhelming sense that I was home. I remember saying to myself, “This is where I belong.” It was as if the Holy Spirit had wrapped me in His arms and whispered, “This is your comfort zone.”

People always ask, “How were you able to leave your comfort zone and move overseas?” But what they don’t realize is that I found my comfort zone in El Salvador. I was 60 years old, and I had never had any desire to travel to Central America. In fact, I’d always dreamed of going to Africa. But when God called, He called me to El Salvador, and I knew without a doubt that this was where we were meant to be. Andy thought I was crazy. I remember telling him, “We’re going to move here.” He thought it was just talk—but I knew God had bigger plans. 

 A few months later, I convinced Andy to return with me CFCI Global Ambassadors. At first, he wasn’t so sure. Our third grandchild had just been born, and he didn’t want to leave our family. But during that trip, something changed. One night, while doing a Bible study, he came across the passage where Jesus says, “If you aren’t willing to leave your family and home, you aren’t willing to be My disciple.” It hit him hard. He wept, realizing that God was calling us to leave everything behind and follow Him. That night, Andy said, “We’re moving to El Salvador.”

In December 2013, at 60 years old, we moved to El Salvador as long-term missionaries. I’m sure some people at CFCI thought, “What are these old people doing here?” But let me tell you—those years were the best years of my life. Our lives became beautifully simple, focused solely on Jesus. Every day was about loving the people God had placed in front of us. We built such deep, genuine relationships with people who didn’t want anything from us—they just wanted to be loved. It was a life-changing experience. 

Andy and I did everything from teaching English to photography, leading Bible studies, and even hosting short-term missionaries. We were like the mom and dad for every mission team that came through. Our home was always full—we’d invite 40 people, and 60 would show up because they’d bring their friends! And in El Salvador, people don’t call ahead— they just show up. At first, it was a little unnerving, but it quickly became one of the most beautiful aspects of our time there—real relationships, no appointments, just showing up for one another.

The relationships we built in El Salvador laid the foundation for something even bigger. In 2019, God placed it on our hearts to launch the Abundant Life Bible Bootcamp, based on John 10:10: “The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Our passion was to share this abundant life with as many people as possible. Thanks to CFCI, we were able to take Abundant Life beyond borders, expanding from El Salvador to Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Zimbabwe, and beyond.

Looking back, I can see how God orchestrated every step of the journey. From the moment we said “yes” to that short- term trip to El Salvador, our lives were changed forever. Had we not gone, Abundant Life wouldn’t be what it is today. CFCI was the conduit that allowed us to fulfill what God had placed on our hearts. They were there when we needed them, providing direction, support, and encouragement. And through it all, we’ve learned that no matter where God sends us— whether it’s El Salvador, Africa, or right here in the States—He has a purpose, and we have a choice. We can either embrace what He has for us, or we can let fear hold us back.

But let me tell you this—if you’re still breathing, God still has work for you to do. We’re never too old, and we’re never too young. I’ve never loved anything more than sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I’m so thankful that CFCI has allowed us to do that, not just in one place, but across the world. It’s been a journey of transformation—both for us and for the countless lives we’ve been able to touch. We are just in awe that we get to be part of His perfect plan.

Would you like to be a part of our November Costa Rica Vision Tour Trip? Sign up here: https://cfci.org/trips/costa-rica-vision-tour/

EMBRACING THE SACRED CALLING: WHY MISSIONS IS VITAL TO THE CHURCH

In the grand narrative of the Bible, from the dawn of creation to the culmination of history, the theme of God’s kingdom resounds with resolute clarity. Embedded within this overarching narrative is the sacred calling of the Church – the community of the King – to participate in the divine mission of advancing God’s kingdom on earth. At the heart of this mission lies the imperative of proclamation, embodiment, and demonstration of the sovereign kingship of Jesus Christ. In this exploration, we unveil the profound importance of missions to the Church, rooted in the timeless truths revealed from the book of Acts to the culmination of Revelation.

Understanding the Kingdom Mandate 

From the inception of creation, God’s intention has always been to extend His kingdom from heaven to earth, mirroring the peaceful perfection of the Garden of Eden described in Genesis. This divine mandate finds its fulfillment in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who inaugurated the kingdom through His life, death, resurrection, and accession. The Gospels vividly depict Jesus proclaiming the arrival of the kingdom and demonstrating its transformative power through acts of compassion, healing, and deliverance. In Matthew 4:17, Jesus declares, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Furthermore, in Luke 4:18-19, Jesus quotes Isaiah 61, revealing His mission to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind, and to set the oppressed free.

As recipients of this grace, the Church is entrusted with the sacred task of heralding the Gospel of the kingdom to the ends of the earth. The book of Acts chronicles the early believers’ fervent proclamation of the Gospel, resulting in the expansion of the kingdom amidst opposition and persecution. Acts 1:8 records Jesus’ commission to His disciples, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This narrative serves as a timeless reminder of the Church’s calling to be ambassadors of Christ, bearing witness to the reality of His reign amid a broken and fragmented world.

Moreover, the early Church in Acts demonstrated the kingdom’s transformative power by serving one another with selflessness and generosity. Acts 2:44-45 depict the believers sharing everything they had, selling their possessions, and giving to anyone in need. This radical communal living showcased to the world a different way of living, guided by the principles of God’s kingdom.

Proclamation, Embodiment, and Demonstration 

Central to the mission of the Church is the threefold mandate of proclamation, embodiment, and demonstration of the kingdom of God. The Gospels depict Jesus as the embodiment of the kingdom, where He walked, the kingdom manifested itself through acts of love, mercy, and justice. In Matthew 9:35, it is written, “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.” Similarly, the Church, as the body of Christ, is called to embody the values of the kingdom – caring for the marginalized, advocating for the oppressed, and extending grace to the brokenhearted.

Moreover, the kingdom of God is demonstrated through the tangible expressions of God’s love and power in the world. This includes feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, healing the sick, and delivering those oppressed by the forces of darkness. In Matthew 25:35-36, Jesus instructs His followers, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

Co-Laborers with God 

While the advancement of God’s kingdom ultimately rests in His sovereign hands, He invites the Church to co-labor with Him in this divine endeavor. The New Testament never instructs believers to “build” the kingdom but rather to participate in its unfolding through obedience and faithfulness. In 1 Corinthians 3:9, Paul writes, “For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” This entails a radical reorientation of our priorities, where we align ourselves with God’s purposes and seek first His kingdom and righteousness. 

In conclusion, missions is not merely an optional activity of the Church but the very essence of its existence. Rooted in the timeless truths of Scripture, the Church is called to embrace its sacred calling as co-laborers with God in advancing His kingdom on earth. As we proclaim, embody, and demonstrate the reality of God’s reign, may our lives bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel, inviting others to experience the abundant life found in Jesus Christ. Let us, therefore, rise to the challenge, knowing that the kingdom of God is not a distant future reality but a present reality to be embraced and proclaimed with boldness and conviction. 

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