June 29, 2026June 26, 2026

Why Do People Come Home from Mission Trips Changed?

If you’ve ever talked with someone after a mission trip, you’ve probably heard them say, “I went there to serve, but I feel like I received more than I gave.”

At first, that sounds backwards.

Mission trips are about serving others, sharing the love of Jesus, and stepping into the needs of a community. Yet time and time again, people come home talking not only about what God did through them, but about what happened within them.

Why is that?

The truth is, God is just as present in Omaha as He is in Guatemala, Zimbabwe, or anywhere else in the world. He isn’t more available on the mission field than He is in our homes, workplaces, churches, or neighborhoods.

But when we step away from our normal routines, something often shifts in us.

The distractions are quieter.
The schedules are different.
The familiar comforts are gone.
And suddenly we’re paying attention in a new way.

We pray with greater expectancy. We notice people more intentionally. We become more aware of opportunities to love, encourage, serve, and share the hope we’ve found in Christ.

It’s not that God suddenly shows up when we board a plane.
It’s that we’re often more aware of the ways He’s been present all along.

Mission trips have a way of reminding us that we were never meant to do life in our own strength. We encounter situations we can’t control, conversations we didn’t plan for, and moments that invite us to trust God more deeply. In those moments, we’re reminded that ministry isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about learning to recognize and respond to what God is already doing.

Many people leave on a mission trip hoping to impact someone else’s life.

And they do.

Relationships are built. People are encouraged. Hope is shared.

But somewhere along the journey, something begins to change in the heart of the person serving.

Our perspective expands.
Our compassion grows.
Our faith deepens.

We begin to see people the way God sees them.

And perhaps most importantly, we discover that God is already at work in far more places than we realized.

The purpose of a mission trip isn’t simply to go somewhere different. It’s an invitation to join God in what He’s already doing and to learn what it looks like to live with greater awareness of His presence.

Maybe that’s why so many people return home changed.

Not because they found God somewhere far away.

But because they became more aware of His nearness, more attentive to His voice, and more willing to say yes to the invitation He has been extending all along.

And the beautiful thing is this: That invitation doesn’t end when the trip is over.

The same God who is at work across the world is at work in your neighborhood, your workplace, your family, and your everyday life.

The mission field may change your perspective, but it also reminds you that every day is an opportunity to partner with God right where you are.

Maybe all that’s needed is a simple yes.

If you’re ready to explore where God might be inviting you next, visit CFCI Go Trips to learn more about upcoming mission opportunities and ways to serve around the world.

June 22, 2026

What We Mean By Holistic Missions

There is sometimes a tension in missions between two approaches.

One is centered on what we might call a spiritual mission. It looks at the world and sees people who need to be reconciled to God, so it focuses primarily on evangelism and helping people become followers of Jesus.

The other is centered on what we might call a physical mission. It looks at the world and sees the ways sin has broken people’s lives and circumstances, then focuses on bringing healing, justice, and restoration to those areas of brokenness.

Advocates of both approaches can be suspicious of the other side—and both have compelling biblical arguments. Those emphasizing spiritual ministry might ask, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36). Those emphasizing physical care might respond, “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?” (James 2:15–16).

So how do we decide? Which side is right?

Like many apparent conflicts in the Christian life, the way forward is not choosing one side over the other but recognizing the truth in both.

One of CFCI’s core commitments is holistic missions. Through our network of ministries around the world, we seek to address both spiritual and practical needs through discipleship, youth outreach, medical care, education, community development, and more. We do this because we believe these ministries belong together.

We see this integrated approach in the ministry of Jesus Himself. The words of the kingdom and the works of the kingdom—the proclamation of good news and the restoration of what sin has broken—were inseparable in His mission. As Matthew writes, “And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction” (Matthew 9:35).

Sharing the gospel is essential to God’s mission. We are called to bear witness to the death and resurrection of Jesus and invite people into new life through Him. Without this inward transformation, our outward efforts can never fully address humanity’s deepest need. Furthermore, the good works Christians are called to pursue flow from the gospel itself. We care for physical needs because the Holy Spirit is reshaping our hearts and priorities.

At the same time, the good news we proclaim should be accompanied by lives and ministries that embody that good news. We are not called merely to make converts but to make disciples—people whose lives are increasingly transformed to reflect God’s character and purposes. And because we proclaim the gospel of a kingdom, our work should reflect the justice, compassion, and love of the King who reigns over it.

Far from being opposed, the spiritual and physical dimensions of mission work exist in beautiful harmony. This is exactly what we see in CFCI ministries around the world. Our hope is whole people being wholly restored by Jesus. Through evangelism and Bible study, visiting prisoners and empowering the helpless, the gospel is being shared in both word and deed. As a result, lives are being transformed and the kingdom of God is advancing.

May 19, 2026June 2, 2026

Fundraising Is Ministry (Even If It Doesn’t Feel Like It)

If we’re honest, most of us don’t naturally associate fundraising with something sacred.

It can feel awkward. Transactional. Like we’re asking for something instead of offering something.

But what if that’s not actually what’s happening?

In A Spirituality of Fundraising, Henri J. M. Nouwen gently challenges that tension. He reframes fundraising not as a necessary burden, but as a form of ministry—an invitation into something deeper.

Not a transaction.
A relationship.

Not pressure.
An opportunity.

Not about money.
About participation in God’s work.

An Invitation, Not an Ask

At its core, fundraising is simply this: inviting people to be part of what God is already doing.

It’s easy to think we’re asking someone to give something up.
But in reality, we’re inviting them to step into something eternal.

When we share stories of transformation—lives changed, hope restored, communities renewed—we’re not selling a cause.

We’re opening a door.

And when someone walks through it, they’re not just writing a check.

They’re saying yes to being part of the story God is writing.

Why It Feels So Hard

If fundraising feels uncomfortable, it’s often because we’ve believed something untrue about it.

Maybe we’ve thought:

“I’m bothering people.”
“They’re going to say no.”
“This is about money, not ministry.”

But Nouwen reminds us that these thoughts miss the heart of it.

Fundraising is grounded in the belief that:

God is already at work.
People want to live with purpose and generosity.
We get to connect the two.

That’s not pressure—that’s partnership.

Ministry Happens on Both Sides

One of the most beautiful ideas Nouwen shares is that fundraising doesn’t just bless the ministry—it blesses the giver.

Because giving is never just about the resource.
It’s about transformation.

When someone gives, they’re aligning their heart with what matters most.
They’re choosing faith over fear.
They’re investing in something that lasts.

That’s spiritual formation.

That’s discipleship.

That’s ministry.

And sometimes, this invitation isn’t just something we extend—it’s something we step into ourselves.

For Those Preparing to Go

And sometimes, this invitation isn’t just something we extend—it’s something we step into ourselves.

If you’re getting ready to step onto a Global Team, this might be the part that feels the hardest.

Raising support can feel vulnerable.

You might wonder:

What if people say no?
What if I don’t raise enough?
What if this feels… uncomfortable?

But what if fundraising isn’t standing on the outside, asking people to send you?

What if it’s standing in the middle of what God is doing—and inviting others to come with you?

You’re not asking people to fund a trip.

You’re inviting them to take part in ministry they may never physically step into—but can still be deeply part of.

So We Keep Inviting

At Christ For the City International, we’ve seen this firsthand.

Every trip taken.
Every ministry launched.
Every life impacted.

None of it happens alone.

It happens because people say yes—yes to going, yes to serving, and yes to giving.

So we keep inviting.

Because fundraising was never just about provision.

It’s about participation in the work of God.

Whether you’re called to go or to give, there’s a place for you in this story.

👉 Explore Global Teams
👉 Become a financial partner

April 27, 2026April 20, 2026

Your Church was Made for Mission: 5 Ways to Partner with Christ For the City International

At Christ For the City International, we believe the Church was never meant to stay inside four walls. From the very beginning, God called His people to live on mission—loving their neighbors, serving their communities, and bringing the hope of Jesus to the nations.

Churches play a vital role in that mission.

Whether your congregation is passionate about going, giving, praying, or mobilizing others, there are meaningful ways to partner with what God is doing through CFCI around the world.

Here are five simple ways your church can be part of the story.

1. Go on a Mission Trip

One of the most powerful ways a church can engage in missions is by going together.

Mission trips allow youth groups, college ministries, young adults, small groups, families, and entire congregations to step outside their normal rhythms and serve alongside local ministries around the world.

Through Urban Plunge trips in U.S. cities and Global Teams serving internationally, churches can:

• Share the Gospel
• Serve practical needs in communities
• Encourage and support local leaders
• Grow in faith and unity as a team

There’s something powerful about taking what God is doing inside the church walls and living it out together in the world.

2. Give to the Mission

Missions move forward because of faithful generosity.

When churches give to the vision of Christ For the City International, they help sustain ministry happening every day in cities and communities across the globe.

Your giving fuels discipleship, leadership development, outreach, and compassionate service through our international bases.

Our vision remains bold:

No place without a witness.
No church without a vision.
No person without hope.

And we continue to believe God is inviting us to help create environments where 1 million lives can be forever changed through the ministry of CFCI.

When your church gives, you’re investing in transformation that reaches far beyond what any one team or trip could accomplish.

Become a financial partner!

3. Pray for the Mission

Prayer is one of the most powerful ways your church can partner in missions.

Across the world, CFCI teams are serving communities, discipling believers, and sharing the hope of Jesus in places that often require courage, perseverance, and faith.

Your prayers provide encouragement, protection, and spiritual covering for missionaries, national leaders, and the people they serve.

Consider setting aside time to pray for:

• CFCI missionaries and global staff
• The communities being served
• Open hearts to the Gospel
• Future leaders being raised up

When the Church prays, God moves.

4. Mobilize Your People

Sometimes the greatest impact a church can have is simply inviting people into the mission.

You can help mobilize others by:

• Sharing mission trip opportunities with your congregation
• Encouraging students and young adults to explore serving abroad
• Highlighting stories of transformation from the field
• Creating moments where missions becomes part of the conversation

Many people feel called to serve—but they just need someone to point them toward the opportunity.

Your church could be the place where that calling begins.

5. Build a Long-Term Partnership

Missions are most powerful when relationships grow over time.

Some churches choose to partner more deeply with CFCI by building an ongoing relationship with one of our ministry bases or returning regularly to serve in the same location.

Over time, these partnerships allow churches to:

• Encourage and support local leaders
• See long-term impact in communities
• Send teams year after year
• Watch God work in powerful ways

What begins as a single trip can grow into a lasting Kingdom partnership.

The Invitation

The mission of God is bigger than any one church or organization. But when we work together, the impact multiplies.

Whether your church chooses to go, give, pray, mobilize, or partner, you have a role to play in bringing the hope of Jesus to cities and communities around the world.

And together, we believe it’s possible to see 1 million lives forever changed.

Ready to explore the next step for your church?

Visit cfci.org/go to learn more about mission opportunities.

April 20, 2026April 22, 2026

8 Ways to Build a Strong, Healthy Mission Team Before You Leave

Great mission trips don’t just happen on the field.

They’re built in living rooms. Around tables. In prayer circles. In honest conversations before anyone ever boards a plane.

If you want a powerful outreach experience, build a strong team first.

Here are 8 practical ways to do that.

1. Meet Regularly Before the Trip

Don’t let your first real connection happen on travel day.

Gather consistently in the weeks (or months) before you leave. Shared rhythms build trust. And trust builds unity.

2. Pray — Individually and Together

Pray for:

Each other’s families
Spiritual protection
Open doors
Local leaders you’ll serve with
Soft hearts

Prayer turns a group of individuals into a spiritual family.

3. Share Your Full Story

Take time for each team member to share their journey with Jesus — the long version.

Not the polished version. The real one.

Where did God meet you?
Where did you wrestle?
Where are you still growing?

Vulnerability builds connection faster than small talk ever will.

4. Prepare a 2-Minute Version of Your Story

Now shrink it.

Everyone should practice sharing their faith story clearly and naturally in two minutes or less — like an elevator conversation.

Better yet? Go practice.

As a team, spend one meeting going out locally to:

Start conversations
Share your story
Offer to pray for people

Practice here what you hope to do there.

5. Set Healthy Expectations

Expect God to move.

But don’t expect:

Constant emotional highs
Perfect team chemistry
A flawless schedule

A strong team decides ahead of time:

We will assume the best in each other.
We will address conflict quickly.
We will choose encouragement.

Unity doesn’t happen accidentally. It’s chosen.

6. Do the Research Together

Divide up topics and have each team member present:

Cultural norms and etiquette
Religion and spiritual landscape
History and political context
Economic realities
Key phrases in the local language
Traditional food and clothing
The history of the church in that region

When everyone contributes, everyone invests.

7. Fundraise as a Team

Don’t just fundraise — build momentum.

Host:

A car wash
A dessert or coffee night
A worship or art night
A “parents’ night out” childcare event

Fundraising together builds unity and gives supporters a chance to be part of the mission.

8. Decide Now Who You Want to Be

Before you leave, ask:

What kind of teammate do I want to be?

Quick to listen
Quick to forgive
Quick to serve
Quick to encourage

The way you show up for each other will shape the entire trip.

Ready to Build Something Bigger?

Mission trips aren’t about checking a box. They’re about living sent — wherever God places you.

If you’re ready to take your group, youth ministry, small group, or church into a deeper, hands-on experience of the Great Commission, explore Urban Plunges and Global Teams at:

👉 cfci.org/go

Because strong teams don’t just change cities.

They come home changed.

April 7, 2026March 10, 2026

New Culture, Same God

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
— Philippians 2:3–4

You’re headed somewhere new!

A new city. A new country. New food. New rhythms. New faces.

But stepping into another culture doesn’t just expand your passport stamps. It stretches your heart—in all the best ways.

Whether it’s the pace of life, how people greet one another, how meals are shared, or how time is viewed, you’re about to experience the beauty of doing life differently.

And here’s the good news:
New culture. Same God.

What Is Culture, Really?

Culture is how a group of people lives, thinks, works, eats, laughs—and worships.

Some parts of culture are obvious. Others are so deeply woven into daily life that you don’t even notice them… until you leave your own bubble.

God created culture. All of it. The diversity, the languages, the traditions, the expressions of worship. When we approach culture with curiosity instead of comparison, we get to see His creativity up close.

Before you go, take time to learn about the community you’ll be serving.
The more you understand, the more you’ll connect.

Look for similarities.
Learn from the differences.

Expect the Unexpected (Especially with Time)

In some places, life revolves around the clock. In others, it revolves around people.

You may discover that schedules are more flexible than you’re used to. Meetings may start later. Conversations may last longer. Plans may shift.

That’s not dysfunction—it’s a different priority system.

Pro Tip: Show up with a flexible heart. Relationships often come first.

“Me” vs. “We”

Your home culture might celebrate independence:
“I’ve got this.”

The culture you’re stepping into might emphasize interdependence:
“We’ve got this.”

Teamwork may look different. Leadership may look different. Even decision-making may feel unfamiliar.

Pro Tip: Celebrate the team. Honor the group. You’re not there to be the hero—you’re there to serve.

Plans Change. God Doesn’t.

Let’s be honest: overseas schedules can feel more like suggestions.

You might have a full day planned—and then, suddenly, everything shifts.

Instead of frustration, what if you saw flexibility as formation?

Every pivot is an opportunity to trust.

Pro Tip: Pray through the changes. God is not surprised by the detour.

Control: Internal or External?

Some cultures believe, “I make things happen.”
Others live with, “Life happens—and we adapt.”

As you serve, resist the urge to fix everything you see.

You are not the savior. Jesus already is.

Pro Tip: Pause. Pray. Partner with the Holy Spirit before you act.

A Big Picture Reminder

The goal isn’t to bring your way of life.
The goal is to bring love, humility, and the hope of Jesus—in a way that honors the culture around you.

When you lead with humility, curiosity, and respect, you reflect Christ beautifully.

And remember:
The same God who meets you at home is already at work in the place you’re going.

New language.
New food.
New rhythms.

Same God.

If you’re preparing for an Urban Plunge or Global Team, take time now to posture your heart. The way you show up matters just as much as what you do.

Ready to step into a new culture with confidence and humility?

Explore upcoming trips at cfci.org/go 🌍

March 31, 2026March 31, 2026

7 Ways to Prepare Your Heart and Mind for a Mission Trip (Across the Street or Across the World)

You said yes.

Yes to God’s invitation.
Yes to going.
Yes to serving.

Now what?

Before you pack your bag or board a plane, there’s a deeper kind of preparation that matters even more. Mission trips don’t just change places — they change people. And the most powerful transformation often starts long before you arrive.

Here are 7 ways to prepare your heart and mind for the journey ahead.

1. Start with Surrender

The trip doesn’t begin at the airport. It begins in the quiet place with God.

Lay down your expectations. Your fears. Your need to control outcomes.

Mission work isn’t about being the hero. It’s about joining what God is already doing.

Pray something simple and honest:

“Lord, prepare me to listen, to learn, and to love well.”

2. Name What You’re Feeling

Mission trips stir up everything — excitement, nerves, doubt, anticipation.

That’s normal.

Ask yourself:

What’s making me nervous?
What am I most excited about?
What expectations am I carrying?

Then bring it all to God. He’s not surprised by your fear — and He’s not limited by it either.

3. Ask God to Give You His Eyes

This journey isn’t just about what you’ll do. It’s about how you’ll see.

Ask God to help you see:

People as individuals, not projects.
Communities as strong and resilient, not broken.
Yourself with honesty and humility.

And be ready — He may show you something new about your own heart, too.

4. Be Willing to Be Uncomfortable

Growth rarely happens in comfort.

Different food. Different pace. Different communication styles. Different needs.

Instead of resisting discomfort, decide now to lean into it. Discomfort often becomes the doorway to empathy, compassion, and deeper dependence on God.

5. Learn Before You Go

Preparation is an act of honor.

Research:

The history of the place you’re going
Cultural norms and customs
Religious background
Economic realities
The history of the local church

Learn a few key phrases if there’s a different language. Understand gestures to avoid. Discover what people are proud of in their culture.

Showing up informed communicates respect.

6. Pack Light — Emotionally and Spiritually

Unresolved stress, bitterness, comparison, or burnout can weigh you down.

Before you leave:

Have the hard conversation.
Ask for forgiveness.
Extend forgiveness.
Rest.

Make space for what God wants to do by releasing what you don’t need to carry.

7. Expect God to Move — But Redefine “Success”

Yes, expect God to do great things.

But don’t measure the trip by:

How emotional it felt
How many visible results you saw
Whether everything went “smoothly”

A good mission trip isn’t one where everything is easy. It’s one where you were faithful, available, and obedient.

Sometimes the biggest transformation happens quietly — in you.

Ready to Go?

Whether you feel pumped, panicked, or somewhere in between — God has already gone ahead of you.

This isn’t just a trip. It’s an invitation into His story.

If you’re ready to step into that invitation through an Urban Plunge or a Global Team, explore opportunities at:

👉 cfci.org/go

Prepare your heart.
Pack your bag.
Say yes.

March 26, 2026March 27, 2026

8 Kids. 4 Families. One Mission: Why This Group Is Saying “Yes” Together

It started with a simple desire: To be a family that serves God together.

Now, that “yes” is taking four families—7 adults and 8 kids ranging from just 9 months to 11 years old—all the way to Costa Rica.

This June, families from Valiente Dual Academy will step into something bigger than a trip. They’ll step into the global Church.

And they won’t be going empty-handed.

Learning a Language… and Living It

Valiente Dual Academy began just two years ago with a vision: create a space where children could learn Spanish through fun, connection, and culture.

Games. Crafts. Laughter. Friendship.

But beneath it all was something deeper—the belief that language opens doors.

“We wanted our kids to learn about other cultures and languages while having fun,” Savannah Vasquez, co-founder of the school, shared. “But also to connect.”

Now, those lessons are about to come alive.

“I think they’ll be surprised how much they already understand,” she said. “And inspired to keep learning so they can continue building relationships.”

Because in Costa Rica, Spanish won’t just be something they practice.

It will be how they love people.

A Bigger View of the World

For Savannah and her husband, this trip is deeply personal.

Both have served in missions and lived overseas. Those experiences shaped something foundational in them:

God’s Kingdom is global.

“When you experience other cultures at a young age,” Savannah said, “you’re less likely to believe false ideas about the world. You’ve seen it. You’ve built relationships.”

And that changes you.

It reminds you that even across languages and cultures, we’re not so different after all.

We’re all searching for purpose. For belonging.

What They’re Really Going to Learn

Yes, they’ll be leading children’s ministry.

Yes, they’ll be serving.

But that’s not the full story.

“What I’m most excited for,” Savannah shared, “is that they’ll realize missions is less about giving of yourself and more about making room for God to work in your heart.”

That shift—from doing to becoming—is where transformation happens.

She hopes each person walks away seeing people the way God does:

Not as different. Not as distant.
But as reflections of His image.

Seeing It Through a Child’s Eyes

And maybe the most powerful perspective comes from the kids themselves.

“I think it will be like helping other people and telling them about God.” – Emmanuel, 9

“Because most of the kids speak Spanish, so I can communicate with them.” – Emmanuel

“To fly on an airplane and playing games!” – Jonathan, 5

Honest. Joyful. Expectant.

Even their fears are real:

“Flying.” – Jonathan

But so is their willingness to go anyway.

It Started in the Classroom… and It Didn’t Stay There

After spending the year learning about Spanish-speaking countries, the group decided to bring Costa Rica to their community through a fundraiser event.

Coffee. Crafts. Community support.

A glimpse of what was ahead.

But the bigger picture?

This isn’t just about one trip.

It’s about a way of living.

Just Go

Savannah said it simply:

“If God is nudging you to do it—do it. He will make a way.”

That’s the invitation.

Not just for these families.

For all of us.

You don’t have to have it all figured out.
You don’t have to go alone.

Grab a group. Bring your family.

Go across the street.
Go across the world.

Just go.

👉 Start your trip with Christ For The City International: www.cfci.org/go

March 24, 2026March 24, 2026

Urban Plunge vs. Global Team — And Why We Need Both

When people hear the word missions, they usually picture one thing:

A passport.
An airplane.
Another language.

But what if missions is just as real in downtown Omaha as it is in rural Guatemala?

At Christ For the City International, we believe something simple and powerful:

God is at work everywhere.

And that’s why we offer both Urban Plunges and Global Teams — because each experience shapes you in a different way.

Urban Plunges: Seeing Your Own Backyard Differently

Our Urban Plunges happen in cities like:

Chicago
Dallas
Des Moines
Kansas City
Los Angeles
Omaha
Sioux Falls

You don’t need a passport. You need open eyes.

During an Urban Plunge, you serve alongside local leaders who know their communities best — people who live there, love there, and are invested long-term.

You might:

Serve at food banks
Build relationships with those experiencing homelessness
Encourage kids and families
Go on prayer walks
Share your faith in everyday conversations

Urban Plunges teach you something critical:

Missions isn’t far away.

It’s here.

You learn boldness. You learn compassion. You learn how to see your own city — and the people in it — through God’s eyes.

And when you go home, you don’t leave missions behind. You bring it with you.

Global Teams: Crossing Borders, Expanding Perspective

Then there’s the global experience.

Whether serving in:

Guatemala
El Salvador
Zimbabwe
Nicaragua

Global Teams immerse you in a different culture, language, and rhythm of life.

You partner with national missionaries and local churches — not to “fix,” but to come alongside what God is already doing.

You might:

Support children’s ministry
Participate in evangelism and discipleship
Help with community outreach
Serve in practical, hands-on projects
Encourage local pastors and leaders

International missions stretches you in a unique way.

You learn humility.
You learn flexibility.
You learn how small the world feels — and how big God is.

You discover that the Gospel transcends language and culture.

Different Experiences. Same Invitation.

Urban Plunges often grow boldness.
Global Teams often grow humility.

Both grow dependence on God.

Both help you:

Discover your spiritual gifts
Grow in compassion
Build deep friendships
Step into leadership
Live your faith in tangible ways

And both remind you:

You are sent.

Not someday.
Not somewhere else.
Now.

Why Both Matter

If you only serve locally, you may miss the beauty of the global Church.

If you only serve internationally, you may forget that your own city needs the Gospel too.

God’s heart is global.
And it’s local.

Sometimes an Urban Plunge awakens you.
Sometimes a Global Team expands you.
Often, God uses both.

Ready to Step Into It?

Whether you’re leading a youth group, gathering friends, or sensing God stir something in you personally, there’s a place for you.

Explore upcoming Urban Plunges and Global Teams at:

👉 www.cfci.org/go

Because the world is wide.
The cities are waiting.
And God is already at work.

March 17, 2026March 4, 2026

Step Away from Screens: Why Urban Plunge and Global Teams Matter in a Digital World

📱 iPad. Xbox. Tik Tok. Screens everywhere. Notifications buzzing. Feeds scrolling endlessly.

It’s easy for teens’ lives—and even their faith—to get trapped in the digital world. But some experiences can’t be swiped, double-tapped, or streamed. They need to be lived.

That’s where Urban Plunge and Global Teams step in.

For a few days, a week, or longer, students trade the screen glow for sunlight, notifications for conversations, and feeds for real-life faith in action. They worship together, serve shoulder-to-shoulder, and discover what it really means to live out their faith—beyond apps, filters, and likes.

🌆 Urban Plunge: Adventure Right in Your Backyard

Urban Plunge takes students into the heart of American cities—Chicago, Dallas, Des Moines, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Omaha, and Sioux Falls—where they serve alongside local leaders in ways that actually matter.

Think:

Food banks, homeless outreach, and mentoring kids
Prayer walks and street ministry
Community projects—painting, cleaning, or park restoration

It’s about learning boldness, creativity, and compassion… all while discovering how to be the hands and feet of Jesus right where they live.

✈️ Global Teams: Adventure with Friends Around the World

For students ready to go further, Global Teams offer an international mission alongside friends. They serve communities in Guatemala, El Salvador, Zimbabwe, and Nicaragua—partnering with local ministries who know their people best.

From evangelism to children’s ministry, construction to community projects, every moment teaches humility, teamwork, and faith in action. And the best part? Serving together bonds friends in ways nothing else can.

Why Getting Offline Changes Everything

These trips aren’t just about travel—they’re about presence.

No swiping. No scrolling. Just real people. Real stories. Real faith.

Teens discover that life is bigger than their feed. That God moves in real, messy, beautiful ways when you show up. And that serving others—whether across the street or across the globe—changes the way they see the world… and themselves.

If you want your teen to step away from screens, step into service, and step into God’s story, Urban Plunge or Global Teams might be the perfect next adventure.

👉 Learn more and sign up today: cfci.org/go

Mission Trip Resources