kingdom

July 1, 2025July 8, 2025

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

June 30, 2025

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!

April 22, 2025

Something Powerful Just Happened—And It’s Spreading!

Fourteen students from Hillcrest Academy in Iowa took a five-day Urban Plunge in Omaha, and it changed everything. Led by longtime teacher Bryan, who had been on a Plunge before, the group of freshmen, juniors, and seniors stepped into a whirlwind of service, faith, and transformation.

Jonathan, the Omaha Urban Plunge facilitator, saw a shift happen. “By the end of the trip, they truly became the hands and feet of Jesus—not just to the people they served in Omaha, but to each other,” he said. “I believe they will carry that attitude back to their school and community in Iowa.”

And that shift was real. Talon found joy in serving at Open Arms Food Pantry, not just handing out meals but sitting down, talking, and listening—really listening—to people’s stories.

“When you see their face light up because of food, it makes you feel so good inside.”

Norah stepped out of her comfort zone to share the gospel for the first time, realizing that faith isn’t just about believing—it’s about action.

Gibson felt a new calling: “Before this trip, I would’ve felt bad for a homeless person, but I wouldn’t have done anything. Now, I want to go up to them, see how they’re doing, and pray for them.”

Adrian saw the power of prayer in a whole new way, understanding that hurt is real, but so is hope—and we’re meant to be part of that hope.

This wasn’t just a trip; it was a launchpad. The students left Omaha determined to bring what they learned home. They’re already making plans—prayer walks downtown, serving at food pantries, stepping into conversations with people they might have overlooked before.

“We make a difference anywhere we go,” Norah said. “God is on our side, and we can do this in our own city.”

The Hillcrest Academy students didn’t just experience change—they became it. And now, they’re taking that fire back to Iowa, ready to live out their faith with boldness, compassion, and action.

July 30, 2024September 23, 2024

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.

May 29, 2024September 23, 2024

WHY A MISSION TRIP IS NOT A VACATION

So, you’ve finally signed up for that long-awaited mission trip. The excitement is palpable, and you’re already dreaming of the adventures that await you in far-off lands. But hold on just a minute! Before you start mentally packing your suitcase with visions of sandy beaches and tantalizing cuisine, let’s talk about something important: why a mission trip is not a vacation.

Sure, it might sound tempting to think of your upcoming journey as a chance to unwind and explore new places, but let’s remember the true purpose behind embarking on a mission trip. It’s not just about sightseeing and soaking up the sun—it’s about co-laboring with God to extend his Kingdom by proclaiming, embodying, and demonstrating the sovereign kingship of Jesus Christ.

Now, don’t get us wrong. We are not saying that a mission trip can’t be enjoyable or that you won’t have memorable experiences along the way. Quite the contrary! In fact, some of the most rewarding and fulfilling moments of your life may very well happen during your time serving abroad. But it’s essential to keep in mind that the focus should always remain on the mission at hand.

So, why exactly is a mission trip not a vacation? Let’s break it down:

God’s Call to Serve: Throughout the Bible, we are called to serve others selflessly. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus tells us, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Our mission trips are opportunities to heed this call and make a tangible difference in the lives of those less fortunate

The Power of Sacrifice: Philippians 2:4 reminds us to “look not only to [our] own interests but also to the interests of others.” While vacations often revolve around indulging in our own desires and pleasures, mission trips require us to step out of our comfort zones and sacrifice our time, resources, and sometimes even our own comforts for the sake of others.

Spreading the Gospel: Mark 16:15 instructs us to “go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Our mission trips are opportunities to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who may have never heard it before. It’s about shining the light of God’s love in dark places and offering hope to the hopeless.

Building Kingdom Relationships: On a mission trip, you have the chance to forge meaningful connections with people from different cultures and backgrounds. It’s about building bridges, fostering understanding, and ultimately, advancing God’s kingdom here on earth.

So, as you prepare for your mission trip, let’s shift our perspective from viewing it as a vacation to seeing it as a divine assignment—a sacred opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a hurting world. Sure, there may be challenges along the way, and it won’t always be smooth sailing. But remember, God equips those He calls, and with His guidance and strength, you can make an incredible impact wherever you go.

So, pack your bags, but pack them with a heart full of love, a spirit of humility, and a willingness to serve. And when you return home, may your memories be not just of the sights you saw or the adventures you had, but of the lives you touched and the souls you helped lead to Christ.

Bon voyage, my friend! Your mission awaits.

A New Chapter, A Shared Calling

From Carpio to Cuba

Something Powerful Just Happened—And It’s Spreading!

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

WHY A MISSION TRIP IS NOT A VACATION

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