August 26, 2025February 4, 2026

From Texas A&M to El Salvador: Why John says “Go for it now”

When John walked across the graduation stage at Texas A&M, he knew exactly what he wanted to do before stepping into his professional career: serve the Lord internationally.

“I told CFCI I wanted to work a construction job in another country and I only had a few weeks to do so,” John said. “They took care of the rest.”

With a background in homebuilding, tugboat work, and construction projects, John found himself in El Salvador alongside his friend Jacob—working hard by day, exploring and building friendships by night.

Some of his favorite memories?

Driving up a mountain in the back of a truck with El Salvadorian friends while it poured rain.
Worshipping God in another language for the first time.
Experiencing incredible kindness and generosity from the entire community.

“We woke up, read the Bible, worked until evening, and spent our free time talking, reading, or exploring,” John shared. “It was a great opportunity to grow in my faith alongside Jacob. Everyone we met made us feel so welcome—we built friendships that will last.”

His advice for anyone thinking about a mission trip? “Go for it now. You will not get opportunities to do this later in life.”

Lord willing, John plans to return to El Salvador in 2026—this time bringing more Aggies with him.

Maybe the next person to take that step will be you.

Or maybe you know a college student hungry for adventure, a high school youth group ready to make an impact, or a friend who’s been praying about missions but doesn’t know where to start.

Whether it’s Urban Plunge, Global Teams, Global Ambassadors, or even supporting the work financially, you’ll find a place to step into God’s mission.

➡️ Your mission is out there. Let’s GO find it.

August 19, 2025February 4, 2026

One Purpose, Two Generations

Twelve years old and already teaching chess and sharing the Gospel. Eighty and still serving the Lord. What do these two have in common? They both said yes.

In a world that often says “wait until you’re older” or “you no longer have anything to offer”, Christ calls us differently. He invites us into His mission at every stage of life—whether we’re just discovering our gifts or looking back at a lifetime of service.

Susan and Carsen may be worlds apart in age and location, but their hearts beat with the same purpose—to serve the Lord wholeheartedly.

Still Saying Yes at 80

Susan Grosser first came to Costa Rica in 1970 to study Spanish. At the time, she had no intention of staying long-term—certainly not a lifetime.

“I remember boarding the plane to Ecuador and thinking, ‘Thank God He didn’t call me to Costa Rica!’” she laughs.

But God had other plans.

After serving two years in Ecuador, she returned to Costa Rica temporarily. One temporary step led to another, and soon Susan found herself going on medical caravans, then staffing a rural clinic without a doctor, then helping launch a new outreach ministry in Carpio alongside fellow missionary Sarita Bautista. That ministry eventually became part of Christ For the City International.

Today, 80-year-old Susan still serves in Carpio, a community of over 40,000 people. Mornings find her at the local clinic offering care, prayer, and a listening ear. Afternoons are for tutoring children, encouraging young mothers, and mentoring women through WhatsApp devotionals. She writes daily Scripture reflections for over 100 women in her “Amigas de Nicaragua” chat group.

“It never gets boring,” she says. “There are always new challenges. Most of all, I know I’m doing God’s will. That’s my motivation.”

Over the years, Susan has watched God transform individuals—like a young mother she once met through the clinic, who gave her life to Christ and now leads ministries of her own.

“It’s beautiful to see how God sustains people. Now she teaches Sunday school and runs our clothing ministry,” Susan said. “Her daughter is one of the most spiritually sensitive kids I’ve ever met.”

What keeps her going? Susan points to her daily rhythm of prayer and Scripture.

“Guarding time for my personal relationship with God sustains me,” she said.

But she’s also quick to name the need for younger leaders to rise up.

“We need a new generation of doctors, nurses, and teachers to come alongside and eventually carry on the work,” she said.

For those considering serving—even just for a short-term trip—Susan’s encouragement is simple: “Come and serve. Get to know us. You might just hear God calling you to stay.”

Just 12 and Already on Mission

Carsen is only 12-years-old—but already, he’s learning what it means to say yes to God.

On a family and young adult mission trip to El Salvador, he walked through neighborhoods handing out food baskets and praying with the elderly.

“There was one woman who cried when we prayed for her,” Carsen recalls. “That really stuck with me.”

During Sunday School, he taught a chess lesson at a local church for teens just a little older than him.

“It was exciting because I was able to do what I’m passionate about,” he says.

As he explained how each chess piece moves, he shared a deeper truth too:

“In chess, every piece has a special job. Some are small, some are strong, and some move in surprising ways. Just like in God’s kingdom, every piece matters—and every person does too!”

Teaching chess wasn’t just about the game—it was a chance to talk about patience, focus, and purpose.

“When you play chess, you have to think ahead and stay calm,” Carsen explains. “And that’s kind of like life with God. We all have something we’re meant to do—even if it seems small, it’s still really important.”

And at a local soccer school, he shared his testimony:

“For a long time, I felt like I had to be perfect all the time—whether it was in school, sports, or even just how I acted. I would get really anxious and stressed if I made a mistake. But one day, God spoke to my heart and told me something simple that changed everything. He said, ‘You don’t have to be perfect—your best is enough.’”

When asked how it felt to give that talk, he said, “I was pretty nervous—but afterwards, I felt proud.”

And he’s not done. “I want to go on another mission trip,” he says. “I loved seeing how the Lord shaped me.”

When asked what he’d say to another kid who feels nervous about going on a mission trip, Carsen doesn’t hesitate: “You will really enjoy it. It’s cool to see new places, eat new food, meet new people, and hear their stories.”

There’s a Place for You

Susan said yes. Carsen said yes.

And no matter your age or stage of life, you can too.

You are never too young to share God’s love.

Never too old to step into His calling.

Never too small to make an impact.

Never too late to begin.

Some are called to go—to step into neighborhoods, cities, and nations with the love of Christ. Others are called to give—to fuel that mission through prayer, generosity, and support.

Both are vital. Both are Kingdom work.

So what’s your next step?

FIND YOUR PLACE IN THE MISSION

Let’s say yes to God’s mission—together.

Because when we do, lives are changed. Including our own.

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, 2025February 4, 2026

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!

May 15, 2025February 4, 2026

If You Think Youth Can’t Make An Impact, Read This!

Impacting Lives Year After Year!

For years, the sophomore class at Mitchell Christian School has embarked on an Urban Plunge weekend, immersing themselves in service and ministry. This year, their journey took them to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for a transformative experience that stretched their perspectives and deepened their faith.

From Friday evening to Sunday morning, the students worked alongside local missions, serving meals, cleaning facilities, and engaging with those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. Teacher Dawn Hogue witnessed her students stepping beyond their comfort zones, realizing that knowing about struggles is far different from personally meeting those affected.

“The students were surprised when we saw some of the same individuals at different missions,” Dawn reflected. “They were challenged to think beyond what they saw and consider what life might really be like for these families. Watching them jump in, serve, and interact with both the workers and those in need was a joy.”

A pivotal moment came during a Saturday morning prayer walk. Dawn, along with students Alissa and Trudie, braved the chilly weather to pick up trash and pray over the community. A woman walking parallel to them caught Dawn’s attention. Feeling prompted by the Holy Spirit, she hesitated at first but finally approached her.

“When we asked if we could pray for her, her face lit right up,” Dawn recalled. “I have no idea what happened to her after, but I pray that God will use that little seed.”

For Trudie, 16, the experience was a powerful reminder of the joy in serving Jesus.

“My favorite part was helping at Salvation Army,” she said. “But a big moment for me was having conversations with people at The Banquet and Church on the Street. It was fun to connect with unfamiliar people.”

Urban Plunge, though brief, leaves a lasting impact. The students returned home reminded of what truly matters—compassion, connection, and the call to serve.

April 22, 2025February 4, 2026

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.

March 18, 2025February 4, 2026

Riley’s Leap of Faith & Life-Changing Adventures

Riley Bird grew up in a large family—one of eight siblings—just outside of Seattle, Washington. Raised in the Mormon faith, his spiritual journey took a transformative turn when he gave his life to Christ and was baptized in February 2024. With a newfound passion for following Jesus, Riley felt an undeniable call to missions, inspired by stories of his father’s mission work in the Dominican Republic. With his mother’s help, he discovered Christ For the City International (CFCI) and became a Global Ambassador.

Drawn to Latin America, Riley felt an immediate connection to Costa Rica. Now, months into his time on the field, he has been deeply involved in ministry—teaching English, organizing events, visiting senior citizens, playing with children, engaging in prayer walks, and sharing the Gospel.

One moment that stands out to Riley is praying with a man at a senior center who had recently faced hardship.

After we prayed, he told me he finally felt happy and relieved, like he could wake up in peace instead of sadness,” Riley said. “It gave me so much joy knowing the Lord worked through me to comfort him.

Originally committing to six months, Riley quickly realized he wasn’t ready to leave.

“There were so many opportunities to serve that I wanted to be a part of,” he said. “And I’ve made many friends here that I didn’t want to leave quite yet.”

His time in Costa Rica has transformed his faith, strengthening his trust in God and opening his eyes to the powerful ways He moves in difficult circumstances.

“The work being done here is not only helpful but life-changing,” Riley said. “Many people have so little, but what we provide gives them a way out of physical and spiritual poverty. The joy on their faces makes every bit of effort worth it.”

God is using Riley to make an impact in Costa Rica—and through his story, we are reminded that when we say ‘yes’ to God’s call, He takes us places beyond our imagination.

Would you pray for Riley as he continues his journey? Pray for strength, wisdom, and continued opportunities to share the love of Christ with those around him.

Explore Global Ambassador & Mission Trip Opportunities!

October 7, 2024October 23, 2024

Come to Costa Rica with Christ For the City!

Something amazing is coming up, and we want you to be a part of it!

Join us for an unforgettable experience on a Vision Tour of our Costa Rica base!

This trip is a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible work God is doing through CFCI in different parts of Costa Rica.

The trip will take place from Thursday, November 14 to Monday, November 18, 2024.

Learn more here: https://cfci.org/trips/costa-rica-vision-tour/

July 16, 2024September 23, 2024

TEAM BUILDING 101: BONDING ACTIVITIES TO STRENGTHEN YOUR GROUP DYNAMICS BEFORE YOUR MISSIONS TRIP

Preparing for a mission trip is an exciting and transformative experience, filled with anticipation for the lives you’ll touch and the journey of faith that lies ahead. But before you embark on this adventure, there’s one crucial aspect to consider: building strong group dynamics within your team. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or fellow believers from your church, cultivating a sense of unity, trust, and camaraderie is essential for navigating the challenges and blessings of your mission trip together. In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of bonding activities to help strengthen your group dynamics and prepare your hearts for the journey ahead, all with Jesus at the center of it all.

Activity 1: Prayer Walk

What better way to kick off your journey than with a prayer walk? Gather your team in a quiet outdoor space or a local park and invite everyone to join hands in a circle. Begin by offering prayers of gratitude for the opportunity to serve and for God’s guidance and protection throughout your mission trip. Then, take a leisurely walk together, pausing at various points along the way to pray for the communities you’ll be serving, the people you’ll meet, and the challenges you may encounter.

Encourage each team member to share their hopes, fears, and intentions for the trip, and offer support and encouragement to one another in prayer. As you walk and pray together, you’ll not only strengthen your bond as a team but also deepen your connection with God and align your hearts with His purpose for your mission trip.

Activity 2: Team-Building Games

Who says team-building activities can’t be fun? Inject some laughter and lightheartedness into your pre-trip preparations with a series of team-building games and challenges. From trust falls and rope courses to scavenger hunts and relay races, there’s no shortage of creative ways to foster teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills within your group.

Choose activities that cater to the interests and abilities of your team members and be sure to mix things up to keep everyone engaged and energized. Don’t forget to debrief after each activity, reflecting on what you learned about teamwork, leadership, and cooperation, and how these lessons can be applied to your mission trip.

Activity 3: Share Your Testimonies

One of the most powerful ways to build trust and connection within your team is by sharing your personal testimonies and spiritual journeys. Set aside time for each team member to share their story of faith – how they came to know Jesus, the struggles they’ve faced, and the ways God has worked in their lives.

Encourage vulnerability and authenticity and create a safe space where everyone feels comfortable opening up and being themselves. As you listen to each other’s testimonies, you’ll not only deepen your understanding of one another but also strengthen your bond as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Activity 4: Serve Together

What better way to prepare for your mission trip than by serving together in your own community? Seek out opportunities to volunteer at local shelters, food banks, or community service projects, and roll up your sleeves to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

By serving together, you’ll not only strengthen your bond as a team but also gain valuable experience working together to meet the needs of others. And as you serve side by side, you’ll be reminded of the importance of humility, compassion, and selflessness – qualities that will serve you well on your mission trip.

Activity 5: Worship and Reflection

Finally, take time to come together as a team for worship, prayer, and reflection. Set aside a quiet space where you can gather to sing praises to God, meditate on His word, and seek His guidance and blessing for your mission trip.

Encourage each team member to share their thoughts, prayers, and intentions for the journey ahead, and offer support and encouragement to one another as you prepare to step out in faith. As you worship and reflect together, you’ll be reminded of the power of community and the strength that comes from being united in Christ.

Activity 6: Share a Meal Together

Gather your team for a shared meal, whether it’s a potluck dinner or a simple meal prepared together. Breaking bread together fosters unity, belonging, and a sense of hospitality. As you share stories and laughter around the table, you’ll strengthen your bonds as a team and embody the love of Jesus. So set the table, savor the moments of connection, and nourish your souls together before embarking on your mission trip.

In Conclusion

Building strong group dynamics within your mission trip team is essential for navigating the challenges and blessings of your journey together. By engaging in bonding activities that foster unity, trust, and camaraderie, you’ll not only strengthen your relationships with one another but also deepen your connection with God and prepare your hearts for the work He has called you to do.

As you embark on your mission trip, remember that Jesus is the ultimate source of strength, guidance, and inspiration. Keep Him at the center of your preparations and your journey, and trust that He will equip you with everything you need to fulfill His purpose and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those you serve. Safe travels, and may your missions trip be filled with blessings, growth, and transformation.

May 29, 2024September 23, 2024

Mission Trips: Ensuring Impact Beyond the Experience – A Checklist for Meaningful Engagement

Like most things, mission trips are a mixed bag.

They can be terrible or wonderful experiences, helpful or harmful to the communities that you visit. I’m sure you’ve heard the many horror stories of foreign churches or schools being painted for the twelfth time in a year because they must find something for the never-ending teams of teenagers to do. Or you’ve seen the classic mission trip photos: invasive and undignified shots of ‘poor’ families, homes, streets, or people. Did you really go if you didn’t improve your Instagram feed?

It seems, when you take a step back from our culture and take a closer look at why we do the things we do – that missions (short-term team trips, specifically) are an all-around risky idea. Even potentially a bad idea.

That might sound incredibly strange coming from a mission organization, especially one that has been sending teams for over 20 years and sends over 600 people internationally each year. We love missions! We even love short-term mission trips, but there is a “but”. Short-term mission trips must be done in the right way and for the right reasons.

Here’s a checklist of 5 questions to ask and tick off before planning that next mission trip:

1. Do they have a respectful presence in the community?

‘They’ are the people or organization that you are traveling with or planning your mission trip through. It’s essential to find out not only what they do the days/week/time that you are with them on the ground but also the other 365 days of the year. Do you know the community? Do they live and work among them? Are they respected and welcomed?

Unless you are going into an area that is known and understood, we recommend second-guessing your trip. Otherwise, there is a real danger of coming across as invasive, know-it-all, misunderstood, and brazen. You want to be sure that you are going with a ministry that is experienced, compassionate, knowledgeable, welcome, and respected.

2. Does your work continue when you leave?

This is a big one. Before signing up for any project or activity, you need to be sure that your work isn’t going to leave with you. It’s great to bring people to salvation, but they need supportive churches and communities, and a lifetime of discipleship (we all do!). It’s great to build a house, but do the residents have somebody to go to when things break down and need repairing? It’s great to run a weekend children’s program, but do these kids have access to safety and the Gospel the rest of the year? It’s great to bandage wounds and hand out medication, but what about when the dressings need changing and the pills run out? You get the point. If work leaves with you, you need to ask yourself the question – in the long run, are we really being helpful, or more pointedly – who, really, is this mission trip for? It’s always best to partner with ministries and programs that run all year round and have a permanent presence in your community of service. That way, you are coming alongside what God is already doing in a location and assisting. The work and the effects of your work will stay long after you leave. This also gives a wonderful opportunity for long-term partnerships to form, as you can go back to the same community more than once.

3. Are you invited?

This goes hand-in-hand with points one and two. Think about it this way: what would you think, and what would you do if a team of people came unexpectedly and uninvited into your church, street, or community and set up camp for a week, cameras in hand? Even if their help was genuine and needed, it would still be jarring, if not questionable and insulting. It’s very helpful to double-check that you are invited to wherever you are going – that people know and want you to come.

4. Are you actually helping?

Even if points one, two, and three are in order, it’s still essential to check that what you are going to do is helpful, a blessing, and a good use of global resources. Just simply asking and answering this question would stop the twelve-times-painted-school debacle. It’s worth reading ‘When Helping Hurts’ or other similar resources to get a grasp of what this really means. If a community needs a school, for example, is it better to spend the $10,000 + to bring a team to move some bricks, or would that money be better and more efficiently used in the hands of local people in an area of high unemployment? Which option would sustainably empower the community? What is or isn’t realistic? Of course, this is not the only factor to consider, as we all know that mission trips change or help, not only those being assisted but those who go – sometimes profoundly and for a lifetime – and it’s hard to put a price tag on those experiences. But the facts remain. Often what we think people need is different than what they think they need. The help we give is not the help they want or need, and so it’s always worth asking the question: are we actually helping, in the right way, and for the right reasons? Again, this is why it’s best to partner with an ongoing ministry in a location in which they have a permanent respectable presence.

5. Are you (or your team) going for the right reasons?

There are lots of reasons to go and lots of reasons not to go on a mission trip. It’s worth everybody on your team checking their hearts and ensuring that they have the basics in check. This includes essentials like being called by God to go, a willingness to serve and learn, a teachable and humble character, and submission to leadership and the host culture. Wrong reasons to go include having a (proud and boastful) savior mentality (these people need my help), wanting to simply travel overseas (you are not a tourist), or being forced or pressured by somebody else. It’s always worth checking and double-checking that everyone understands what a mission trip is and why you are doing it.

To summarize, what makes the difference between a useless and a life-changing short-term mission trip is this: Thinking it through and asking the right questions. First and foremost, by asking God and reading the Bible. We must understand what missions are and if, when, and how Jesus asks (or tells!) us to go. It’s imperative to have a foundational understanding of God’s heart for the nations. From there, you need some building blocks: an assurance that what you are going to do is helpful and life-giving to the community in which you are serving. That you are partnering with God and others in a sustainable ministry that is bigger than you and your team. With these things in place though, there is no reason why your mission trip can’t be mutually beneficial, kingdom-impacting, and one of the best things that you ever do.

HOW DO WE (CFCI) ENSURE WE TICK ALL THESE BOXES?
All our countries have permanent bases that run their ministries year-round. We partner you and your group with pre-existing, long-term ministries and missionaries. Over 80% of our missionaries are nationals, people who understand fully the cultures in which they are serving, and therefore the needs. We do not go into a country or community unless we are first invited (usually by a pastor’s alliance). Our bases approve each one of our trips before we send anybody, as they are the ones on the ground who know the needs and the people. We offer extensive pre- and post-trip resources and training.

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