Our Blog

Spare Change - December 2019

                   4 Reasons Everyone Should Go On a Mission Trip
(This is a reprint of an article I wrote in. I hope it encourages you that mission trips are possible for everyone!)

Have you ever thought about going on a mission trip? Many people have but, for one reason or another, they just don't go. Maybe you're too busy with work, family, church ministries, or social activities; maybe all of the above. Maybe you don't think it's financially within your grasp. Maybe you don't feel in shape enough or you have physical limitations. There are a lot of reasons why people don't go, but here are three reasons why you should go:

1. You Can Make a Difference!
There are so many people that need help; so many people that need to hear the gospel. I have been all over this country helping churches, church plants, ministries, disaster victims, inner city kids, homeless persons, etc. The common theme that runs through all the trips I have been on is that we make a difference. I may seem small, but often those small, seemingly insignificant, things are what matters most to people. I have seen people cry over drywall being put in their home. I sat and listened to a homeless man's story. I have been able to make a difference in these people's lives, all while sharing with them the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. You can make a difference. Don't make excuses for why you can't go, trust that God will use you in spike of your deficiencies. I will say it again, YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

2. It Will Change Your Life!
Inevitably, when people come back from a mission trip there is a marked change in their life. It happens every time! People go, see the needs, minister to others, and come home different. From time to time we need a drastic change in our lives. We get bogged down in the day-to-day doldrums and stresses of life. When we go on a mission trip, our perspective on life is reset. Our priorities are reoriented to the way God wants them to be. So, if you need a refresher in your spiritual life, or just need a break, go on a mission trip, it will change your life.

3. Jesus Commands You to Go!
The bottom line is that we are commanded to go to the ends of the earth to share the gospel and make disciples. Christians must go!  The great thing is you don’t have to be a full-time missionary to make a difference.  Our long-term partnerships create an ongoing relationship that benefits those on the mission field.  We cannot sit on the sidelines, Jesus commands us to get in the game and go!  Will you obey the command to go? (Bonus Reason, newly added!)

4. God Will Display His Faithfulness
Think you can’t go because you don’t have the money.  The scriptures tell us that God owns everything (Haggai 2:8)!  It also says that we are to ask God for what we desire according to his will (James 4:2-3; Matthew 7:7-11).  Raising money for a mission trip can seem daunting, however it provides an opportunity for God to show his faithfulness to you.  God will provide if you just trust him.  There are so many ways to raise funds for a mission trip, don’t let the financial burden hold you back.  Watch what God will do if you just ask and believe.

Upcoming Trips:
Adult & Student Mission Trip to Jamaica - July 25th - August 1st This trip will be a mix of construction and ministry.  We will be installing a playground at a rural school and doing a basketball camp with elements of VBS. For adults and high school age students. Approx. cost $1,800 (cost based on previous trip; subject to change) Contact Pastor Bryan at for more info.

Student Ministry - December 2019

Dear Church Family,

Recently the Student Ministry had its annual Disciple Now (DNow) weekend. Thirty-Eight students and around fifteen adult leaders came together to learn more about how to answer Jesus’ call to “Follow Me.” It was an absolute blast! The kids had so much fun playing games like “Gotcha” (a version of hide ’n’ seek), glow in the dark dodgeball, and even broom ball (hockey on ice, but without the skates). There were four main teaching sessions, one on Friday, two on Saturday, and one on Sunday before church. Each night the different groups of students stayed up late at host homes and played games and ate snacks. But most importantly we talked about what we were learning during our main sessions. I was with the Middle School guys, and we had some of the deepest and most relevant conversations (seriously, I was super proud of them). I know the other groups had great conversations too. If you know someone who  attended Disciple Now, you should ask them about it!

We learned that God has made everyone to be a follower… but followers of who or what? Followers of God of course. But the problem is that mankind, starting with Adam and Eve, decided to follow other things instead of God, which separates us from our loving creator. So God sent His son Jesus to come and restore us as followers of God. All we have to do is put our trust in His salvation. But we found out that Jesus has a “terms of service” for following Him (Luke 14:25-33, Mark 10:17-22). We have to let go of our life as He gives us His life. If we accept Jesus but have never let go of our life, then we are not truly restored back to God. This does not mean we have let go perfectly, but it does mean that we let go in the  major ways and we continue to grow in letting go of the control in our lives and continue to give our lives to Jesus.

Our last session on Sunday morning was all about how to start following Jesus, and, once you’ve started, what it looks like to keep following Jesus. Romans 10 tells us that if we simply confess Jesus as Lord (meaning we proclaim that Jesus is in charge of our lives now) and believe that God raised Him from the dead (meaning that we really believe that Jesus is alive in heaven and that we have an eternal home with Him) then we are saved. Continuing to follow Jesus looks like  Ephesians 4:1-3. We must practice humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance, love, and unity. Do you ever struggle to practice these things? Why is that? I guarantee that it has something to do with not letting go of something in your life and giving it to Jesus. Many times we struggle with these things because we haven’t fully let go of control in a certain area of our life. When you feel prideful, or when you are angry, or when you feel alone, or when someone annoys you… think about what it is that you need to give to Jesus so that He can help you be humble, or gentle, or patient, or united in love. Are you  practicing the art of letting go of control in your life and giving it to Jesus?

But here’s the point: Parents and grandparents, you must practice this yourself. We have taught these things to your   students, but you must show them how to do it. Students need to hear God’s word at church regularly, and also at home. But if they don’t see you attempting to live it out at home, then spiritual growth will be constantly impeded. Take heart! If you are struggling to follow Jesus in your life and home, remember that I am here to help and struggle with you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I am here to help you as we follow Jesus and lead our students to Christ together. You can do this through the power of Christ who strengthens you!

In Christ,
Brian Van Doren