Missions Sunday at Redeemer

On January 27, Redeemer’s 2013 overseas mission trips will be highlighted at all services. This year we have great expectations that more people than ever before will go on these life-changing trips. Ten trips are scheduled, with the goal of sending up to 200 people to South Africa, Chile, India, Argentina and more.

Here are answers to some common questions:

Q: What exactly is a missions trip?
A: Mission trips are special volunteer endeavors where a team of 10 to 20 people serves in an overseas cross-cultural context. Each team carries out social justice and mercy projects while spreading the love of Christ.

Q: How do Redeemer missions trips differ from just a tourism opportunity?
A: We at Redeemer have a unique opportunity with short-term missions. Through the connections of City to City, the church planting arm of Redeemer, we partner with our international church planters as a way of supporting their work. Last year we served church planters in East Asia, Tokyo, and Mumbai, among other locations. Projects the teams developed and implemented included:

• Teaching Business and Finance classes to help adults start their own businesses

• Hosting/Conducting various workshops and seminars related to professional development and “Faith & Work”

• Medical professionals gave specialized care to rural populations.

• English classes were taught to university and middle school students

Q: How can I find out more about past missions trips?
A: Funds raised by our teams were used to initiate outreach events such as a jazz concert, a children’s festival, and a café worship concert. Funds also underwrote initiatives such as property enhancement and infrastructure projects. Teams brought over much needed materials such as dental and medical supplies, new clothes, and sports equipment (donated by various companies) that benefited the local residents. For a comprehensive recap of 2012 trips, please visit the website at www.redeemer.com/missions.

Q: Who should go on a missions trip?
A: There is no certain “personality type” best suited for a mission trip. Every personality and skill set is of value and needed for a well-rounded team. Preparation for the trips includes general meetings, fundraisers, and socials where trip projects are developed and team members get to know one another. The prep time in itself is a challenging and growing experience.

In 2012 many Community Groups went on the trip as a group. Says Group Leader Yvette Thompson: “Going on a mission trip with my community group helped us to truly get to know and grow with each other. We had the opportunity to realize each other’s strengths and encourage each other in new and different situations.” Adds Christi Jingozian, “As a member of my small group I have felt the unity and deep level we have gotten from going together. Our relationships, which were strong, have gotten much stronger. Because they have been strengthened, the body of Christ and His church in NYC shines!” We’re excited about the prospect of more CGs getting involved in foreign missions! But whether you take a trip with your group or as an individual, it’s a blessing to bond with your teammates as you form “One Body in Christ” while serving together.

On Sunday, January 27, look for the Missions Table at Coffee Hour. Literature on our upcoming mission trips will be available, and former team members will be on hand to answer any questions you might have. Some of our past team members will also be sharing testimonies of their personal experiences during the services.

There is much need in the world, and it’s a blessing to be able to assist our international church plants in loving and serving their communities “with actions and in truth.” We hope you’ll prayerfully consider joining us this year.

“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:17-18

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Articles in this Issue

		A Church Not For Ourselves Mai Hariu-Powell
		The W83rd Street Ministry Center in Action Brent Bounds
		Generosity to the Mercy Fund
		Growing Together in the Word Aaron Bjerke
		Alone I Would Not Have Done It Bijan Mirtolooi
		Film Review: Les Miserables Kathy Keller