Mission trips change lives! Those on the receiving end and the ones going! Throughout my few decades at CLA I have seen scores of people catching vision through mission trips.
It is astounding how much attention Holy Spirit gives to missionary exploits in the book of Acts. Most of its chapters are dedicated to missionary trips. This can mean that ‘going into all the world’ is the prominent part of the church. In the first century people like Paul, Silas, Philip, and scores of others walked through their known world to proclaim the hope they found in Jesus Christ. Interestingly, the book of Acts seems to end abruptly, but I believe we are still writing its chapters up until today.
Jesus declared that we will be witnesses where we live and to the ‘ends of the earth’. Missions is the heartbeat of CLA. Whether serving the local community around our neighbourhood or overseas, it is imperative for us all to fulfill our call, not because we must but because our love for Jesus compels us to reach the lost.
CLA has been involved in missions from its beginnings. It started in 1937 with two missionary ladies and in the course of time CLA’s missions budget reached a million dollars. Thank you CLA for your big-heartedness and open-handedness!
The places where CLA is ministering in, we call countries of blessing. It is not so much our duty but our joy for we know it is ‘more blessed to give than to receive’.
Our goal is to bless the people of those nations, and we accomplish this through sustained support. We find that our effectiveness is enhanced when we continue to go back repeatedly. The case in point is Guatemala when in 2009 Steve Nicholson, Dan Loney and I travelled for the first time to visit the orphanage in Monjas. And since then, we have sent teams every year. It is so amazing to see how this ministry has grown, but just as remarkable is that CLA grew as well in missions awareness. This month we are so blessed to feature Guatemala. This is all about pouring the love of Jesus on the girls to see that they are taken care of, loved, and hear the gospel.
The Arctic is another place where we go every year. In January, we go to encourage the churches in Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk. The Family Dinner in Tuktoyaktuk is the highlight as we put on a meal for the entire community. Another team goes every April to raise funds for Camp Yukon. Youth who otherwise would not be able to attend the camp are able to go and their lives are transformed.
We also have trips to Thailand, Poland, Ukraine and Africa. Just a few weeks ago we were privileged to send a container full of blankets, clothing and food to Ukraine. Thank you CLA for such an outpouring of love!
Being involved in missions is a privilege that transforms us as we go, give, and pray. And it all starts with a simple ‘Yes’ in our hearts and God multiplies, equips, and enables. For more information on teams drop by the Missions table in the foyer after the service or check out CLA Missions here.
