Why do some people make such a big deal out of going on or supporting foreign missions? There are certainly a lot of needs right here in the Jacksonville going unmet as we spend valuable time and resources to go elsewhere. 

I believe every New Testament church has an obligation to care for the people here, there and on the way!  Celebration has a rich heritage with mission efforts around the globe and several church members currently serving full time on the foreign field.

It is very important to me that our church grow in her understanding, support and involvement in foreign missions.  It is important we all understand (and, if possible value) the reasons for our foreign missions involvement.  Here are a few: 

1. It is what Jesus’ disciples do- Simply put, He said “Go…” From Genesis to Revelation, God says that His heart is for all people to come to Him, He acts as a missionary Himself (coming to earth as Messiah) and expects those who serve Him to have the same priority on “going.”  Every time a team goes out, the whole church participates … some are called to “go” … some to support … some to pray … but we all get to participate in each mission effort.
   

2. It requires us to walk by faith- To leave the comforts of home and family, go to the expense and effort to travel, be trained, and experience new places and people…just because God said so…this requires faith. The writer of Hebrews said “without faith it is impossible to please God” (11:6).
   

3. It is loving- Often, when we are on mission in a foreign country we face a sea of human need far larger than we can fully address and we are forced to make hard choices about how to use limited financial and human resources.  We cannot say we a care for someone and not share the gospel with them.  No matter how many of their physical needs we meet…not offering the gospel fails to care for their most basic and eternal need. 
   

4. It is who Celebration has been- Henry Zittrower works in Honduras to provide potable water to the local people, Cynthia Cope helps run an orphanage in Guatemala for discarded children … this church has long valued missions. While it has taken on different expressions, this church has had a love for people around the world for many years.  I pray that we will see a new wave of mission interest, involvement and support!
   

5. It equips us to better minister locally – As our people leave their comforts and walk by faith and courage, they see God use them in ways they never knew were possible. These mission experiences help our own church family grow in faith and passion for Christ while developing new abilities to minister all year long right here at home. 
   

6. It blesses the people we go to – In June, a team from Celebration led by Corey Wolfe will return to Guatemala to help Cynthia and the children at the orphanage.  Also, I will be leading teams to Nicaragua in August and (potentially) again in December. The work in Nicaragua will involve strengthen existing churches through training and discipleship, personal evangelism, minister in local schools, offer a conference to care for women in that community, run a feeding center for the impoverished, and a city-wide crusade. All of these efforts combined serve to bless many people we have never met … year–round!
   

7. It honors God – If you have not been on a short term mission trip then you may struggle to understand fully what all of this means. When God’s people “go,” walk by faith, act courageously to love and lead people to Christ, use their time and talents to care for others, and stand in worship with believers in another nation…it honors God. 
   

8. It prepares us for heaven – Scripture describes worship in heaven as including people from every ethnic group on the planet.  Our ministry around the globe helps us remember how large and diverse God’s kingdom really is.  It also prepares us for the judgment; God says clearly that our use of time and talents in this life are like a try-out to determine who can be trusted with “time riches” for eternity!
   

Besides our work in Central America, we help support over 9,000 Southern Baptist Missionaries who serve around the globe each week, a portion of what is given in offerings goes to support those missionaries!  I am very proud of our international ministry and of the many church family members who have gone or supported those who have gone on mission.  

    Please join me in prayer asking God to show each of us how He wants us to be involved. 

      Pastor Paul