A Note from John Roach
I’m so excited about the ways the Lord has been moving through our members on mission—we’ve sent 10 teams out since March and are gearing up to send more GABC members all over the world this summer! Jason Humphrey, our Associate Missions Pastor, does a tremendous job planning and coordinating all our mission trips. He explains the why behind what we do in the article below:
Why Go on a Mission Trip?
“I believe that in each generation God has called enough men and women to evangelize all the yet unreached tribes of the earth. It is not God who does not call. It is man who will not respond!”
Isobel Miller Kuhn
We go because Jesus commanded us to “go into to all the world and preach the gospel.” The church is God’s plan for evangelism—we are his missionaries. As followers of Christ, we are all called to share the hope we have found with our neighbors next door and around the world. Obedience to this command may cost you time, money, and comfort, but in turn you will grow in your faith and biblical community.
Our mission partners and church planters are so encouraged and energized when we join them on the front lines of bringing the gospel to unreached places. Please consider being a part of our GO Team!
Mission trips give you the opportunity to share the gospel with people who may have never opened a Bible and do not know Jesus. We live in a world that is starving for something. We crave material things that only fill a void for a little while but sharing the gospel with someone gives them food for life. You have your relationship with God because someone first shared the gospel with you. Imagine if that person never came into your life—what your life would be like?
Mission trips also get you out of your comfort zone, helping you grow stronger in your faith and walk with God. You are the hands and feet of Christ on the mission field. Jesus went to the wounded and hurting – it is our duty as His followers to love others through our words and actions.
We often get asked “What do we do on these trips?” A typical mission trip will have you waking up early and going to bed late, working all day in between. Our Missions team plans one to two years out and works closely with our partners to figure out what is needed. Examples could be helping run a VBS, sports camp, Easter outreach, kid and student events, and so much more. We also make sure to get into the community to share the gospel.
We use the Acts 2 model as we serve together on mission. As a team you will study and discuss God’s Word together, pray together, and fellowship and eat together. The community that is built with your team is truly life-transforming.
As you pray about going on a mission trip, please know that all our trips are heavily subsidized from our annual World Missions Offering. Our church has been so generous by giving money to help support our mission teams. Click HERE for information on all the remaining trips for 2023. We are constantly adding trips as we hear about additional needs from mission partners, so please make sure to check often for trip updates.
It only takes one mission trip, and your heart and spiritual life is forever changed. Don’t let fears of feeling inadequate for the task hold you back. If Jesus has called you, He will equip you with the words and skills you need when you need them.
Go ahead and step out on faith and let God change your life in ways you never imagined!