In 1997, I embarked on my first short-term missions’ campaign with what was then
Global Missions Fellowship (GMF), now known as e3 Partners Ministry. I discovered
GMF through an advertisement in New Man magazine (associated with Promise
Keepers), which posed the question, “What Can God Do Through You In One Week?”
The answer was: a lot! Since that moment, I’ve been part of numerous campaigns,
including trips to Venezuela, Uganda, Russia, Romania, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Costa
Rica, and the Dominican Republic. I firmly believe that cross-cultural evangelism is
crucial for planning global evangelism. The experiences I’ve had are incredibly life-
changing.
As it has been stated, “Three billion people in the world today are perishing, and our
task, as instruments of God’s hands, is to reach out to them and bring them into the
kingdom through the new birth.” The call to make disciples remains unchanged; it
resounds affirmatively. We are commanded and commissioned to go and tell, not to go
and relax. God is actively transforming people and communities, especially when the
Gospel reaches them, and I can testify to that.
Short-term missions are valuable because they offer opportunities for individuals to
share the Gospel, experience personal and spiritual growth, develop empathy, gain
cultural exposure, provide humanitarian aid, and build relationships with people from
diverse backgrounds. These experiences often inspire further involvement in mission
work. Short-term missions are most impactful when they empower local churches to
reach their own people and send their own missionaries. This aligns with the Great
Commission: making disciples and teaching all that Jesus commanded so that they, in
turn, can do the same. Missionary work in the New Testament focused on church
planting and strengthening the local congregation.
MISSIONS ARE MY PASSION! During these campaigns, I witnessed firsthand God’s
immense power and the importance of prayer. Our God is mighty, and nothing is
impossible for Him. Also, these experiences profoundly deepened my faith and
increased my trust in Him. I’ve learned that different nations are unique and beautiful,
reflecting values important to God, such as hospitality and passion. Yet, many people
are missing the most vital aspect: knowing God. I realized how deeply He cares for all
people, even if they don’t see it.
Every day, both at work and outside of it, I strive to live out the lessons I learned during
my mission campaigns. Here’s a challenge for you—perhaps God is calling you to
participate in a mission campaign in 2025. While we can’t predict the exact impact it will
have on you, we know that God is the one who changes hearts and lives.
Let’s go!
