Perhaps if there were more of that intense distress for souls that leads to tears, we should more frequently see the results we desire. Sometimes it may be that while we are complaining of the hardness of the hearts of those we are seeking to benefit, the hardness of our own hearts and our feeble apprehension of the solemn reality of eternal things may be the true cause of our want of success.
Hudson Taylor 1832–1905 — Missionary to China
There is so much work to be done right here in our own community, however, in Matthew 28:19 Jesus is clear that we are to "make disciples of all nations." This is why we also focus our efforts outside of our own backyard. Currently we are sending short-term teams to Mexico, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. We believe teams that go each year to the same field and/or the same church situation are more effective. This allows continuity of contact and better building of relationships, which are keys to effectiveness.
Another measurement of impact is the growth of our participants themselves. Successful team-members influence other church members and grow in their involvement in mission programs. Each journey begins almost six months before our team-members board a plane and includes intense training, study and team-building exercises. Team members are required to submit an application, pay a non-refundable deposit, participate in fundraising and attend all team meetings before and after the trip.
