The summer tour season is starting very soon with Christian Outreach International. Each summer, many mission groups come from churches and schools to one of our mission sites around the world. It is a great time to meet new friends that have the same goal as we do - sharing God’s love to a world in need. If you have ever wondered about short term missions, I am here to tell you that they are a wonderful blessing to literally everyone involved. Those who go, those who host, those who are met and those back home. Let’s look at the four groups.

Those who are met: Missions can open your eyes to the needs of others. The people whose needs are being met by the mission group will encounter the real God, lived out in the lives of the group members. They will see how beautiful are the feet of those who bear Christ.

Those who go: The mission team. They meet to prepare, grow as a team, grow individually closer to God. They are presented with chances to stretch themselves out of their comfort zones, and see boldness that they may not have even known that they had. They see God use them, and I believe that there can be no better feeling than that. Their faith is increased, their vision grown and their desire to serve God in all that they do is encouraged.

Those back home: The senders. They are the ones who cover the group in prayer and back them financially. They are the encouragers and the ones that share in the celebration of a job well done. They see a group that returns fired up for ministry and looking to continue ministering to others in their community.

Those who host: In our organization, there is staff at all of the sites ready to facilitate the ministry of the teams that come. We have opportunity to meet new friends with a similar interest in evangelism and Christian service. In the long grind of the summer, we are encouraged by each group that comes, as we see their desire to serve and their passion for God.

God’s design is so perfect that by answering his call to participate in short-term missions, in any way, you will be richly blessed and see Him working in your area and around the world.

Share This

Dear C.O.I. Friends,

Since the hurricanes of 2005 ravaged the Gulf Coast, Christian Outreach International has maintained an active disaster presence ministering to the many needs of Gulf Coast residents. Ministering to the emotional and spiritual needs, as well as the physical needs, is essential to fulfilling the mission of C.O.I.

Over the past year and a half, hundreds of C.O.I. staff and volunteers have stepped up to the plate to minister to the immense needs along the coast. Many have returned multiple times to serve, and as the months go by, we are finding that our pool of available groups is depleting, while the emotional, spiritual and physical needs intensify as people face immense loss and increasing stress.

Our commitment to New Orleans residents continues, and we are praying that God will send willing and compassionate people from the faith communities we are connected with to minister on our outreach teams in the upcoming months.

Read the rest of this entry »

Share This

The ability for individuals to serve on a mission trip with Christian Outreach International has never been better! Three new trips for the 2007 season are very exciting and special.

Philippines
An outreach mission to Marikina! Support the local Christian community by helping in Nursing Homes and Orphanages. Medical and Dental professionals are need to help the people, but you don't necessarily need to be a doctor or nurse to help. All hands are needed to make this mission trip a success. You won't want to miss the opportunity for street evangelism and vacation bible school either. During your off-time you'll be able to visit the local sites like the Shoe Museum and Marikina Park. This trip has been cancelled.

Women's Conference and Mission Trip in Chihuahua, Mexico
Just for the ladies. Woman to Woman, Heart to Heart. Join Mary-Alice Isleib (Executive Director of Christian Outreach International) on this trip! We're expecting more than 1000 women to attend the conference. You'll be sharing the Gospel and evangelizing with 2 days of outreach work helping the local women and children.

Sports Clinics - Uzhgorod, Ukraine
Got Game? Football, basketball, soccer, volleyball - Coaches, players, and cheerleaders! Share your sport with the people of Uzhgorod. 30 to 50 people where there each day during last year's clinics. Many learn, for the first time, there is a loving, caring God and take Jesus into their heart. Share, drill, play!! We need at least 3 people from each sport. You'll find several blog entries here that tell the tale of the resounding impact C.O.I. outreach members have while in Uzhgorod. You'll even get to visit Budapest!!

These are great opportunities you won't want to miss. Take a step or two, outisde of your comfort zone, with the heart of an apostle. Checkout our main website at http://www.coiusa.com for more information and give us a call today to reserve your place.

Share This

On March 3rd a great orchestra of 67 musicians including Dr. Tim McGarvey, from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, will be joining C.O.I. on a mission trip to Chihuahua, Mexico.

Five concerts will be performed from the 3rd through the 13th. Two of the concerts will be performed together with the Chihuahua Symphonic and Philharmonic bands in the City Theaters. Two concerts will be performed at the local theaters in two other cities as well. The band will spend their spare time with hundreds of children from local orphanages and soup kitchens.

With the permission of the different local governments, the Gospel will be shared openly after each concert with thousands of thirsty souls! Praise Jesus!!

Share This

Just recently COI led a team in New Orleans where my husband and I had the privilege of spending this past summer. As I read the blog post that Mary Alice wrote and listened to the updates I was reminded of all the people that we met in need of not only provision for practical physical needs, but the needs people have for spiritual and emotional healing.

Read the rest of this entry »

Share This