God has invited us to be a part of His mission to embody and share the good news of Jesus in our words and in our actions, to the whole world. To learn more about opportunities to get involved with our global partnerships below, contact Amy Carlan.
Why Short-term Mission Trips?
Short-term mission trips are opportunities for the people who participate to be transformed more into the image of Christ as they serve under the leadership of brothers and sisters in Christ from other cultures and communities and put the good of others above their own. Short-term missions also allow our covenant partners to encounter other cultures that expand their perspective and understanding of God’s world and God’s work in the world.
God can, and does, do good work in us as we engage in mission through short -term trips. At the same time, we know that they are costly, and we want to relieve some of that burden so that more people can participate.
If you would like more information on applying for a short term mission scholarship, please see the following documents:
Antioch Partners - Guatemala
Missionaries: Eric and Debbie Stone
The mission field in which the Stones serve, Guatemala, is a mission paradox. While being one of the most evangelized counties in the world statistically, Guatemala is continually ranked as one of the most violent, especially against women. The Stone’s ministries are designed to promote a Christian culture via education and practical training that helps folks make decisions that facilitate an ordered, God ordained existence in the face of growing social chaos. Their ministries prioritize women and children.
April 2025 Updates
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Pray that we might partner with a couple of the churches presenting project proposals in Chiquimula.
- Pray that the women in the sewing group might have success with training to both design, produce and sell underwear on a small scale.
- Pray that Eric may be able to teach the Kingdon Peace and Righteousness course to other Church of God congregations looking to involve themselves with procuring the wellbeing of their communities
PRAISES:
- We give thanks for the generous end of year giving. A big "GRACIAS" to you all!
- We give thanks with us for the promising success of both the sewing and the Christian community development projects.
Dominican Republic
Mission Emanuel is a long-time ministry partner of First Pres. Through Mission Emanuel, we have the opportunity to serve our friends in the small communities of Cielo and Nazaret in the Dominican Republic. Mission Emanuel aims to transform communities through the power of Jesus Christ through short-term mission work and relational ministry.
Upcoming Mission Trips
Our next trip will be in 2026. Watch for details later this year.
For information, contact Amy Carlan.
April 2025 Updates
PRAYER REQUESTS:
Pray for upcoming events, April 28, 29, and May 1 in TX. These are first time events. Pray for those involved in hosting and for logistics. Pray for Jim, Holly, and Nicole and their travel as well. May the LORD bless these new connections.
Pray for two new churches joining us this summer: Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church (Banner Elk) connected by Mark and Heather Johnson and All Saints Episcopal Church (Orlando) connected by Elliott and Lindsay Drake. We are excited to have both of these new churches. Pray for their recruitment process! Continue to pray as other communities and churches consider partnering with us as well.
Pray for God's leading to a short-term missions director.
Pray for Rosa Sierra (Mission Emanuel staff in the DR) as she is expecting a baby boy mid-May.
Continue to pray for the Love Your Neighbor Children's Home as we figure out how to best support the children and staff.
Pray for the 30th Year Celebrations this fall. We welcome all to come and join us to honor all the LORD continues to do through Mission Emanuel! We hope you can join us!
PRAISES:
We continue to praise God for the outpouring of support we received last year. God provided the funds and support from new and returning donors who showed how much of an impact the ministry has had on them.
We continue to thank God for your prayers and support. To God be the glory!
Egypt
Our church partners with the Presbyterian Church of Zagazig, which is affiliated with the ECO Synod of the Nile. The Outreach Foundation is a helpful source to find updates and needs from our friends in Egypt.
In February of 2024, First Pres hosted friends from our partnership in Zagazig. Click to watch the worship services from this weekend.
April 2025 Updates
PRAYER REQUESTS:
Praise for two adult baptisms on Palm Sunday!
Pray for wisdom and courage for the Muslims coming to church to ask more about Jesus and for the Holy Spirit to guide Pastor Wael's response.
Pray for the upcoming play (April 25) about Martha and Mary, focusing on Martha's busyness as an excuse we use ourselves as a way to avoid God.
Continue to pray for Pastor Wael's health and strength.
Frontier Fellowship
Haiti
Our church partners with Haiti Outreach Ministries. HOM aims to “share the gospel with the people of Haiti through evangelism, education, and medical care.”
Prayer
Haiti Outreach Ministries asks for prayers for Haiti. Violence and insecurity have skyrocketed, leading to many deaths in the capital, Port-au-Prince. Many people have been displaced or have fled from their homes seeking safety in the countryside or other areas. People are scared and on edge as daily life and routine activities are difficult due to fear of violence and kidnapping.
Please pray...
- for a return to peace and stability.
- for the hearts of those involved in gangs, that their hearts would be softened, and they would turn away from violence against their brothers & sisters.
- for those in power, that they would use their position for good and turn away from greed or self-interest.
- for those who are scared, that they would feel God’s love, care, and protection.
- for our Haitian staff as they serve our ministry, that they would have courage and feel’s God protection over them.
- for a better future for all of Haiti.
Prayer For All Nations
We go and make disciples of all nations through prayer. Our group prays for nations and people groups who have not yet heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Each week, participants learn about three people groups who are unreached and lift them up in prayer. Help us pray that all people would encounter Christ, and that the Spirit would enable His followers to participate in His mission to go and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19-20).
Contact Philip King for information or to register to participate.