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.
October 2024 Updates
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- That our proposed project in Chiquimula takes off before year's end.
- That the ladies of Hadassa Moda sewing co-op form a more harmonious team granting grace to each member.
- That our children in tutoring finish the year strong and continue to grow in their relationships with Jesus and His kingdom.
- That our financial support continues at a satisfactory level for 2025.
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.
October 2024 Updates
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Continue to pray for the DR Staff as they support a local children's orphanage with necessities and educational support. There are twenty-one girls ranging from infant to teenager and one infant boy in the home. Praise God for the support and resources provided by the ministry!
- Pray for student sponsors and new students. Pray for new sponsors for added capacity and for the new students from the children's orphanage.
- Continue to pray for the school year for students and teachers, the medical center and lab, water treatment plant, Cielo women’s cooperative, and local partnerships.
- Pray for additional trips this year and for planning 2025 Trips.
- Continue to pray for US and DR staff, their stamina, health, unity, and ministry efforts as well as for the US and DR board.
- As always, continue to pray for the name of Jesus to be glorified in all that we do and say.
PRAISES:
- Praise for the ME fall fundraisers in Orlando and Winston-Salem. This new format was a great success in both communities. These events had over 200 individuals in attendance collectively.
- Praise for the addition of Katy Rush joining US Staff in Spartanburg, SC to support administrative duties as Holly Lewis moves into the role of Director of Development.
- Praise for the Teacher Training Workshops and Luncheons provided for the staff and teachers from Cielo and Nazaret during the October Trip through the efforts of Margaret Wray and others!
- Praise for the dedication of the bench area and land where families can gather and wait safely to pick up their children after school.
- Praise for the new classrooms which were opened in time to receive students from the orphanage just in time!
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.
Click below to view the shared presentation only:
July 2024 Updates
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Pray for the church in Zagazig to confidently speak to neighbors and friends about Jesus when they ask, “Where is God?”
- Pray for the mission team visiting Egypt in October. Pray for wisdom, strength and peace and to be an encourager to our sister church.
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.