For over forty-years, hundreds of individuals have expanded their understanding of what God is doing in the world through the ministry of ACTS Teams. I have had the privilege of leading several teams over the years and have always found the trips beneficial for myself and the other team members.
I know there a variety of critiques of short-term missions – and rightly so. Too often, in our efforts to help, some have inadvertently done more harm than good. Some short-term mission experiences can slouch towards glorified tourism more than anything truly mission-driven. There are plenty of bad examples out there and our Global Reach staff works hard to make sure we don’t make those same missteps. We work hard to partner with our brothers and sisters in other places in the world to create experiences that mutually benefit and bless one another.
ACTS Teams are inter-generational, short-term mission trips designed to increase one’s awareness of God and how He is at work in the world. You can find all the information, details and application materials at https://www.cggc.org/ministries/global-reach-home-page/acts/. Perhaps you or someone you know needs to step out and explore what God is doing in other places in the world through His people?
Why join an ACTS Team this coming year?
- You will get a deeper understanding of what God is doing in the world. If all you know and understand is the North American church, you don’t really have a full view of all that God is doing in the world. The church of Jesus Christ is alive and well and our brothers and sisters around the world are leading the charge.
- You have much to learn from our brothers and sisters in other cultures. I am increasingly convinced that our brothers and sisters in the rest of the world have much to teach us who live in the West. Some of our fields are seeing incredible progress in making disciples and transforming peoples’ lives. Their faith and followership of Jesus is making an impact upon their communities and cultures and we need to learn from their examples.
- You will develop a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity of the body of Christ that spans around the world. Too many of us only spend time with folks who look like we do, who do the same things we do, who talk like we do and live like we do. God has given His Body such a rich diversity that is made up of people from every tribe and nation of the world. We miss something when we don’t experience that richness. We need our brothers and sisters from other places in the world to teach us what the Body of Christ was intended to look and act like.
There are some tremendous opportunities awaiting you or someone you know through the ministry of the ACTS Teams this coming year.
Gothenburg, Sweden May 29 – June 6, 2020
Gamerco, New Mexico June 23 – July 2, 2020
Palmas, Brazil July 9-17, 2020
Chinadega, Nicaragua July 10-17, 2020
Fallbrook, California July 11-18, 2020
God is on the move throughout this world. He is using His church to do some amazing work and we want you to have an opportunity to both see and participate in what the Lord is doing through His ever-expanding kingdom.
Drop by the website today. Encourage someone you know who needs to take his or her next step in discipleship to consider an ACTS Team trip to broaden their understanding of what God is doing in this world. Reach out to our Global Reach staff; they’d love to help you find the best opportunity for this coming year.
Christ’s Peace,
Lance
CGGC eNews—Vol. 14, No. 2