Apr
5
Serving God by teaching His Word in foreign lands is an exciting opportunity. It can also be extremely challenging, especially when there is a language barrier and the mission is short-term.
In Teaching English Around the World: Creation Lessons for Short-Term Mission Trips, author Cheryl B. Parker demonstrates how to combine teaching God’s Word with teaching English. She provides short-term mission teams with tools to teach English vocabulary and dialogue to students of all ages, while also teaching the Genesis account of creation in a fun, action-packed way. Each lesson is focused on a day of creation, and the dialogues relate to what God did on that day. There are memory verses related to each day, song suggestions, and creative activities that reinforce the lesson and help the team interact with the students in a meaningful way.
Teaching English Around the World will help any short-term missions team teach English and present God’s love and salvation in an effective way. This book can be purchased through CrossBooks Publishing.
Mar
8
Tips on How to Reach the Gen Y Generation.
March 8, 2011 | Leave a Comment
The elusive Gen Y generation remains a mystery to many. How do you reach this unusual and large group of people in the world today? Researchers have been studying their behavior patterns for many years. They have come to some important conclusion that will affect your marketing and communications and recruiting efforts.
Gen Y consists
of over 78 million people in the US. They were born between the years 1984 to 2002. They possess a unique list of characteristics. Below is a list which will lead you to information that you seek regarding this generation.
10 Tips for marketing to Gen Y.
Tips on how to lead the Gen Y generation.
The characteristics that you will need to lead Gen Y.
Tips on how to recruit, motivate, and empower Gen Y.
Feb
16
Take a Leap of Faith into Short Term Missions this Summer!
February 16, 2011 | Leave a Comment
Take a leap of faith this summer by going on a short term missions trip. Or, take an even bigger leap by going into missions for a longer period of time! How about 3 months. Or go for even a year or two! That will really give you great exposure into what it is like to be a long-term or career missionary.
It is a life changing experience to go on a missions trip. See the world, experience adventures in missions, learn a new language, eat exotic foods, explore the alleyways of old cities, or climb mountains to reach small villages. Or you can stay at home and be a missionary from the comfort of your own living room!
There are many organizations out there that offer missions trips both short and long-term. Here are a few of the best.
Oct
28
Tell Your Story on Short Term Missions trips to the Med!
October 28, 2010 | 1 Comment
Millions of people who don’t know Jesus live in the countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea. You can bring light into their lives through short term missions trips that are being offered to this region. Watch the video for more information on Transform 2011!
Transform 2011 is an outreach ministry of Operation Mobilization.
Here are some of the countries you can go to on a short term missions trip this summer! Click the country name for more information!
Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Gaza, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey
Sep
14
Relief Comes to Pakistan from Pakistani Christians
September 14, 2010 | 1 Comment
Recently we have witnessed the worst natural disasters in modern history, the most recent one being the catastrophic floods in Pakistan. Millions have been left homeless and hopeless as these floods cover an area as big as the whole country of England. China experienced devestating mudslides recently killing hundreds. Around the world, we see people challenged by the effects of poverty and disease. War ans social ills have created a climate of fear and despair for so many. In James 2:1 it says, “…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Living faith inspires action, bringing hope and change to a world of poverty and pain, injustice and despair.
In August, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani said that 20 million people, about one-ninth of the population, has been displaced by the disaster. Over 1,700 people have died. Since the flooding began, many Christian organizations have responded to the disaster. One group arrived at the Madrasa, or Muslim seminary. “We asked the chief Mullah if they needed food,” said a team leader. “They said they were very hungry and had not eaten in two days. We asked them if they would take food from Christians. They said, “We think you are better than our Muslim neighbor who is selling food with a very high price.” They accepted food packets from the team and were very happy. Each packet was marked with a sticker that says in the local language, “HELP FOR FLOOD VICTIMS” From: Pakistan Christian Brothers. Please pray that many long-term relationships will build as Pakistani Christian relief teams serve their neighbors.
Aug
13
Dari Bibles in Afghanistan Helping Christians
August 13, 2010 | 1 Comment
It was a festival celebrating the “prophet” Mohamed’s birthday and a young man working as a guard was weeping. He said he was feeling bad because he wasn’t a good person like the prophets. The Afghan Christian listening to him said that there was a book he should read that would help him live a righteous life. So the guard was glad to receive a New Testament and began reading right away. Later he expressed a desire to read the other books of God like the Torah and the Zabur (Old Testament). Now that the translation of the entire Bible has just been completed, his request has become a reality!
Pray for this young man that he would be drawn to the Lord through his word. Pray for the recently translated Bible that it would impact many lives! You can find the Bible in the Afghan language here: www.afghanbible.com
You can also support Christian radio broadcasts to Afghanistan by clicking on Pamir Media.
Aug
9
Iranian Finds Jesus Through a Dream
August 9, 2010 | 1 Comment
Ahmed, an Iranian Muslim shopkeeper, had an Iranian Christian friend who shared his faith in Jesus with him. Ahmed just laughed it off but then he had a dream. In his dream, Ahmed was walking along the road with a companion, telling a crowd of people about the Injil (New Testament). They met John the Baptist, who was looking up into the sky. He said, “There will be a revolution tonight.” Ahmed then turned to his companion, and realized he was Jesus, who signalled with his eyes that he should continue on. He went towards a mosque and found a knife on the steps.
This dream disturbed Ahmed so much he went straight to his Christian friend and asked for an Injil. The next day, Ahmed left the Injil on his desk and went to work. When he came home for lunch, he found his wife weeping. She had started to read the New Testament and had been quite overwhelmed. Ahmed told the men at work he had something important to do and took some time off. He began reading the Injil and comparing it with the Qur’an. He too very deeply impacted by the life of Jesus. Around 2 o’clock that night he was convinced that Jesus was the way to God.
Right away he went to his friend’s house and this time demanded to be taken to a local pastor so he could become a believer in Christ. His friend objected saying that the pastor was in bed. ‘What if I die tonight?’ he pleaded but his friend encouraged him to wait for the morning. The next day they phoned the pastor who was on the road to Tehran. However, he turned round and came back to Ahmed’s town to meet and lead him in a prayer of commitment. Ahmed’s wife and son were thrilled, because they had already decided to believe!
Pray that more Iranians find Jesus through dreams and visions!
Go to Elam Ministries for more information about how you can help reach Iran with the Gospel!
Aug
6
Here are a few stats for which to give glory to God. He will work through the efforts of many people who participated in the Christian literature distribution efforts at the recent World Cup in South Africa. South Africans along with many internationals who participated on international short term missions trips can rejoice at the fruits of their labors.
· 100,000+ tracts distributed
· 2,000+ DVD’s distributed
· 27 Big Screen showings of the Jesus film
· 25,000+ people attended events where the Gospel was presented
· 4,100 gave their life to Christ
· Countries that were impacted as a result of the outreach: Bangledesh, Pakistan, S Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Madagascar, Chile, Argentina, Honduras, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Venezuela, Panama, El Salvador, Moldova.
Jun
21
The atmosphere of celebration surrounding the preparation for the World Cup in South Africa enhanced the excitement of the team of short term missionaries participating in the Ultimate Goal Challenge, an outreach to share the good news of Christ with locals, visiting athletes and tourists. On Monday, 7 June, participants of all ages arrived in Magaliesburg eager to see God at work in the coming weeks. Some traveled from Pretoria, while others came from as far as Singapore and Alaska, the USA.
Opening Night took the participants on a virtual journey around South Africa, with a dynamic blend of dances, sketches, songs, language and cultural trivia. The theme for the outreach is—One Team & One Goal. The ultimate goal is to bring glory to God and win souls for eternity with God. The night ended with joyful and energetic worship.
“I feel it is so special to have that many people willing to serve God, all from different countries and walks of life,” shared one participant. Praise God for this outreach currently happening in South Africa. Pray for opportunities for the participants to share God’s love with many, especially with those visiting from other nations.
Teams have already fanned out, going into rural areas sharing the love of Christ as depicted in this photo.
Jun
3
OM Arts International is a family of ministries (listed below) that exists to empower artists to engage their creative gifts in exalting God and making His name known among the nations.
OM Arts is a ministry of Operation Mobilization.
OM ArtsLink has a passion to see visual artists get involved in the Great Commission by uniquely impacting communities around the world. International missions trips are available for visual artists to serve the Church and engage the world for Christ.
OM DanceLink desires to train, mentor and send dancers of all skill levels to use their gifts to minister and further God’s kingdom on international and local missions trips.
Heart Sounds International heart-sounds.org
Heart Sounds International exists to help ignite culturally relevant and Biblically appropriate worship, especially in places where Christ-followers are restricted, persecuted or unknown.
Bill Drake and his team present multimedia concerts with a unique focus. The concerts are not simply about music, but about God and experiencing the reality of God in your life. The latest release is the “Crowns Experience” which will take you on a journey to find out what you are willing to give your life for.
Jon Simpson Music bugnogmusic.com
Musician, singer, songwriter, and dancer, Jon Simpson aims to skillfully, imaginatively, and beautifully proclaim God’s truth - sharing with others in music and in movement, in communion and in commentary, in devotion and in deed all for the glory of God.
World champion unicyclist Dustin Kelm performs and speaks at youth events, outreaches, retreats, camps, festivals, corporate events and school assemblies around the world. With extreme uni-cycling as his tool, Dustin’s one-of-a-kind performance captivates people of all ages. He challenges his audiences to have the courage to make good choices that change their lives. In venues that permit, Dustin integrates his personal faith story and his relationship with Jesus.
May
15
How God Grows a House Church in Bosnia
May 15, 2010 | 1 Comment
Maria is a Bosnian woman who has lived in the same place for 30 years. Her children are grown, and she is retired and lives alone. In 2008, a missionary with Operation Mobilization (OM) in her city began a house church that met in Maria’s apartment. It was very small–only two local women in addition to the missionary.
A few months later, Maria broke her arm and was unable to cook for herself, so she arranged for a neighbor, Lucia, to bring lunch each day. Occasionally, Lucia would drop off lunch during the house church meeting. She wouldn’t stay although she was invited to. Then Maria told the group about the needs in Lucia’s life, and the church group began to pray regularly for her. Within a few months, Lucia was regularly attending the house church and then gave her life to Christ and was baptized. After that, her son also came to faith.
Then the little group began to discuss the needs of another woman in the neighborhood, Iris, and began to pray for her. Not long after, Iris began attending the church meeting in Maria’s apartment. Later, a long-time friend of Maria’s also began coming to the meeting.
The church group now numbers seven, up from just two in about a year’s time. This is a good picture of house church growth. As the OM missionary helps to disciple the new believers, the Gospel travels through already established relationships they have. These women are simply praying for people who are in need and then speaking to those around them. This house church of seven represents approximately 23 people who attend OM-connected house churches in this city. Pray that each one will multiply as members love their neighbors.
May
11
OM East - Bringing Hope to Forgotten Peoples
May 11, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Operation Mobilization’s work in Eastern Europe continues even though the wall of communism is long gone. For many years, Operation Mobilization (OM), a Christian mission organization whose goal is to reach the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, produced and smuggled Christian literature to nations behind the iron curtain. Below is a picture of one of the brilliant ideas that emerged from that era. In the hand is a portion of scripture that has plastic pages. These were produced in the 1980’s and smuggled into the Soviet Union specifically for prisoners. It was made of plastic because if a prisoner was reading it and a guard walked by, he could drop it into his cup of tea and conceal it. One prisoner found the words to be so inspiring and dear to him, that he slept with the scriptures in his mouth. How valuable is the Word of God to you?
OM East, the ministry of OM that currently works in Eastern Europe, is bringing hope to the forgotten and persecuted peoples of Eastern Europe. OM East provides literature and practical aid to people groups such as the Tatars, Nenets, the Bayash and others.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
(Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV)
Here you can DOWNLOAD the different country and people profiles:
For more information about Operation Mobilization’s work in Eastern Europe, and for information about short term missions trips to that area of the world, you can access the following web sites that tell you how you can get involved.
May
1
Children, the Arts and Short Term Missions!
May 1, 2010 | Leave a Comment
For more information about missions trips on board Operation Mobilization’s ministry ship Logos Hope, go to their web site: www.omships.org
For information about youth, church, group, and individual short term missions trips all over the world that are affordable and adventurous, contact Operation Mobilization.
United States Residents click here: OMusa
All other nationalities, click here: OM International
If you are an artist searching for short term missions trips or long term missions trips in which you can use your artistic skill, contact: OM Arts International info@arts.om.org
Apr
22
Buddhist Monks Listening to the Gospel on Radio
April 22, 2010 | Comments Off
Throughout the Buddhist world, Christian radio programs are being broadcast via short wave radio. In addition to the general population, Buddhist monks are also tuning in and hearing the messages of truth that are being proclaimed. For many years, radio has been an effective tool to reach the masses with the Gospel. Along the Thai and Burma boarder, however, the Mon people group have been hearing the Gospel on the radio only since 1995. At first there was only 15 minutes of broadcast daily, then half and hour and now the Gospel is being broadcast to this remote people group one hour a day, seven days a week by a Christian man named Mehm who is from the Mon peoples! Short wave radio is used as the broadcast medium because regular radio can be too easily controlled by the governments in the region which are opposed to the Gospel. Anything which they cannot control, they see as a threat. Radio has no boundaries! Praise the Lord for the use of technology to spread the truth of the Gospel!
For more information on this ministry, contact Far East Broadcasting Company.
If you are interested in knowing more or supporting the voice behind the broadcasts to the Mon people group, click to get to know Mehm & Ruth.
Click here if you are interested in short term missions trips to the region.
Apr
10
Years After Communism, Gospel Still Bears Fruit.
April 10, 2010 | Comments Off
“You brought those Bibles into Romania under communism?” asked Dina who now works with the Christian mission Operation Mobilization (OM) in her home country of Romania. In the 1980’s OM smuggled and distributed tens of thousands of Bibles into Romania that was ruled by Ceausescu, the dictator who did his best to stamp out Christianity. In those days, Dina was the local secretary of the communist party in her town. She had gotten her hands on one of the Bibles, wrapped it up in newspaper, and carried it with her wherever she went. When asked why she had carried a Bible with her, she responded, “Because I believed that it would bring me good luck!” She came to faith about ten years ago and her life has never been the same since!
Mar
11
Arts in Missions: Engaging, Inspiring and Effective
March 11, 2010 | Comments Off
Visual, performing and technical arts engage viewers and gives them a way to relate to the subject being presented. Jesus used the arts when he presented the message that the kingdom of God was near. The cross today is used as visual art to remind us of what our Savior did for us by dying, shedding his blood and redeeming us from eternal condemnation. Today the arts are used in many ways to present the Gospel and often we are not even aware of it. If you attend church, the arts are used every Sunday in some form. There is singing, presentation of scriptural truths by a church leader, and often there is something visual on a large screen.
Many years ago I attended mass with a Catholic friend at a small church in the Catskills, NY. The priest was a visiting missionary who was working in Brazil amongst street children. The day was warm, the church was full, and everyone was getting a bit dozy. The priest was in his robes and presenting his ministry and peoples’ attention span was getting shorter. All of a sudden, the priest did something that caused the audience to rub their eyes. Did we really see what we think we just saw? Did the priest really just do a back flip? No, surely not. He spoke for a few more minutes and then jumped up and spun around. Now he had everyone’s attention. We listened now to his presentation attentively. Then he did a somersault, spoke some more, then another back flip (which confirmed that we did see what we thought we had seen). This priest had no tools to make a fancy presentation, he invoked the arts to engage the audience. When he was finished, the offering plates were passed, and by the time a plate reached me in the 3rd row, it was already overflowing with donations. People were pulling whatever they had out of their wallets and purses. When the mass concluded, the congregation couldn’t wait to meet the priest. It was a church service and a missions presentation that I will never forget.
If arts ministry in missions interests you, you can contact OM Arts International, a ministry of Operation Mobilization. email: info@arts.om.org
Feb
15
OM Arts: Helping Indigenous Peoples Create Worship Music
February 15, 2010 | 6 Comments
As an arm of OM Arts, “Heart Sounds International exists to help ignite culturally relevant and Biblicaly appropriate worship, especially in places where Christ-followers are persecuted, restricted or unknown.”
Heart Sounds seeks to help people around the world create worship music with their own cultural and linguistic distinctions. Volunteer professional recording engineers traveling with their equipment have helped produce worship music in over 33 countries including Yemen, Kosovo, Mongolia, Algeria and Tajikistan. Sometimes they will install a studio in the country and train nationals in audio production. Many songs have aired on Christian radio reaching millions of people. A lot of prayer and planning goes into each project, and OM missionaries in the home office and on the field make all the accommodating arrangements. Many recordings are done in secret, and each time the volunteers enter a closed country with their equipment, they pray earnestly for smooth passage. All work is doing in partnership with local house or established churches.
Research has shown that churches that are emerging in closed countries grow more rapidly when they have contextualized worship music.
For more information about how you can get involved, contact
or OM Arts International or you can phone: 1-800-899-0432
Jan
15
Roma Gypsy Artist Meets Christ through Arts in Missions
January 15, 2010 | Comments Off
Recently in the Czech Republic, artists who were involved in a short term missions trip with Artslink, a ministry of OM Arts International, were chalk drawing on a main pedestrian street. A gang of intimidating young men, led by Roman, came along. He broke away from the group and asked, “Are you artists?” They nodded. He began to share his newfound passion for art, discovered in prison, and wanted to meet the artists again to show us his work. Through this connection and new friendship, they shared Christ with him
.
Jan
5
Algeria: Fastest Growing Church in the Muslim World Today
January 5, 2010 | Comments Off
A growing church in the Kabyle region of Algeria was to begin meeting in their new building on Saturday, December 26th . This is their usual meeting day, but they were planning to have a special celebration of the birth of Jesus. When the believers started to arrive at their new premises, they found around 50 Muslim protesters barring the doors. The church leaders contacted the authorities who responded by sending four police cars. The police did not intervene, they just monitored the situation. The protesters continued their threats saying that if the Christians continued to meet in this building, they would slaughter the pastor and his family.
This church has seen incredible growth in the last few years, with many miraculous signs and wonders taking place while they meet. Many Muslim families and young people have found hope in Jesus through this ministry. The church leadership are not afraid or discouraged. They returned to their premises the next day and discovered 20 protesters still gathered there. They were able to share the gospel with them and give out New Testaments.
This incident was reported in one of the national newspapers, El Watan. (Dec 27, 2009) According to the paper, the protesters where local residents who were upset at finding that a church building with many visitors from outside the area would be opening up next to their houses. The article highlighted some of the misconceptions that Muslims have of the church growth in Algeria, stating that they where afraid that their youth would be lured into the church with promises of money or other material incentives. The newspaper tried to play down the involvement of the Muslim fundamentalist groups, but it is highly likely that these groups will capitalize on local unrest and use this as an opportunity to try to hinder the Lord’s work in Algeria.
We know that God can and will use this opposition for His glory but we covet your prayers for the protection of the pastor and his family.They are not afraid, but are in great need of wisdom in how to respond and and in talking to the authorities and to their opponents. Pray that the local authorities would intervene in a positive way and even find Jesus themselves!
Dec
15
Arts in Missions: A Creative Way to Spread the Gospel!
December 15, 2009 | Comments Off
The use of visual, performing and technical arts can be an extraordinary way to share the Gospel. Jesus did it through story telling and miracles. Jesus was an artist and God is the greatest artist there is. So, why not use the arts to share the Gospel. People love to be entertained and Christian artists can tell people about Jesus either through their art, or by attracting a crowd and then sharing the Gospel verbally with people. There are a few mission organizations that are involve in “arts in missions” ministries. Click on OM Arts for more information on one such mission. For those in the US, you can click here to see specific international short and long term opportunities of arts in missions.
Dec
2
$25 feeds an “untouchable” Indian child at school for an entire year!
December 2, 2009 | Comments Off
More than 15,000 of the poorest children in India, from the severely oppressed Dalit people, known as “untouchables,” have hope for the future. Education would normally be out of reach for them, but they are students in Operation Mobilization’s nearly 100 Dalit schools. The English-based education offers them future job opportunities that would otherwise be impossible. In addition, the students take what they learn in school about God and His love and share it with their families at home.
But many of these children are from families who don’t have enough money to provide lunch for the school day. A good education is available at no cost, but the children are hungry and undernourished. Approximately 50% of India’s children suffer from malnutrition, and most of those are among the Dalits.
OM is addressing this need with a new program which will provide a healthy meal to the children who cannot bring lunch to school. And a generous supporter is matching gifts given for this so that the amount is doubled–and the impact is doubled.
Your gift of $25 will be matched and become $50! And that $50 will feed a child for an entire school year–200 days! Gifts of any amount will be doubled. $50 becomes $100 and feeds two children!
Click here to make your donation
Nov
11
Planning Tips for Missions Trips
November 11, 2009 | Comments Off
1. Plan your mission trip early.
2. Work with local churches and/or missionaries.
3. Receive orientation from someone experienced before going.
4. Develop realistic expectations.
5. Have a detailed budget and build in a cushion (20%).
6. Be Flexible, Adaptable and Teachable (FAT).
7. Have a strategy to spread the Gospel and for follow-up of people interested.
8. Debrief from your mission trip when you get home.
Nov
11
Purchase Bibles for Iraq!
November 11, 2009 | Comments Off
Hassan*, an Iraqi, received a New Testament while in prison in his country. As a conservative Muslim, he would never have accepted it before, but in prison he read it straight through.
Then one night, Hassan dreamed about Jesus. In the dream, Jesus told Hassan, “I will set you free from this prison and help you to follow me.” In recent years, there have been many reports of Muslims having dreams about Jesus and then wanting to know more about Him.
Hassan was indeed freed from prison and had a strong desire to know more about the Gospel. Eventually, after studying God’s Word, he committed his life to Jesus. And then his wife and children and even his nephew all made the same decision!
God’s Word changes lives. You can help us impact more Iraqis by helping us get Bibles into their hands. Right now a donation of just $2 will purchase a Bible for an Iraqi. You can also help purchase other Christian materials such as evangelistic DVDs and booklets.
Please consider joining us as we seek to help the “Hassans” of the Middle East come to know the One who can truly set them free.
You can donate securely on-line here.
*name changed for security
Oct
26
Go just about anywhere with this mission!
October 26, 2009 | Comments Off
Operation Mobilization has short and long term mission trips to over 100 countries including:
Afghanistan, Albania, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Moldova, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United States, Yemen, and countries in the Arabian Peninsula.
Click for:
customized short term mission trips
Operation Mobilization also has mission ships!
short term mission trips on ships
Interested in going long term (10 mo - 3 years)?
Click for opportunities in long term missions
Oct
13
Get Passionate about Jesus! Attend Passion 2010!
October 13, 2009 | Comments Off
