MISSION TRIP: Sierra Leone (West Africa)
DATES: June 26 to August 7, 2010 (6 weeks)
PEOPLE GROUP: Temne and others
RELIGION: 70 % Islam, 18 % Ethnic Religions, 12 % Christian.
OUTREACH: We will work with local Youth For Christ staff who are partnering with pastors, churches, and missionaries to strategically reach out in this predominately Muslim country. We will develop relationships and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with people in the streets, slums, schools, parks, detention centers, handicapped homes, and orphanages.
TRAINING “...train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” –1 Timothy 4:7b-8Before we even set foot on foreign soil we train our students and prepare them for the ministry ahead. During Training Camp, students experience team teaching, Bible study, small group discussions, Bible memorization, prayer, team building, and leadership training. They also practice in a skill group to help present the gospel overseas. Skill groups include dance, drama, music, and puppets. In addition, some teams specialize in sports, language camps, or other activities relevant for the location.
PROTECTION “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” –Joshua 1:9Over the years God has called students to give up their summer and invest their time in serious kingdom work. We are very thankful for each student that God has called our way. We take very seriously the safety and protection of our teams. God has entrusted us to care for each students specific needs. We are grateful to the Lord for providing protection in the 29 years we have been leading mission trips around the world. Please continue to pray for protection of our teams and wisdom for our leaders serving our students.
UNITY “...May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” –John 17:23bIf our relationships with team-mates and those on the mission field become strained we can badly damage our witness for Christ. We need to be honest and open with each other, show real repentance, and allow God to break our stubborn pride. It is NO easier for us to admit we are wrong than for anyone else! Pray that we will surrender “our” plans to God, be unified with our fellow Christian workers with agape love and seek the highest good rather than claiming our rights.
BOLDNESS “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” –Ephesians 6:19-20Some of you may think that people going on a mission trip don’t fear sharing the gospel. But even the apostle Paul, bold as he was, still struggled with fear in proclaiming the gospel. That should not only encourage us to know that we are not alone in our fear but to pray that we too would follow in Paul’s example and be a bold witness for Jesus. Please pray that God would give our students boldness like Paul, as they open their mouth and proclaim the message of Jesus Christ fearlessly!
VICTORY “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” –1 Corinthians 15:57Though there is not much talk these days about Satan, he is very real and desires to destroy us and our work for the living God! Please pray that we would have victory over his schemes. Pray also that each student would personally have victory over their own worldly and sinful desires. And pray that we would be in a constant state of thankfulness for our Victor, the Lord Jesus Christ!
WORKERS Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” –Matthew 9:37-38Ultimately our work at Reign Ministries is to disciple the next generation of world changers for Jesus. Statistics show that MANY, MANY believers receive their calling to missions/ministry or will support the work of the Great Commission from their involvement in a short-term mission trip. Please fervently pray with us that God would do a mighty work among the next generation and send forth workers into his harvest field!
LASTING FRUIT “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” –John 15:16We believe it is impossible for Christians to mature in their walk with Christ if they are not willing to speak for him. Unless we share our faith with others, we may never see any lasting fruit in our lives or in the lives of others. This is a top priority for our Royal Servants teams as we travel abroad and the reason we are seeing lasting fruit in the lives of the students and in the lives we serve overseas. Please pray that we will continue to make this our “top priority” in the work he has called us to. Pray that God will continue to work through us to “bear fruit” and “fruit that will last!”
