Mobilization – Missionary Ventures International https://mvi.org Involve - Inspire - Impact Thu, 11 May 2023 14:51:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 FAQs about Team Trips https://mvi.org/faqs-about-team-trips/ Thu, 11 May 2023 14:47:37 +0000 https://mvi.org/?p=12446

FAQs about Team Trips

Do team trips actually help?

It’s worth noting that not all of our missionaries accept teams. Some simply don’t have the bandwidth to host a team, and for some countries and specific contexts, a team is not helpful. Yet in several countries year after year, the missionaries ask for teams. These teams are able to accomplish much more together than the missionaries can do alone. They bring expertise, encouragement, and momentum. A team can be a catalyst for a new area of ministry and send a message of unity and gospel-centeredness to the community. The additional impact of a team is in the lives of the participants. People return from trips with confidence to take steps of faith, practical teamwork experience, and inspiring stories for a lifetime.

 

Why not just send money?

Money is necessary and God calls all believers to generosity, but seeing firsthand what a monetary gift can do is irreplaceable. You’ll meet the people whose lives have been changed through your generosity, and you can serve the Lord in other ways as well: with your time, talent, expertise, empathy…the list goes on. Meeting believers from other countries creates a lasting connection for both you and the people you visit.
 

What about COVID?

Many Covid travel restrictions have been lifted, including testing requirements. Some countries still have vaccine requirements (for many different viruses) so contact us to talk about current travel requirements.
 

How do I choose where to go?

See countries where we send teams. Better yet, contact us today to talk about specific options and help you find your fit. Email teamtrips@mvi.org or call 407-859-7322.
 

What if I don’t have a team?

Contact us to talk about options. We may be able to join you with others, or talk about the possibility of solo travel. Email teamtrips@mvi.org or call 407-859-7322.
 

Can children go?

Yes! Team trips are an amazing way to empower the next generation for kingdom impact. Depending on the location and tasks involved, there may be age limits to trip participants, so contact us today to talk about ideal locations to share your love of missions with your children or grandchildren. Email teamtrips@mvi.org or call 407-859-7322.
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]]> Thank you, Naomi https://mvi.org/thank-you-naomi/ Tue, 01 Nov 2022 16:02:32 +0000 https://mvi.org/?p=12381

Thank you, Naomi

What does a mission team really do? We often get asked this question, and it’s sometimes difficult to put such a life-changing trip into words. 

But Naomi, a recent team member on a trip to the Dominican Republic with MVI missionary Rick Sucher, did a pretty good job of summing it up.

Here is what she wrote:

“To say we were changed by what we experienced is an understatement.

We saw God working all around us.

We painted benches, tables, and the entire children’s building inside,

we painted four beautiful scenes from Bible stories on the wall,

we performed a children’s story and songs,

we helped feed 150 kids,

we attended three church services,

we gave our testimonies,

we went door to door praying,

we saw giant insects,

we swam in the ocean,

we had prayer and devotions daily together,

we rode an open air bus everywhere,

we wept,

we gave hope,

we received a new understanding of poor,

we laughed together,

we ate different foods,

we were humbled by Jesus’ love,

we bonded with our group and people we couldn’t communicate with,

we sweated all day,

we hurt,

we learned that the Bible is true,

we saw people receive Jesus into their heart,

we washed people’s feet,

we served,

we pounded nails,

we gave away Jesus and prayer,

we cried,

we were tired,

we sought Jesus,

we were touched with dirty hands and held them,

we were shocked,

we felt despair,

we stood for hours,

we were invited into a house the size of a walk-in closet,

we embraced children daily,

we were sad and heartbroken,

we ran and chased kids,

we pushed swings,

we were paint-stained,

we felt awkward,

we were loved, we saw shame,

we were stretched in our faith and understanding of who God is,

we prayed,

we held babies,

we saw hopelessness,

we had a tea party,

we made princesses,

we saw fear,

we didn’t flush toilet paper,

we had 12 hours of being in the heat daily,

we drank so much water,

we felt safe,

Jesus showed his power,

we read God’s Word,

we walked and walked,

we ate empanadas,

we gave hope again,

we cried out to God and He heard us,

we loved and received love,

we are changed,

Jesus reigns.”

Thank you, Naomi, for sharing your experience, and for serving well. 

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This is just one example of what Missionary Ventures is doing around the world to impact nations for Christ. You can help us continue the work of empowering God’s people by supporting our Core Mission.
Learn more about MVI's Core Mission
]]> Peru: On the Road Again https://mvi.org/peru-on-the-road-again/ Thu, 01 Sep 2022 21:07:41 +0000 https://mvi.org/?p=12345

Peru: On the Road Again

The pandemic changed many of our ministries, and some of our missionaries wondered if ministry would ever

look the same again. One of them was Jorge Cotrina in Peru. He has a talent for theatre and loves sharing Jesus with large groups. During Covid, he wasn’t able to travel and instead

ministered locally. But he recently shared his excitement at being able to take mission teams once again to several areas of Peru.

 

“We have traveled the coast, sharing quality time, food, and the gospel using the talents that God has given us. We also traveled to the mountains visiting schools and sharing moments of joy with the children of these beautiful cities. And in the jungle, we visited seven ethnic communities of Yurimaguas.”

 

In addition to theatre and evangelistic performances, they helped train leaders and pastors and brought food and other resources to struggling families. We rejoice with Jorge for renewed ministry and the children, families, and pastors they were able to bless. “Our team of missionaries is always willing to go where there is a need to hear the gospel, bringing joy, love, and sharing the talent that God has given each of us,” Jorge shared. “We thank the Almighty God who allows us to be part of all this evangelistic work.”

Check out the slideshow below for some of Jorge’s favorite pics of the trip!

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This is just one example of what Missionary Ventures is doing around the world to impact nations for Christ. You can help us continue the work of empowering God’s people by supporting our Core Mission.
Learn more about MVI's Core Mission
]]> Seeing Their Value Through God’s Eyes https://mvi.org/seeing-their-value-through-gods-eyes/ Wed, 03 Aug 2022 17:39:16 +0000 https://mvi.org/?p=12053

Seeing Their Value Through God's Eyes

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, unreached people groups are within reach for pastors like Pastor Sethi Munenwa, who lives about 300 km (186 miles) from the Pygmy forest tribes. These tribes have historically been devalued by almost everyone. Through both colonialism and discrimination from other tribes, they have often been thought of as the lowest of people groups. Some even believe it themselves. They don’t like to mix with other tribes and have even been killed by other tribes for ritual purposes. They live isolated in the forests in poverty. Many believe in witchcraft and practice ancestral worship.

But Pastor Sethi knows their value in God’s eyes and he and other pastors have spent the last five years reaching out to them with the message of Christ. He has been equipped through Missionary Ventures South Africa with transportation through our partnership with Christian Motorcyclists Association. He and two other pastors are now able to travel more regularly to bring the Word of God and other encouragement to the Pygmies, as well as food, clothing, and other societal help.

MV South Africa director Pastor Lloyd Thabatha speaks highly of Pastor Sethi. “We have journeyed with him these last five years. Pastor Sethi and other pastors are reaching the Pygmy tribes to build their esteem by teaching them that they are created by God for a purpose and they are human beings like all other tribes in DRC. Through their teaching many are beginning to be motivated about life.”

Pastor Sethi and the other pastors teach that God is more powerful than witchcraft, and Pygmies are turning to Jesus. Last Christmas they baptized 15 people, and 11 more on Easter. A small church has begun.

While the need remains great, we are encouraged at this group of Pygmies who are now following Jesus instead of witchcraft and finding their worth in Him instead of the views of others.

Thank you for helping people like Pastor Sethi to lead their churches and reach their communities.

When you support our Core Mission, you help us continue supporting people like Pastor Sethi to multiply their impact all around the world. Would you consider a gift today?

 
This is just one example of what Missionary Ventures is doing around the world to impact nations for Christ. You can help us continue the work of empowering God’s people by supporting our Core Mission.
Learn more about MVI's Core Mission
]]> The Impact Starts With One https://mvi.org/the-impact-starts-with-one/ Wed, 25 May 2022 15:37:00 +0000 https://mvi.org/?p=11598

The Impact Starts With One

It’s amazing to see what can happen when just one person is empowered and equipped in their calling from the Lord. For example, Pastor José Herrera first became acquainted with Missionary Ventures in Ecuador, when he was a missionary there from his home country of Colombia. He met Don Wolfram and learned about the Bible seminary classes they were teaching in the jungle.
 
He was being recommended to be equipped with a motorcycle through MVI’s partnership with Christian Motorcyclists Association. “I went out to meet him and see his circumstances and need and his ministry,” Don remembers. “During the visit, I encouraged him to send possible ministry students to our Bible seminary. I could tell right away, that this was a special, earnest, humble, yet powerful, man. I put in an application for a bike.”
 
Pastor José soon visited the Bible seminary, curious if the doctrine and program were worth recommending. He loved it and stayed all week. “He began to entrust us with lots of his key people, and even became a student himself,” says Don. “Over the next 4-5 years he built an army of strong road warriors through the seminary and then we equipped the proven ones with motorcycles and extra discipleship, coaching, and organizing.”
 
A multiplication ministry was happening.
 
Then José was called back to Colombia, but he stayed in touch with Don on occasion. One day he called with a request: could Don help start seminary and motorcycle programs in Colombia like the ones they had in Ecuador? 
 
Since then a new ministry has began to develop in Colombia. They have a God-given vision to raise up 500 leaders. “In just a few short years,” says Don, “there is a vibrant church, a parsonage, the seminary, mentoring rooms, a motorcycle contingency, many outreaches, church roofs, the fish pond, crops, pigs, and a lot of hands-on disciples going out and practicing as they study and are mentored.”
It all began with just one missionary pastor being empowered and equipped.
]]> A New Home in Guatemala https://mvi.org/a-new-home-in-guatemala/ Wed, 12 Jun 2019 14:54:45 +0000 https://www.mvi.org/?p=5892

A New Home in Guatemala

Gladys and her four children lost everything when Guatemala’s Fuego Volcano erupted last year. The eruption killed hundreds and displaced thousands. Gladys and her children escaped with their lives, but like many others, their home was gone.

But last month they were presented with a new home, built in partnership with Missionary Ventures, Catalyst Resources International and a team of men from Rockpointe Community Church in Michigan.

For one hot and humid week in the coastal area of Guatemala, the team constructed a sturdy two-bedroom home for the family. They even added a bathroom and porch area.

“It was such a joy to be able to help a family that has been through so much recently,” says MVI missionary Brenda Purcell. “Together, God’s family blessed far away believers in a way that will meet a very basic need and also be an encouragement to them.”

Beyond just building the house, the men spent time with the family, encouraging them, praying for them, and helping Gladys’ 12-year-old son, Eric, have a hand in building his own home.

“Shortly after the volcano erupted and they lost their home, his father left the family,” explains Brenda. “The Rockpointe guys poured into Eric and allowed him to be part of building his home and showed him the skills of building a house. I believe that his life was changed from being around these godly men!”

Team leader Pastor Rob Markus explains more. “As dads, we knew how important it was to give Eric more than a home. We wanted to instill in him the pride of knowing he had a hand in building his home. Eric had never swung a hammer, so we taught him, and we taught him how to level things up and how to mix concrete. All the final nailing was done by Eric, because God didn’t just call us to build a home, but also restore and build a boy into a man.”

“This is a God project with many great people He has touched to bring it all together,” says Brenda.

There is another story, behind the scenes, connected with this house. Some of the funding came from a family in Florida who decided to forego Christmas gifts in order to contribute to the rebuilding efforts in Guatemala. Their sacrifice and love for others goes beyond just one family’s house. They have made an impact for eternity.

“I’m really thankful to our heavenly Father, that God has brought angels to help us,” Gladys said when the team gave her the keys to her new house. “We thank the people who have contributed to this and for all the effort that you’ve given. Here in this place, where there’s a lot of people who feel like they’ve been forgotten by God, we know that He never forgets us.”

 

Watch the video of the men from Rockpointe presenting Gladys with the keys to the house.

 

Ready to serve like the men at Rockpointe? Check our our trip opportunities. 

 

This is just one example of what Missionary Ventures is doing around the world to impact nations for Christ. You can help us continue the work of empowering God’s people by supporting our Core Mission.
Learn more about MVI's Core Mission
]]> How Do You Involve the World? https://mvi.org/how-do-you-involve-the-world/ Mon, 20 May 2019 14:18:53 +0000 https://www.mvi.org/?p=5856  

How do you eat an elephant?

One bite at a time.

It’s an old saying, but it’s a timeless principle when it comes to tackling a large goal. At Missionary Ventures, our goal is the one set before us by the final words of Christ. “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15).  The whole world is a pretty big “elephant,” so we have to look at it in small bites as well.  

How do you reach the whole world?

One person at a time.

For decades, we have helped send one person, one family, and one team at a time to serve where God has called them. From short-term 1-2 week trips or a lifetime of ministry, we have equipped people to be INVOLVED in reaching the world for Christ. It’s the first word in both our tagline, “Involve. Inspire. Impact.” and our mission statement, “Involving People to Impact Nations for Christ.”

Miraculous things happen when people go. In Guatemala, a team of eight came from the Detroit area to help conduct youth events alongside missionaries Randy and Brenda Purcell. They brought gifts and an incredible program for children in two centers. Then at two other youth events, around 100 of the youth came forward at the end for prayer to accept Christ or to recommit their lives to Him. Amazing!

In Kenya with Deb Deren, a team from Great Britain was invited to visit one of the church leader’s homes. In the very dimly lit, smoke-filled room, they talked, sang together, drank sodas, and laid hands on the church leader’s visiting grandmother who was scheduled to be hospitalized the following day for chronic joint pain. The next day, the grandmother woke up without any pain and proceeded to milk one of the cows and do other chores. The hospital appointment was canceled and she walked to the next Sunday morning church meeting to testify what God had done for her, jumping up and down to demonstrate her joy and healing.

 

Not only do miraculous things happen in the places where team members serve, but their lives are often changed as well. This is sometimes the first step into a lifetime of ministry. After a trip to Guatemala, one of our team members recently wrote, “We don’t want our testimony to just be “we went to Guatemala!” Instead it needs to be, “We went to Guatemala and THEN…”

The story never ends with just one trip. For so many, it is just the beginning.

 

You can help the ongoing recruitment of new missionaries through a gift to Missionary Ventures Mobilization initiative.

]]> Advice for Mission Trips https://mvi.org/advice-for-mission-trips/ Wed, 11 Jul 2018 16:58:49 +0000 https://www.mvi.org/?p=4818

We asked you on social media to give advice to someone going on their first mission trip. We got so many great responses! The most common were to “be flexible” and to “pray.” Here are some of the rest. 

“It isn’t about the work you will do. It is about the friends you will make.” (Brenda Rose)

 

“Read the book of James before you go, be very aware of how the Holy Spirit is moving. Always respect your leaders and listen to them they know what they are doing and have been there and done that! Open your heart, mind, and soul to what you will learn and see. And finally do a daily devotion and write in your journal everyday. I’ve led 30 plus trips to Honduras. Have FUN!!!!” (Sully Sullivan)

“Be a good witness, love them like Jesus does, be flexible. Before a trip a little fasting and prayer is helpful. Read our purpose in Colossians 2;2 ” My purpose is that they be encouraged in Heart and united in love………. ” (Al Barrett)
“Know that those you hope to bless will bless you more!” (Dale Sawyer)

 

“You are not there to change the culture. You are there to serve. ‘You aren’t in Kansas anymore.'” (Pearl Burns)

“Get ready for God to touch your heart in a major way.” (Gary Miller)

“Have compassion for each & every person you meet & pray for them. Help solve their problems. Let your love of God shine.” (Gayle Luper)
“Don’t get eaten, lol. Really, go and it will change your heart forever for good.” (Larry Sowder)

 

“Living out James 1:27 will help you understand Gods heart and why He fully wants this lifelong experience in yours.” (Karl Behnke)

“The Glory of our Lord will shine on you as you minister to others!” (Jim Jenny Scoates)

“Be flexible.” (Kenneth Caeners)

  • Relationships are way more important than programs.

  • Expect the unexpected, and go with the flow.

  • Do all things for the glory of God. It’s about Him, not you!

  • Laugh a lot…. especially at yourself. (Lindsay Rayner)

“Build relationships. Make friends.” (Alfonso Ayala)

“Be ready to be humbled like never before. We go thinking that we are going to DO THINGS, when in fact, the people you visit want to BE in Christ with you. Your presence alone is a blessing. They may have things for you to do, but it is for the kingdom, not for your validation as a worthy team member.”  (Sue Neander)

“1. Bring flushable wipes. 2. At the end, ask your host(s) what’s the best way to send them things like photos and gifts once you return home.” (Normandy Barry)

“Pray without ceasing. Be open to the Holy Spirit. Remember you are there to do God’s work. Smile, be friendly, be a helper. Give God praise for His good works.” (Sherry Lee)

“Flexibility.” (Joe Miller)

“Don’t expect anything to stay on schedule….be prepared to do things you may not feel qualified to do…and don’t worry about what you will say…the Holy Spirit will give you the words…pack light and pray, pray, pray!” (Sherry Brummett)

“Experience everything that is available.” (Miz Peake)

“Expect the unexpected joy of being obedient to the Word of God to go and serve, to be in sometimes the most humble surroundings and feel the grace of his spirit is one of the most profoundly rewarding experiences there is.” (Carrie Walters)

“The unknown can be very overwhelming. Go “prayed up”, surrendered to Him, to be used by Him, knowing that God has gone before you. Relax and enjoy and embrace every moment.” (Barbara Fraser)

“It’s more about you than the people group you are going to serve. Prepare for a personal encounter with God as you set out to the mission field.” (Halwindi Collins)

“Remember to try and learn the culture of the people. Be honest and show that you are happy.” (Kevin Forgetmenot)

“Be flexible and trust God. He knows best.” (Anita Cosigua)

“Be flexible…..”semper gumby.” (Jane Coffman Leech)

  • Prayer – prepare your heart 🙏🏻❤
  • Be available. *Matt. 28:16-20 remember not to panic at the command, but look to Jesus knowing he doesn’t leave us alone, but equips us and is with us. (aj_swim)

“Remember that our best plans are not His plans. Go with the flow so to speak. I’ve had trips where nothing went ‘according to plan’ but in the end His plan for us was made perfect.” (eagle602)

]]> Our Calling Is To Love https://mvi.org/our-calling-is-to-love/ Wed, 17 May 2017 11:40:27 +0000 http://www.mvi.org/?p=3525 When Adam Olson went on a short-term trip medical mission trip to Nicaragua, it changed his perspective about life, love and the mission field.

“We had just arrived at the Re-nutrition Center and were quietly peeking at the children as most were laying down for an early afternoon nap.  As a few of us were standing in the hallway an adorable little girl – perhaps 3 or 4 years old – came unexpectedly shooting out of one of the bedrooms.  Her arms were extended out in front of her, and she was making a beeline for one of our team, Dr. Hackbarth.  She ran up to him and wrapped her arms around his leg, and looked up at him as if saying “well…what are you waiting for?…pick me up!”  I was, of course, touched.  Here was a little girl, who (not knowing her story at the time) was imaginably rescued from a life of misery through starvation and given the chance to thrive.  Then something else dawned on me.  She didn’t run out into the hallway and ask Dr. Hackbarth for food.  And she didn’t run into the hallway looking for a toy or for someone to play with.  She ran out into the hallway because she was looking for someone to love her – to hold her, to show her affection, and to remind her that she matters in her little place in the world.  My next thought was this: there is nothing unusual about that behavior.  How many times have you seen a child, back here in the US, run up to somebody (strangers, even!) begging to be held? That need to feel loved is universal.  When I look back, more than anything, for me, the story has become a powerful reminder that every person – of every race, color, creed, or nutritional status – needs love.  Yes, the mission of our trip was to provide healthcare to the people of Nicaragua, but our greater calling was to love the people of Nicaragua.  And, from my perspective, to do it as Christ first taught us to.  For many of the people we saw, their enalapril or acetaminophen will probably run out, or their head lice will return – but I can guarantee that they will not soon forget the people who intentionally and deliberately made an effort to show them that they are loved.

It is my desire to continue with overseas missions at some point in my life, and this year’s trip to Nicaragua has played no small role in that decision.  But at the same time – in the spirit of the story above – I have learned (or rather been reminded) that the mission field is as much here in my hometown of Wauwatosa as it is in Matagalpa, Nicaragua.  Our calling to love God’s people isn’t reserved for a week or two out of the year.”

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