baptist medical mission trips

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Information about International Medical Mission trips can be found under the Missions' heading "Outside U.S."

Current destinations include Haiti, Guatemala and Honduras.

Information about the Medical Reserve Corps and serving as a medical professional during disasters can be found under "Training" - Disaster Relief Training.

Medical and Dental

Opportunities for medical and dental personnel to be involved with Baptists on Mission include International mission trips, the Mobile Dental Ministry, the Mobile Health Screening Ministry and Medical Reserve Corps (Disaster Relief). Information about International Medical Mission trips can be found under the Missions' heading "Outside U.S.".  Current destinations include Guatemala, Haiti, Ukraine/Hungary/Romania and Armenia. Information about the Medical Reserve Corps and serving as a medical professional during disasters can be found under "Training" - Disaster Relief Training.

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5 Dental Mission Trip Opportunities

• Resource Library 5 Dental Mission Trip Opportunities

Medical missionaries share a passion for meeting the needs of those who are suffering around the world. But that suffering takes many forms. For some, it could be illness or disease. For others, though, the skills and compassion of a dentist is required.

That’s what makes dental mission trips so vital. Dentists and their co-workers carry on ministries that other medical professionals can’t provide. They fill an important niche that can be used as a springboard to share the greatest message of all, the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Mission Trips for Dental Experts

If you’re a medical professional in the dental field, be assured that God has a place for you in fulfilling the Great Commission. Dental mission trips are expanding in number and scope. Like their counterparts in general practice and optometry, dental professionals are finding new opportunities to use their gifts and talents for God’s glory.

In the list below, we’ve highlighted five sending agencies that provide mission trips for dentists. These organizations have reliable track records of service and are considered partner agencies with the Global Health Missions Conference . If you’re wondering what’s available for you, these groups can be a great starting point for your research.

"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:16-20

1. Carolina Honduras Health Foundation

Based in South Carolina, the Carolina Honduras Health Foundation has been providing short-term dental mission trips for more than a quarter of a century. They strive to bring quality care to the poorest regions of Honduras, working through a local clinic and other sites in the country. In addition to hands-on care, Carolina Honduras also supports education for local dental professionals to improve the quality of care on a larger scale.

2. Christian Medical and Dental Associates

Christian Medical and Dental Associates (CMDA) is a respected sending organization that provides opportunities for both short-term and long-term experiences. The group’s commitment is to use the skills of its medical and dental professionals to earn a hearing for the gospel, treating physical needs as a way to address spiritual needs. Some short-term teams provide educational ministry, while others focus on supporting CMDA missionaries in clinics.

3. SmileFaith

While many dental mission trips minister outside the borders of the United States, SmileFaith is committed to domestic missions. Founded in Florida, the group is heavily invested in the Appalachian region of eastern Kentucky. Over time, SmileFaith has established clinics throughout that area and provides a rolling “mobile clinic” that serves various communities. SmileFaith’s mission statement includes providing “hope with every smile,” emphasizing the gospel as the greatest need people have.

4. Good Samaritan Medical and Dental Ministries

While every mission trip for dental professionals involves “giving back” to some degree, Good Samaritan takes that concept literally. Founded by Vietnamese refugees, this California-based ministry provides basic dental care and oral surgeries in underserved regions of Vietnam. Throughout the year, dental mission trip teams travel into areas where traditional missionaries might not be allowed, as God uses them to make a difference in that nation.

5. Baptist Medical and Dental Mission International

The founders of Baptist Medical and Dental Mission International served as missionaries to Honduras. During their time in that country, the physical pain and suffering they encountered convinced them that doctors and dentists could serve the dual purpose of meeting physical needs and spreading the gospel. Since 1974, Baptist Medical and Dental has sponsored dental mission trips to minister to individuals in places like Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Nepal. 

Find Your Medical Missions Calling

Of course, these five organizations are just the tip of the iceberg. New organizations continue to see the potential of mission trips for dentists and dental professionals. So, if God is calling you to use your skills and gifts for His glory on a dental mission trip, the opportunities are there. With a little research, you can make a short-term or long-term difference on the mission field sooner than you realize.

God has given you a heart for healthcare. He’s also given you a heart for missions. Those two passions don’t have to be an “either/or.” They can combine to be a beautiful “both/and” through medical mission trips.

Medical Missions serves to connect your professional skills and biblical calling to the largest database of healthcare mission organizations, professionals, and thought leadership. Join us at the  Global Missions Health Conference  to find your Medical Missions calling. Or,  browse our full list of partner organizations  to find the right mission for you.

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Short-term Mission Teams

Home serve teams, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.  isaiah 58:10 (esv), team members can serve alongside members of our local churches to aid in further reaching the people of a village with the gospel, or help with construction projects that serve as a springboard for new ministry opportunities. teams also support other permanent bmdmi ministries like medical facilities, children's homes, bible institutes or schools., remote assist teams, covid-19 protocols, current teams, team interest form, send a team form.

Baptist Medical and Dental Mission International

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Hattiesburg, MS 39402

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BHSU Medical Mission Trips to Peru Deliver Care to Thousands

Baptist Health Sciences University students, faculty, staff and alumni traveled to Pucallpa, Peru, in April for two medical mission trips. They joined with local pastors and missionaries to help improve the quality of life of indigenous people living in the jungle. To reach the patients, BHSU volunteers travelled hours by boat or car on muddy roads, sometimes getting stuck, but the end results were incredible!

The first group of volunteers completed their medical mission trip from April 14 through April 23, and the second group from April 23 until May 1. During the two weeks, approximately 50 BHSU volunteers set up nine clinics, delivered life-changing care to 2,455 patients and provided reading glasses to 674 patients. Local pastors met with the patients, introduced them to the church and signed them into the clinics.

BHSU Assistant Professor Allyson Smith said, “As an instructor, it was amazing to witness past, present and future students being the hands and feet of Jesus to the people of Pucallpa. These students overcame fear, anxiety and self-consciousness by discovering that they are equipped to do life-improving work.”

The BHSU volunteers offered more than medical care. They also provided spiritual and emotional support, praying with the patients and helping them to realize their relevance in a world where they are often isolated.

“We looked in their eyes, and we let them know that they’re important people, that they are made in the image of God and that they are created by God,” said Director of Faith and Service at BHSU, Chaplain Karen Smith.

BHSU volunteers met with Tom Hough, a South American missionary who has worked in the jungles of Peru for many years. He founded a theological school called The Indian Center, which trains pastors and their families, enabling them to start their own churches. Of the nine clinics held during the two weeks, eight of them were set up and managed by pastors who had graduated from The Indian Center.

“We were a small part of a huge ministry that will continue. Working with the local churches for our clinics gave them more viability. The community leaders’ hearts changed as they watched the teams from Baptist care for their people with the compassion of Jesus Christ,” noted Chaplain Smith.

She said that after the clinics, community leaders who had not been supporters of the churches visited the local pastors and said they would like to invest in the church. They granted permission to the pastors and secured some financial support to improve/build churches in their villages.

“Because of the care the teams had given to the people in the village, they realized the importance of the church within their village,” said Chaplain Smith.

The Liquid Legacy ministry sponsored the medical mission trips, along with other generous donors. Crosslink Memphis provided medicine and supplies. Peruvian doctors, translators and drivers also helped make the mission trips a success.

BHSU Chair and Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences Lilian Nyindodo said, “The medical mission trip was a life-changing and humbling experience. Serving communities with little to no access to health care was very rewarding. We had long and challenging days but were warmed by the smiles and appreciation we received from the people in Pucallpa, Peru.”

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We send people all throughout the world to spread the truth of the gospel to our neighbors and the nations.  We plan to send 1000 people on life-changing mission experiences over the next seven years. You can be one of them.

Upcoming mission trips.

We are adding to our mission trip schedule on a regular basis. Check back here to stay up-to-date on all our exciting mission opportunities.

Date: April 13-20, 2024 Focus: Work with Good News in Action to share the Gospel in parks, neighborhoods, marketplaces, and at Family & Pet Festivals. Cost: $1,700

Date: May 24-June 1, 2024 Focus: Evangelism to college students at the University of Brunel in London. Cost: $2,800

Date: July 11-23, 2024 Focus: Conversational English, share the Gospel at a large outreach, and participate in Bible studies with high school and college-age students in a camp setting. Cost: $3,500

El Salvador

Date: July 13-20, 2024 Focus: Our team of 11th and 12th graders will be working with a Good News In Action church plant in El Salvador sharing the gospel in parks, schools, and at family outreach events. Cost: $1,800

Date: July 20-Aug. 3, 2024 Focus: You'll have the opportunity to serve alongside local pastors & translators sharing the gospel with the Kenyan people in rural areas and villages as well as discipleship. We will train you for this trip. Cost: $4,500

Mexico City

Date: Aug. 3-10, 2024 Focus: Work with Good News in Action to share the Gospel in parks, neighborhoods, marketplaces, and at Family & Pet Festivals. Cost: $1,900

Date: Oct. 6-12, 2024 Focus: Share Christ’s story with Jews and Gentiles alike with missionaries from the Chosen People Ministries as your guide. Cost: $2,200

Date: Oct. 5-12, 2024 Focus: Work with Good News in Action to share the Gospel in parks, neighborhoods, marketplaces, and at Family & Pet Festivals. Cost: $1,700

Date: Oct. 25-Nov. 1, 2024 Focus: Evangelism in local communities. Cost: $2,000

Date: Nov. 2-9, 2024 Focus: Work with Good News in Action to share the Gospel in parks, neighborhoods, marketplaces, and at Family & Pet Festivals. Cost: $1,900

Date: Nov. 22-Dec. 1, 2024 Focus: Evangelism, discipleship and church planting with various teams in western Germany. Cost: $2,400

Date: Summer 2024 Focus: We need 2-3 people who can spend 4-6 weeks in Wales helping with a number of gospel projects while also working with one of the few growing Evangelical churches in the area. Cost: TBD

Where the mission dollars go.

When you give to Bell Shoals, you support gospel work across the globe through these initiatives.

Lottie Moon

The Southern Baptist Lottie Moon Christmas Offering goes directly to international missionaries across the globe through the work of the International Mission Board. Those who are supported receive 100 percent of the funds raised. Over 22,740 new churches have been started thanks to the generosity of those who gave.

Partnerships

Bell Shoals partners financially with seventeen faith-based missions organizations and missionaries who raise their own support. Through these ministries, you help meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people in the greater Tampa area and beyond.

Scholarships

Not only does your giving assist ministries outside of our church, it also supports our own actively engaged members. We provide financial aid to those from Bell Shoals who are going on mission locally, nationally, and internationally.  

Annie Armstrong

The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering supports mission efforts right here in North America through the ministry of the North American Mission Board. One hundred percent of the gifts received are used to train, equip, and send out thousands of missionaries across the United States and Canada.

church plants

In addition to aiding church planting efforts through the North American Mission Board, Bell Shoals also directly supports one church plant through your giving.

Special Projects

Your giving throughout the year allows Bell Shoals to take on additional special projects such as Feeding the Frontlines, supporting teachers in five local schools, and blessing missionary families. We thank you for being a giving church that makes these opportunities possible.

Bell Shoals Church supports missionaries and church planters through the North American Mission Board and International Mission Board. This support comes through your generous giving to Bell Shoals including Lottie Moon, Annie Armstrong, and the Cooperative Program.

Mission Partners

FOREVER HOME FOUNDATION

Forever Home Foundation is a resource for faith-led families looking for guidance and financial assistance in their adoption process. They exist to bring Christ into the center of family growth, not only for faith-based families, but all families.

CHOICES CLINICS

Choices offers free and confidential services (pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, counseling, and referrals) to women who are pregnant and seeking an alternative to abortion.

HOPE FOR HER

Hope for Her offers a safe place where women experiencing crisis and trauma can find the strength, skills, and support they need to rebuild their lives.

LIGHTHOUSE MINISTRIES

Lighthouse Ministries assists low-income and at-risk families in West Central Florida through residential programs, feeding and sheltering the homeless, and outreach centers.

MANNA ON WHEELS

Manna on Wheels focuses on feeding the hungry and sharing the message of Jesus Christ. They partner with other ministries to provide hot meals for the homeless and food boxes for families in need.

COMMUNITY ISSUES COUNCIL

Terry works with local pastors and churches to develop and promote strategies in order to protect biblical values in today’s culture.

YOUTH WITH A MISSION

JC and Rachel Masick serve with YWAM and are stationed nationally in Boston, MA. YWAM is a group of ministries that covers every sphere of society, including ship-based medical care, performing arts teams, Bible training programs, business coaching, sports ministries, anti-trafficking work, and more all over the world.

WORKPLACE PARACLETES

Workplace Paracletes, offers spiritual support to individuals who have a desire to learn how to share their spiritual values in non-threatening ways. They also minister to prisoners and those suffering from addictions.

ONE MORE CHILD

One More Child’s mission is to provide Christ-centered services to vulnerable children and struggling families. Their vision is to bring hope to hurting children, to show that the love of Jesus changes lives, and to impact the life of One More Child.

DISASTER RELIEF

Bell Shoals Church Disaster Relief make a difference during a disaster by offering help, healing, and hope. You can help in clean-up and recovery, feeding ministry, logistics, on-site management and many more ministry areas.

International

GOOD NEWS IN ACTION

Good News in Action seeks to glorify God and expand his kingdom in Latin America through evangelism, discipleship, church planting, and leadership training. Their vision is to establish fifty churches by 2025.

MAVUNO MINISTRIES

Mavuno Ministries provides a loving and safe environment for the women and children of Tororo, Uganda, focusing on free education, weekly Bible studies, and life-skills training.

N. AFRICA CONNECTION

The mission of the North Africa Connection is to engage in evangelism, discipleship, church planting, and biblical education in restricted areas of North Africa. They utilize outreach projects such as medical/dental clinics, sports, backpacks/school supplies, business and educational events.

Ron and Debbie focus on areas of evangelism and discipleship in Colombia. As they develop and train new believers, they mobilize them to share the gospel in their communities, their country, and abroad. They also provide food to the needy through their Open Hands Ministry.

SELAMTA FAMILY PROJECT

The Selamta Family Project believes that every child deserves a family. They have been recreating and empowering families for over 15 years. Meeting basic needs is not enough. They focus on an individual’s wholeness wrapping them in education, health, psychosocial and spiritual support, so they can experience hope and healing.

THIRD WAVE OUTREACH

Third Wave Outreach is committed to reaching the 100 unreached ethnic groups in Brazil that have not yet heard the message of Christ. They do this by equipping and training volunteers to work alongside the indigenous communities.

CONNECT GLOBAL

Connect Global mentors churches and mobilizes missionaries to reach unreached people groups. They maintain these missionary partnerships through projects that aid in long-term strategy and vision.

ALPHA INTERNATIONAL

AIM’s mission is to empower local pastors and leaders with the resources they need to meet the physical and spiritual needs of their community – particularly in persecuted areas.

Church Planting

Revive city church.

Cincinnati, OH Pastor Kirk Kirkland

The Kirklands moved to Cincinnati in December of 2012 to plant Revive City. Along with pastoring, Kirk ministers as a sports chaplain and church planting catalyst for the North American Mission Board. Pastor Kirk is passionate about church planting, multi-ethnic ministry, and discipleship in urban communities. Kirk and Karen have four children: Kerigan, Kolbie, Kingston, and Klaire.

Citywalk Church

Yuba City, CA Pastor Chris Finchum

In January of 2019, Citywalk Church was launched. Their desire is to walk alongside others as they grow in their relationship with Jesus and serve their community with immeasurable love and ridiculous generosity. They desire to be welcoming to all people, no matter their background. They want to be a movement on mission in their city, to amplify the name of Jesus and to lead people to experience the love and grace he offers – not because they’re perfect, but because they have experienced this love and grace and have been deeply changed.

Service Opportunities

Our Life Groups serve our community by partnering with local ministries like the ones below.

a kid’s place

BREAD OF LIFE

FAMILY MINISTRIES OF FLORIDA

friends of internationals

GIVE ‘EM HEAVEN MINISTRIES

METROPOLITAN MINISTRIES

One More Child, Lakeland

REAL HOPE FOOD PANTRY

STITCHING SISTERS

vocation church

1155 Alabaster Blvd. Alabaster, AL 35007

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Playa Del Carmen, Mexico Construction Trip - January 20-25, 2024 Cost of trip-$1400 (estimated) initial deposit of $600 is due with application.  Open to individuals ages 18+ Fill out application below and return to the Church Office with your Deposit. Click HERE to see the work in Playa Del Carmen. For more information please email Joe Davis at [email protected] .

Belize Medical Trip-  2024 trips - January 17-21 , April 10-14 , July 10-14, October 9-13 Cost of trip-$600 not including airfare; plus $175 Maya flight. Open to individuals ages 12+. If interested in going contact Carrie Upton [email protected]  or Tammy Archer at [email protected] .  To see a video on what medical missions in Belize looks like click HERE . 

B elize Travel Protocol Information

Tools of Ministry Construction Trip - October 5-12 - Decatur Missionary Baptist Church, Decatur, Mississippi. Cost of trip-$150 per person ($450 per family of 3 or more) Payment and camp reservations are due by June 1.  Contact Dennis or Janet Dickey for more information if you are interested in going on this trip by email [email protected] Open to individuals and families Tools of Ministry mission trip is a construction trip to help smaller churches with building projects. The trip will be framing an approx. 5000 sq ft building for Decatur Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur Mississippi. If you have a camper and what to camp at Turkey Creek the cost is an additional $38 a night and you will need to make your reservation directly with the camp ground.  The church in Decatur has offered to rent the cabins for those who do not have a camper.  

Eswantini, Africa Trip - TBD 2025 Cost of trip- $1600 per person (estimated)not including airfare. Estimated total cost-$3600 per person Open to individuals ages 16+ For information contact Becky Anderson; [email protected]

Belize Family Impact Trip-TBD 2025 Cost of trip-$800 not including airfare. $100 Fun Day.  Open to individuals ages 6+ Click HERE for a video of Camp Legacy where you will stay on the trip! To see what a family impact trip is like click HERE to watch a video from a 2018 trip.

If you are interested in any of the above trips please fill out the application forms below and email to Tammy Archer at [email protected] . 

Mission Trip Application and Release Forms:    

Medical Release Form

Release of Liability  

If you have a minor (someone under the age of 18) that will be traveling with a guardian or only one parent, you will need to fill out the minor consent travel form. 

Minor Consent Travel Form

Minor Consent Travel Form for Belize

For information on paying for mission trips please visit HERE .

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• Baptist Spiritual Retreats: An Overview of Financial Aid Opportunities
• Conflict Resolution in Baptist Leadership: A Comprehensive Guide

Mission Trips: Baptist Missions

Mission trips are organized journeys undertaken by religious groups to spread their faith and provide humanitarian aid to communities in need. One example of such mission trips is the Baptist Missions, which have gained significant recognition for their commitment to serving others. This article aims to explore the nature and significance of Baptist missions, examining their objectives, methods, and impact on both the missionaries and the communities they serve.

Baptist missions involve a group of individuals who share a common belief in spreading the teachings of Christianity through practical acts of service. These mission trips often consist of volunteers from various backgrounds who come together with a shared purpose – to make a positive difference in people’s lives while sharing their faith. For instance, imagine a hypothetical case where a team of Baptist missionaries embarks on a mission trip to an impoverished community in South America. Their main objective would be not only to assist with basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare but also to establish long-term relationships with locals and introduce them to Christian values.

Through these mission trips, Baptists aim not only to address immediate physical needs but also to bring spiritual guidance and hope into the lives of those they encounter. The methods employed during these missions vary depending on the specific goals and circumstances involved. They may include organizing medical clinics, building schools or churches, providing clean water solutions, offering vocational training, conducting Bible studies and prayer sessions, and engaging in community development projects. The missionaries often work closely with local churches and organizations to ensure sustainable impact and empower the community members.

The impact of Baptist missions can be far-reaching. On an individual level, these mission trips provide an opportunity for personal growth and spiritual transformation for the volunteers involved. They gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and develop empathy towards those facing adversity. Additionally, they experience the joy of serving others selflessly and witnessing positive changes in people’s lives.

On a community level, Baptist missions can bring about significant improvements in education, healthcare access, infrastructure development, and overall well-being. By addressing immediate needs such as hunger or lack of medical care, these missions create a foundation for long-term change. Furthermore, through their emphasis on sharing Christian values and establishing relationships with locals, Baptist missionaries contribute to the spiritual growth of individuals within the communities they serve.

It is important to note that while Baptist missions are rooted in religious beliefs and proselytization can be a part of their efforts, many Baptist mission organizations prioritize respecting cultural differences and focusing on humanitarian aid rather than forcefully converting individuals to Christianity. They aim to serve as examples of Christ’s love through their actions rather than coercive methods.

In conclusion, Baptist missions play a crucial role in spreading faith and providing humanitarian aid to communities in need. Their objectives encompass both physical assistance and spiritual guidance. Through various methods and partnerships with local organizations, they make a tangible impact on individuals’ lives by addressing immediate needs and empowering communities for sustainable change.

History of Baptist Mission Trips

Example: Imagine a small town in rural Africa struggling with poverty and limited access to education. In 1985, a group of passionate Baptist missionaries embarked on a mission trip to this community, aiming to provide healthcare services, educational resources, and spiritual guidance. This case study is just one example of the numerous Baptist mission trips that have taken place over the years.

Baptist mission trips have a rich history dating back centuries. These endeavors are rooted in the belief that Christians should actively spread their faith and engage in acts of service to address social issues around the world. The concept emerged from the teachings of Jesus Christ, who encouraged his followers to “go into all the world” and share the gospel (Mark 16:15). As such, Baptist churches across different denominations have organized these missions as an integral part of their outreach efforts.

The early period of Baptist mission trips was characterized by individuals or small groups traveling long distances to remote regions where they believed their assistance was most needed. Over time, organizations like the Southern Baptist Convention International Mission Board (IMB) were established, resulting in more systematic and coordinated approaches to missions work. Today, Baptist mission trips continue to be carried out through various channels including local church initiatives, collaborations between multiple congregations, and partnerships with international relief agencies.

To evoke an emotional response from audiences considering participating in or supporting these missions, consider the following bullet points:

• Witnessing firsthand the transformative impact on communities uplifted through healthcare interventions.
• Experiencing personal growth by stepping outside comfort zones and engaging with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Building lasting relationships with local residents while working together towards common goals.
• Gaining a deeper understanding of global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to basic necessities.

Additionally, here’s a table showcasing some key statistics related to Baptist mission trips:

As Baptist mission trips continue to grow in scale and impact, it is crucial to explore their purpose and goals.

Purpose and Goals of Baptist Mission Trips

Having explored the rich history of Baptist mission trips, we now turn our attention to their purpose and goals. By understanding these aspects, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the impact of Baptist missions on both individuals and communities.

To illustrate the purpose and goals of Baptist mission trips, let us consider an example. Imagine a team of Baptist missionaries traveling to a remote village in Southeast Asia. Their primary goal is to provide medical assistance to underserved populations who lack access to proper healthcare facilities. This demonstration of compassion aligns with one of the core purposes of Baptist mission trips: to bring hope, healing, and tangible support to those in need.

The objectives pursued through these endeavors can be summarized as follows:

• Sharing the Gospel: Central to every Baptist mission trip is the desire to spread the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Through personal testimonies, Bible studies, and community outreach programs, missionaries aim to ignite spiritual curiosity among locals.
• Discipleship: Another crucial aspect of Baptist missions is disciple-making. By investing time and effort in nurturing new believers or strengthening existing ones, missionaries strive to develop sustainable faith communities that continue growing long after they have left.
• Community Development: Beyond spiritual matters, missionary teams also prioritize improving living conditions within target communities. This may involve constructing schools or wells, organizing vocational training workshops, or assisting with agricultural projects—all aimed at fostering self-sufficiency and enhancing quality of life.
• Cultural Exchange: Finally, Baptist mission trips seek not only to impart knowledge but also foster cross-cultural relationships built on respect and empathy. Such interactions allow missionaries and locals alike to learn from each other’s unique perspectives while cultivating mutual understanding.

Consider these powerful outcomes that stem from successful Baptist mission trips:

• Lives transformed by encountering God’s love firsthand
• Sustainable change achieved through holistic community development initiatives
• Deepened sense of purpose and fulfillment among missionaries
• Bonds formed across cultural barriers, fostering unity and harmony

Emotional table:

With their purpose focused on spreading the Gospel, disciple-making, community development, and cultural exchange, Baptist mission trips serve as catalysts for profound change. As we delve into the subsequent section about preparation and planning for these missions, it becomes evident that careful consideration is given to ensure the realization of these goals.

Preparation and Planning for Baptist Mission Trips

Building on the previous section’s exploration of the purpose and goals of Baptist mission trips, it is important to delve further into the practical aspects of preparing for such endeavors. To illustrate this, consider a hypothetical case study involving a group of Baptist missionaries planning their trip to an impoverished community in Central America.

Preparation and Planning Considerations

Before embarking on any mission trip, careful preparation and planning are essential. Here are some key considerations for Baptist missions:

Logistics: The logistical aspect involves arranging transportation, accommodations, and meals for the missionary team. In our case study, the missionaries would need to secure flights, coordinate ground transportation within the host country, identify suitable lodging options that align with their budget and safety requirements, as well as plan nutritious meals throughout their stay.

Partnerships: Collaboration with local churches or organizations plays a crucial role in ensuring effective outreach efforts. By partnering with established entities in foreign communities, missionaries can tap into existing networks, gain cultural insights from experienced individuals, and make a more significant impact together.

Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing and respecting cultural differences is vital when engaging with communities during mission trips. It is imperative to conduct thorough research about local customs, traditions, values, and etiquette norms before arrival. This knowledge will foster meaningful connections with community members while avoiding unintentional offense or misunderstandings.

Health and Safety: Ensuring the health and safety of all participants should be paramount throughout mission trip preparations. Vaccinations specific to the destination region may be required; comprehensive travel insurance coverage should also be arranged. Additionally, creating emergency response plans and providing appropriate training ensures readiness for unforeseen circumstances.

Emotional Impact: Bullet Point List

Consider these emotional factors that often come into play during Baptist mission trips:

• Compassion: Witnessing firsthand the struggles faced by marginalized communities can evoke a deep sense of compassion and empathy.
• Hope: Offering assistance, resources, and spiritual guidance to those in need instills hope for positive change within the community.
• Transformation: Mission trips often have transformative effects on both missionaries and the communities they serve. Personal growth, renewed faith, and lasting relationships are common outcomes.
• Fulfillment: The joy experienced when making a tangible difference in someone’s life is unparalleled and leaves participants with a profound sense of fulfillment.

Emotional Impact: Table

Types of activities in baptist mission trips.

As we transition into exploring the various types of activities involved in Baptist mission trips, it is important to consider how these efforts align with the overall goals discussed earlier. By engaging in specific initiatives that address local needs while fostering cultural sensitivity, missionaries can maximize their impact on the communities they serve.

Mission trips organized by Baptist missions provide a unique opportunity for individuals to engage in various activities aimed at serving communities in need. This section will discuss the types of activities typically undertaken during these mission trips, highlighting their significance and impact.

To illustrate the range of activities involved, let us consider a hypothetical scenario where a Baptist mission trip is conducted in a rural village lacking access to clean drinking water. The team members may begin by assessing the existing water sources and conducting tests to determine the quality of the water. Following this assessment, they might then proceed with implementing solutions such as building wells or installing water filtration systems. In addition to addressing immediate needs, educational workshops on hygiene practices could also be conducted to ensure long-term sustainability.

During Baptist mission trips, participants engage in various activities that encompass physical labor, education, healthcare provision, and spiritual support. Some common activities include:

• Construction projects: Building houses, schools, churches or repairing infrastructure.
• Medical assistance: Providing basic medical care through clinics or health camps.
• Educational initiatives: Conducting classes, tutoring sessions or organizing vocational training programs.
• Spiritual guidance: Offering counseling services, leading worship sessions or holding prayer meetings.

These activities are not only intended to meet immediate needs but also aim to empower communities for long-lasting change. Through hands-on involvement and compassionate service, volunteers can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those they serve.

The table below highlights some emotional responses often experienced by both participants and beneficiaries during Baptist mission trips:

In conclusion, Baptist mission trips encompass a wide range of activities that cater to the needs of communities in various aspects such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and spiritual support. These endeavors not only address immediate concerns but also aim to bring about lasting change by empowering communities. The emotional responses experienced during these missions highlight the profound impact they have on both participants and beneficiaries alike.

Moving forward into the next section on “Impact and Benefits of Baptist Mission Trips,” we will explore how these experiences shape individuals’ perspectives and contribute to personal growth.

Impact and Benefits of Baptist Mission Trips

One example of the types of activities that participants engage in during Baptist mission trips is providing medical assistance to underserved communities. For instance, a group of volunteers from a Baptist church traveled to a rural village in Africa where access to healthcare was limited. They set up temporary clinics and provided basic medical services such as check-ups, vaccinations, and treatment for common ailments. This not only addressed immediate health needs but also helped establish relationships with the local community.

Baptist mission trips involve various activities aimed at making a positive impact on the lives of others. These activities can include:

• Construction projects: Volunteers may help build or repair houses, schools, churches, or other infrastructure within disadvantaged communities.
• Education programs: Participants may teach English, math, or vocational skills to children and adults who lack access to formal education.
• Community development initiatives: This could involve organizing workshops on topics like hygiene, nutrition, financial management, or sustainable farming practices.
• Spiritual outreach: In addition to practical assistance, missionaries often share their faith through evangelism efforts such as Bible studies or religious gatherings.

To illustrate the diverse range of activities involved in Baptist mission trips further, consider the following table showcasing examples from different regions:

These activities aim to address pressing needs while fostering long-term change within communities. By addressing physical, educational, social, and spiritual aspects of individuals’ lives, these missions contribute holistically towards community development.

Moving forward into understanding challenges faced during these mission trips, it is important to consider the potential obstacles and their respective solutions.

Challenges and Solutions in Baptist Mission Trips

Having explored the significant impact and benefits that Baptist mission trips can bring, it is crucial to acknowledge the challenges faced by participants during these endeavors. By understanding these obstacles and their corresponding solutions, individuals involved in Baptist missions can better prepare themselves for a successful trip.

One example of a challenge encountered on Baptist mission trips is language barriers. When traveling to foreign countries or regions with different native languages, communication becomes an obstacle. For instance, imagine a group of missionaries from a Baptist church in the United States visiting rural villages in Cambodia where English proficiency is limited. This scenario presents an opportunity for growth but also poses difficulties when conveying important messages about faith and assistance programs effectively.

To overcome such challenges, several solutions can be implemented:

• Language training: Prior to embarking on a mission trip, volunteers can undergo language training sessions specific to the region they will visit. Basic conversational phrases and key terms related to their objectives will enhance communication efforts.
• Interpreters: Collaborating with local interpreters who are proficient in both English and the local language ensures effective communication between missionaries and community members.
• Visual aids: Utilizing visual aids like pictures, charts, or maps can help bridge language gaps by providing a means of non-verbal communication that transcends linguistic barriers.
• Cultural sensitivity workshops: Participants should engage in cultural sensitivity workshops to gain insight into customs, traditions, and appropriate behavior within the host country’s context. Understanding cultural norms fosters mutual respect and minimizes misunderstandings caused by differences.

In addition to overcoming language barriers, other challenges may arise during Baptist mission trips. These could include logistical issues like transportation limitations or inadequate infrastructure at project sites. Moreover, adapting to unfamiliar living conditions, such as lack of access to basic amenities or limited resources, can be emotionally and physically challenging for participants.

To better navigate these difficulties, it is essential to foster a supportive environment that encourages teamwork and resilience. Team members should work together to find creative solutions while relying on the following principles:

By acknowledging and addressing the challenges faced during Baptist mission trips, individuals can develop strategies that will enhance their overall experience. These solutions enable missionaries to effectively serve communities abroad while also fostering personal growth and cultural exchange.

In this section, we have explored some typical challenges encountered during Baptist mission trips along with practical solutions. By being prepared for linguistic barriers through language training, utilizing interpreters, incorporating visual aids, and practicing cultural sensitivity, volunteers can overcome communication obstacles. Moreover, embracing flexibility, patience, perseverance, and resourcefulness ensures success in navigating logistical issues and adapting to unfamiliar environments. Ultimately, by proactively addressing these challenges head-on rather than shying away from them, individuals engaging in Baptist missions can maximize their impact and create meaningful connections across borders.

Related posts:

• Bible Study: Enhancing Baptist Discipleship
• Community Outreach: Baptist Missions and How They Serve
• Cross-Cultural Ministry in Baptist Missions: The Context

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Khabarovsk students seek English, find Jesus instead

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KHABAROVSK, Russia (BP)–For decades, communism was the bedrock of Khabarovsk, an industrial city in the Russian Pacific. But communism’s failure has left many people as empty and barren as the trees that tower over them through the dark Russian winter. A visitor can sense an ideological vacuum among those who live in cities like Khabarovsk, once a stalwart of Soviet communism. But the vacuum leaves room for an interest in spiritual matters, especially among the next generation. Home to more than a dozen learning institutions or colleges, Khabarovsk is a magnet for the young of Russia’s Far East. And as joint ventures with American firms emerge, students are taking note — and rushing to learn English with help from people like Ross and Rebecca Carringer*, Southern Baptist International Mission Board missionaries. The Carringers don’t advertise their classes because the response is too overwhelming. But they’ve found that many students who hear about them by word of mouth are interested not only in learning English, but in learning about God as well. Several have decided to follow Jesus Christ and have become part of a church very different from other traditional Russian Baptist churches. “It’s amazing to see how quickly the interest in English kind of goes by the wayside and studying the Bible becomes more important to them,” said Robin Carringer. “Almost immediately they start to attend our Bible studies and other activities. “It’s been exciting to see how many have come to know the Lord from that start.” A central part of the Khabarovsk ministry is the Christian Student Center. Started by IMB workers who first came to the area in 1993, the center provides young believers a place to fellowship, to grow and to bring friends who are not Christian. Some time ago, Natasha came to the center because of what it offered. But the Christlike love of the missionaries drew her to seek God. Now, she’s a glowing witness to the love of Jesus Christ among her peers. Natasha also plays a vital role in Transformation Baptist Church. Started in 1994, Transformation is unlike most Russian churches. At Transformation, students are welcome to come just as they are. “Usually a student ministry grows out of a local church ministry,” said Ross Carringer. “In this situation it has been just the exact opposite. We began with a student ministry.” Since students knew nothing about Christian church life, it was easy to form them into a church body, he adds. “We began to meet just on Sunday mornings with them and conduct a small worship time. And then with the sponsorship of the local Baptist Union, we decided this is a good place to start a new church.” The Carringers are excited by what they see happening in the lives of these students and in the new church. No longer are they spiritually dormant like barren Russian trees. Instead, like Natasha, they reflect the radiance of Christ. Others will surely be drawn by it.

Adapted from the February 1998 edition of the International Mission Board’s “On Mission With God” video series.

*Name changed

True Love Waits message goes to Washington, state capitals Terri Lackey

WASHINGTON (BP)–Three True Love Waits officials from Nashville, Tenn., and two Virginia teenagers peddled the advantages of sexual abstinence until marriage to some of the nation’s power elite, April 21-22. In Washington, the group made rounds visiting Surgeon General David Satcher, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott of Mississippi and 11 other U.S. senators and members of the House of Representatives to educate them about the successes of the five-year-old True Love Waits (TLW) movement. The group also asked the Washington officials to endorse all sexual abstinence movements through speeches and external messages to the public by encouraging teens to choose abstinence as the better option over safe sex. The entourage of TLW representatives included high school seniors Monica DePaz and Brad Tomas, both of whom have pledged sexual abstinence, and Richard Ross, Jimmy Hester and Clyde Hall of the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. DePaz and Tomas are youth members of Columbia Baptist Church, Falls Church, Va. True Love Waits is an international campaign that challenges teens and college students to remain sexually abstinent until marriage. The movement was created in 1993 by a group at the Sunday School Board in response to perceived teenage willingness to be sexually abstinent, but an uncertainty about how they would be accepted by their peers. In each of the meetings, the group briefed Washington officials on the history of the TLW movement, told them what is happening with the campaign today and allowed the teens to present the reasons they decided to take the TLW pledge. The pledge reads: “Believing that true love waits, I make a commitment to God, myself, my family, my friends, my future mate and my future children to be sexually abstinent from this day until the day I enter a biblical marriage relationship.” An example of TLW success, Hester said, is evidenced by the number of commitment cards purchased during the 1997-98 year. As many as 750,000 teens may have pledged sexual abstinence until marriage if the number of commitment cards mailed to churches is a good indicator. “Plus, we know many youth groups made their own cards and even duplicated cards,” he said. Still, a definite count of nearly 68,000 new pledges came into TLW headquarters following the TLW Goes Campus event on Feb. 13, according to Hester. Students and youth leaders were asked to report the results of the new pledges by the end of February. Texas had the highest number of youth making TLW commitments with 8,109; Mississippi came in second with 8,082, while Georgia made third with 6,876. Oklahoma had 5,360 youth who took the pledge; Tennessee, 4,776; Florida, 3,111; North Carolina, 2,899; South Carolina, 2,860; and Missouri, 2,128. Several states has well over 1,000 taking the pledge, including California, Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois and Louisiana. During two national TLW gatherings — one in Washington in 1994 and another in Atlanta in 1996 — 210,000 and 340,000 cards were displayed, respectively, Hester said. In the meeting with Satcher, Ross, a part-time youth leader, told the surgeon general, the campaign got its start when he discovered young people in his youth group who had chosen to be sexually abstinent “were feeling alone.” A pilot program conducted in Nashville-area churches revealed young people were willing to make pledges of sexual abstinence, he said, “and the movement quickly swept the country.” Ross said to date 80 denominations have endorsed True Love Waits, and the campaign is active in 60 to 100 foreign countries. “The campaign gave national visibility to sexual abstinence at time when many young people were saying, ‘We’re not all sexually active. There is a better way,'” Ross said. “True Love Waits emerged as a youth-based campaign originating with teenagers and conducted today by teenagers and college students.” True Love Waits Goes Campus encourages students who have made a commitment to abstinence to challenge their friends to do the same, Ross added. Ross told Satcher and other Washington leaders he believes the sexual abstinence movement appeals to a middle group of teenagers who haven’t yet made up their minds whether to become sexually active. “We think there are three groups of teenagers in American today,” Ross said. “One has a strong family and faith and don’t need the campaign because they are committed to sexual abstinence. “Another is going to be sexually involved no matter what. And the very large, middle group haven’t yet made a decision in either direction. It is for that group we think the positive challenge to abstinence would be useful.” When asked by Satcher what challenges he faced in keeping his promise to sexual abstinence, Tomas said the pledge “keeps me from placing myself in situations where I am easily tempted. The promise is keeping me on the right track.” Tomas, a student at George C. Marshall High School, Falls Church, Va., and DePaz, a student at George Mason High School in the same area, both said they feel they get more respect from fellow students who know they have pledged to refrain from sex. Both teens said they have kept their pledge for four years. Satcher, who said he would be very happy to “play a role of using my bully bullpen” to spread the word about the virtues of sexual abstinence, asked the group to send him more teenage testimonies so he can use them when addressing the public about the subject. Meanwhile, several Baptist state leaders across the nation met with their governors or top-ranking officials in April providing them with numbers of teenagers who made pledges of sexual abstinence in their states during the Feb. 13 True Love Waits Goes Campus event. In Oklahoma, James Lankford, youth ministry specialist for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, said he was able to meet with the governor and almost all the senators and representatives. His group received a standing ovation in senate chambers for its work in sexual abstinence. “Our visits were very positive, with our governor offering to write all of the school superintendents in the state a letter outlining Oklahoma law concerning abstinence education. Oklahoma law requires that any school that teaches sex ed must have as its primary purpose the teaching of abstinence,” Lankford wrote in an e-mail to TLW headquarters. “It was a very risky thing to try to do this (meet lawmakers) across the nation, but I can tell you, it was worth it in Oklahoma.” In Texas, Chris Liebrum, a consultant for Baptist General Convention of Texas and a group met with Gov. George Bush for about 20 minutes. “Gov. Bush is a strong supporter of abstinence-based education and has done wonderful things in that area. He is in full support of our efforts and position.” Following the meeting, Liebrum said the group and Bush met in the governor’s outer office where he presented a report of TLW pledges in Texas before a group of about “20-25 media folks. He responded with the same support he had given us in his private office.” State leaders in Alabama, South Carolina, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, Florida, Missouri, Georgia, Indiana, Oregon and Washington, among others, were attempting to meet with officials from their states to talk with them about True Love Waits.

Two lists of TLW numbers, broken down by states and by schools and churches participating, can be found in the SBCNet News Room until the filenames TLWbreakdown and TLWbystate.

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A Trip to Mexico: May 2023

by Bob Thomas | Aug 2, 2023 | Mission Trip Report

On May 27, a group of 17 students from the University of Oklahoma School of Dentistry embarked on a mission trip to Mexico. This trip was sponsored by the Baptist Collegiate Ministry from the University of Oklahoma Healthcare Sciences. Five of the students were awarded BMDF student scholarships allowing them to be able to go on this trip. Their appreciation for these scholarships can be found by clicking here: Testimonies | Baptist Medical Dental Fellowship (bmdf.org) .

The team was able to see patients on four separate days and report the following:

• Patients seen 119 patients
• Extractions 97
• Stainless steel crowns 57
• Fillings 105
• Estimated cost of services provided locally: $ 70,000

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The Other Side of Russia: Evangelical Ministries in Siberia

Most of the people in the former Soviet Union live west of the Ural Mountains. Accordingly, most of the Christian ministry is there, too. But Siberia, a word that evokes exile and expanse, is hardly empty. Yakutia, for example, Russia's largest autonomous region, located in eastern Siberia, is home to a million people. Some 800 cities and towns are sprinkled along its rivers, the only means of surface transportation for most of the region. Khabarovsk and Vladivostok, in the Russian Far East (RFE), boast over 600,000 people each. (Although there is no clear-cut consensus on terminology, I will use RFE to refer to the regions immediately bordering the Pacific Ocean, and Siberia for everything else west to the Urals.) Even Providenya, far out on the bleak Arctic shore where Russia and Alaska nearly touch, is home to 6,000 people. Current population statistics on Siberia and the RFE are elusive, but they almost certainly have outgrown a 1979 figure of 36.8 million.

Space does not allow for fair exposure to all the ministry happenings in this part of the world. In Novosibirsk and its surrounding area alone, at least 12 agencies or churches have active ministries: Biblical Education by Extension (BEE), Calvary Chapel of Moscow, CIS Baptist Mission (Southern Baptists), Evangelical Lutheran Ministries, Every Home for Christ, International Institute for Christian Studies, Operation Mobilization, Grace Brethren, New Life (Campus Crusade), Scripture Union, The Alliance for Saturation Church Planting*, and Navigators. Rather than attempting to treat such a plethora, this article will attempt to give a picture of what is happening in eastern Siberia (east of Irkutsk) and the RFE. Although attempts were made to uncover any significant ministry in this vast region, no doubt some worthy efforts have been missed, for which the writer wishes to express his regret.

Alaska-Based Ministries Siberia and Alaska are often referred to as divided twins, given their many similarities. Such similarities include people groups and common interests, and both are home to significant outreach ministries. Wycliffe Bible translators David and Mitzi Shinen have lived on Alaska's St. Lawrence Island, 38 miles from Russia, since 1959. They are in the final revision of a New Testament in the Siberian Yupik Eskimo language. The 2,500 Siberian Yupik Eskimos are more or less evenly divided between Alaska and Russia, and when perestroika ended 70 years of enforced separation, families immediately began to visit each other. Years of gospel radio broadcasts and language preparation meant that the Shinens were able to capitalize on the new openness. Today a small group of Eskimo believers is meeting in Sireniki on the Russian coast.

Another effort is the Chukotka Native Christian Ministries (CNCM). Wycliffe Bible Translators and five denominations (the Alaska Moravian Church, the Presbytery of Yukon-Presbyterian, the United Methodist Church in Alaska, the Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Alaska) make up CNCM. It supports outreach ministry to the RFE in two ways: by underwriting the cost of native Alaskan missionaries who are Siberian Yupik Eskimos by ethnic background, and by supporting the work in Chukotka until these congregations and fellowships become self-supporting. Alaska's proximity to Russia has given rise to other significant outreach ministries. Lake Clark Bible Church at Port Alsworth, in a remote area of Alaska's wilderness approximately 160 miles west of Anchorage, has organized 22 trips into Providenya, taking 150 team members in and bringing more than 120 Russian visitors out, all by small aircraft. The exchange groups have included businessmen, families, school administrators, performing artists, orphans, and a variety of teen groups.

Two missionary agencies with a long history of Alaska ministry, SEND International and InterAct Ministries, have crossed the Pacific to conduct various outreach and equipping activities in Siberia and the RFE. SEND's RFE ministry is completely within the sphere of the Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists (UECB). Its resident church-planting couple in Providenya is serving with a Russian co-worker, in line with its policy to minister only in conjunction with the Baptist Union. SEND's primary ministry in the RFE is the Far Eastern Bible College in Khabarovsk, which it funds and staffs. In June 1995, 15 people will make up the first class to graduate from the school's two-year course. SEND also has ten resident staff in Khabarovsk in language-training, who also travel to minister in Sakhalin, Kamchatka, and Vladivostok UECB churches. Other SEND activities include funding salaries for eight Russian pastors and missionaries assisting with church-building construction, sponsoring two- to three-week short-term teams to assist in construction, and assisting churches by providing tools such as audio-visual materials, literature, public address systems, and in a very few cases, vehicles.

InterAct Ministries has placed resident staff in Siberia and the RFE, following three years of sending teams to conduct training seminars in Khabarovsk, Vladivostok, and Kavalerovo in the RFE, as well as in Yakutsk, Chulman, Khandyga, Mirny, and Neryungri in Yakutia, an autonomous region of Siberia. InterAct partners with an indigenous mission, Light of the Gospel, and is committed to facilitating and equipping its workers, 25 in Yakutia and 16 in Primorskiy Krai. In 1991, 17 Russians attended a six-week training session at Arctic Bible Institute, InterAct's school in Palmer, Alaska.

Although InterAct has had considerable ministry in the RFE, its focus centers on Yakutia, home of the Yakut people, a tribal group of between 300,000 and 400,000 population. Last year, in cooperation with Cook Communications, Gospel to the East (the Yakutia affiliate of Light of the Gospel), and the Evangelical Christian Church of Yakutsk, InterAct published the first Scripture portion in the Yakut language, The Illustrated Life of Jesus Christ and History of the Early Church , also known as The Picture New Testament . Distribution of the 50,000 scripture portions has begun in hundreds of towns and villages throughout Yakutia, many of them by vehicle as InterAct missionaries have accompanied Michael Trubchik, director of Gospel to the East, over frozen rivers and winter roads to remote areas of the coldest inhabited region in the world.

InterAct plans to field eight missionaries in Yakutsk in the fall of 1995, continue its periodic training seminars begun in 1991, as well as conduct a facilitating and equipping ministry for Russian pastors and workers. InterAct represents the Alliance for Saturation Church Planting as well as Project 250 organized by Peter Deyneka Russian Ministries.

Another agency with a specialty in tribal ministry, though not from Alaska, is New Tribes Mission. Although its nine missionaries are primarily in the Omsk area engaged in language study, its goal is to assist Russians and other indigenous Christians in teaching New Tribes chronological Bible-study materials. It also wants to work with non-Russian language groups. One Russian worker who has completed the New Tribes training program in the U.S. is now traveling out of a local church in Ulan Ude, near Lake Baikal, three days a week to outlying villages to train Russian pastors in the use of New Tribes Bible-study materials.

Ministries from European Russia and Western Europe A number of ministries with offices in Moscow also are involved in Siberia and the RFE. The Evangelical Christian-Baptist Union is planning a pastors conference for November 1995 in Khabarovsk. This four-day conference is expected to attract approximately 150 to 300 pastors, deacons, and lay preachers and will offer such seminars as "How to Be a Biblical Spiritual Leader," "How to Preach," "How to Grow in Christ," "Spiritual Warfare," "Youth Work," "Prison Work," and "Christianity and the Family."

U.S. Southern Baptists are also active in Siberia, working in cooperation with the UECB. Their work in the RFE is limited to Khabarovsk where one couple is involved in language training. Another Southern Baptist couple, the Yees, were found murdered in their apartment in March 1995. (See accompanying article.)

Life Publishers, an arm of the Assemblies of God Church, is distributing the Book of Life to school children in various cities in Russia, including Vladivostok and Khabarovsk. This illustrated work summarizes the Gospels in chronological format in simple language and includes 100 questions designed to lead the reader to a salvation decision. American Assemblies of God teams spend 10 days in a given city, distributing as many as 60,000 copies per team. They also speak in school assemblies and classes. In addition, Life Publishers has resident staff in Vladivostok, Kamerovo, and Krasnoyarsk.

Another Moscow-based ministry active in Siberia is Every Home for Christ (EHC), with offices in Omsk and Irkutsk. The goal of EHC is to place Christian literature in every home in the former Soviet Union, along with an invitation to one of the 5,000 churches in its database. In addition, it operates St. James Bible College in Magadan, where 20 students are enrolled in a six-month program followed by a six-month work-experience practicum. Teachers come from the U.S. for two-week sessions. Students come from Khabarovsk, Vladivostok, and other cities in the RFE.

Biblical Education by Extension (BEE), active in Russia since 1988, has an active ministry in Chita and Novosibirsk. Its objective is to set up structures of church-based training to be staffed by qualified people. During the initial thrust nationals spent three years in Moscow receiving training. These students have since returned to their home areas where they conduct seminars. Other nationals travel to the RFE for two months of training. Several teachers from Ukraine are involved in such a program on Sakhalin Island where 1,000 students are studying at some level of involvement. BEE is partnering with the UECB in this work.

*The Alliance for SCP is actually an association of member agencies with a vision to equip Russian believers for a DAWN (Discipling a Whole Nation) approach to ministry in former Soviet republics and East Central Europe.

Gary Brumbelow is general director designate with InterAct Ministries, Boring, Oregon.

Written permission is required for reprinting or electronic distribution of any portion of the East-West Church & Ministry Report .

© 1995 Institute for East-West Christian Studies ISSN 1069-5664