Missions
Every third week, we take time to highlight one of the many missionaries that we support. We encourage you to explore those updates here, and consider giving beyond and above your normal tithes and offerings toward furthering the Gospel internationally.
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” - Romans 10:14-15
Save the Storks - November, 2024
Facing an unplanned pregnancy is overwhelming. Without support and resources, abortion can seem like the only choice. Save the Storks help women discover real choice. Their Mobile Medical Clinics (Stork Buses) meet moms where they are, providing maternal care and support that empowers them to choose motherhood and choose life. When Save the Storks empowers women with compassion, education and holistic care, they not only empower them to choose a better life for themselves and their children, they create a culture that respects and values every life.
Check out some of the videos on this page to learn more about Save the Storks’ work and impact. To dig deeper, click here.
Save the Storks Prayer Verses for Our Nation:
Psalm 2:10-11 - Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.
Proverbs 11:14 - For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.
Proverbs 21:1 - The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.
Save the Storks works to help change the narrative on abortion, both in local communities as well as nationally by advocating for policy change. Our recent election was a critical time for such legislation on abortion. 7 out of the 10 states voted in favor of the abortion measures presented on their ballots. Below is a summary of the abortion measures.
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Proposition 139 establishes a constitutional right to abortion in Arizona.
PASSED -
Colorado’s Amendment 79 establishes a right to abortion and repeals an existing provision that allows public funds for abortion only if a pregnant woman's life is in danger.
PASSED -
Florida’s Amendment 4 would establish a constitutional right to abortion before fetal viability.
DID NOT PASS -
Maryland’s Question 1 establishes a constitutional right to "reproductive freedom," including the choice to continue or end a pregnancy.
PASSED -
Amendment 3 grants a right to "reproductive freedom," protecting abortion access until viability.
PASSED -
Constitutional Initiative 128 grants the right to make personal decisions about pregnancy, including abortion.
PASSED -
Initiative 434 limits abortion access, banning it after 12 weeks with limited exceptions and Initiative 439 which protects the rights to abortion.
PASSED: Initiative 434 (Prohibit Abortions After the First Trimester Amendment)
DID NOT PASS: Initiative 439 (Protect the Right to Abortion Amendment) -
Question 6 constitutionally ensures the right to abortion until fetal viability
PASSED -
New York’s Proposal 1 may not mention “abortion,” but it creates groundbreaking protections for pregnant women’s rights.
PASSED
Tents of Mercy is a messianic congregation and humanitarian center serving the Haifa Bay area in northern Israel since 1995. In Jeremiah 30:18, the prophet foretold the return of the remnant of Israel to the land. In that day God promised to “…restore the tents of Jacob, and have mercy on his dwelling places…” Tents of Mercy has witnessed and are still witnessing a tremendous move of God in bringing His people from the ends of the earth back to Israel. It has been our focus to be a welcoming oasis in the “desert” – providing refuge, supply, healing and equipping for Israel’s returning exiles and for her native born sons and daughters.
This congregation began as a home group of primarily new immigrants from former Soviet Union countries and the USA. That small core grew into a thriving community, planted congregations in neighboring cities and has become a spiritual home to many. The humanitarian side of Tents of Mercy started with two boxes of used goods and many needy families. Today, by God’s grace and the generosity of friends around the globe, we now provide food, clothing and household goods to hundreds of families each month. To learn more about Tents of Mercy, click here.
Tents of Mercy - October, 2024
Tents of Mercy Prayer Points:
SAFETY and PROTECTION for citizens and soldiers in these days of war.
WISDOM for decision makers in government and army.
THE HARVEST IS READY! Pray that hearts will be open and we will have more and more opportunities to share the gospel.
GRACE AND UNITY for home groups. When life is eratic it is so important for people to draw close to each other within the community.
ANOINTING for our holiday convocation services. May God meet us in these special times and may guests to be intrigued and drawn to the love of God. (We have new people attending weekly.)
LIFE and FAMILY CHALLENGES - in times of stress - things that are already hard in the family often become that much harder. Please pray for peace in the families and providential answers to domestic challenges.
Tents of Mercy has continued to serve their community in the midst of one of the most difficult years in Israel’s modern history. This image shows rockets fired from Iran near their community in Haifa.
This video shows how Tents of Mercy engaged and supported their community in the midst of war during this Moedim season. Below is a note that was included with the goods supplied to those they connected with.
For more than three decades, Valley Restart Shelter has supported the homeless community in the Hemet area by offering a hand UP, not a hand OUT. Their primary focus is on homeless families with children and individuals who desire to change their circumstances and become more self-sufficient. These are individuals who are in need of a temporary helping hand. Their goal is to help those who want help by finding affordable permanent housing through resources that have proven to be successful.
Every month Valley Restart publishes a newsletter keeping their supporters up to date on the ongoing projects and success stories. Check out the newsletter on this page to learn more, or click here to learn about Valley Restart Shelter.
Valley Restart Shelter - September, 2024
"I applied for IHSS again as a registered caregiver. Then I was able to go to school online and save money. They helped me get my first apartment. I appreciate Valley Restart for their support and care. Thanks to Valley Restart, I now live with my children in our own place after being homeless."
Joanna V., Valley Restart Success Story
"Afraid of sleeping in my car with my 5-year-old and 3-year-old, I called Valley Restart Shelter. They were able to take my kids and I in. They provided a kind and caring environment. During our time here, I was able to continue going to work, keep my kids in their school, and build meaningful friendships. My kids loved being here and I did too. The Rapid Rehousing Program through VRS helped me secure permanent housing. Now, my children have a home of their own and I feel secure. VRS has been such a blessing to myself and my children.”
Rebekah Miller, Valley Restart Success Story
Father’s Joy is lead by Pastors Mark and Bridget Moses, who are based out of Mobile, Alabama. In 2007, they planted a church in Honduras, which is now 17 years old and lead by indigenous pastors. Pastors Omar and Nora Morazon and their leadership team have done a tremendous job in reaching the community of Sambo Creek. In addition to Honduras, Pastor Mark and Bridget have expanded their missions work to Albania where they are involved with churches there. Pastors Mark and Bridget have also been involved in our life here at Hemet Church, as they provided worship support during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Most recently, Pastors Mark and Bridget led a missions trip to Honduras.
Check out the content on this page to learn more, or click here to learn about Father’s Joy.
Father’s Joy Ministries - August, 2024
Pastors Vaso and Margrita leading the church in Korce, Albania.
Vacation Bible School in Honduras from January of this year, 2024.
Since 2006, Oil of Joy has built 5 orphanages in India to rescue abandoned children whose parents have passed. Sex trafficking in India is a major dilemma being faced, and Oil of Joy’s orphanages make it possible to prevent that from being the fate of many children. In addition to orphanages, Oil of Joy supports local indigenous pastors with funds, transportation vehicles, and church buildings to further the gospel in India.
Watch the video on this page to learn more, or click here to learn about Oil of Joy.
Oil of Joy Ministries - July, 2024
Ruth Martinez is the second generation of missions to Monterrey, Mexico. Ruth’s father, Danny Ost, founded the network of near 200 Centro De Fe, Esperanza, Y Amor churches all across Mexico by purchasing and converting pornographic theaters into churches. Ruth’s children and grandchildren now are involved with the work, too, and run several churches, a convention center, and Bible School in the Monterrey/El Carmen area. Pastor Bill and Marj, along with Pastors William and Maddi, had the opportunity to travel to Monterrey to support the ministry this May.
Watch the video on this page to learn more, or click here to learn about the churches and here to learn about the school.
Ruth Martinez - June, 2024
For over 20 years, Love146 has been a credible force preventing child trafficking and providing holistic support to survivors. Love146’s vision is the end of child trafficking and exploitation. Nothing less. This is only possible through a bold, broad vision that cannot be achieved by only one person, organization, perspective, or approach. Love146 does work to end child trafficking in the United State, United Kingdom, and Philippines. They do work in trafficking prevention, survivor care, and liberating those who are currently trafficked. To learn more, watch the videos on this page or click here.
Love 146 - May, 2024
Update from Ramona MacIntyre, Love146’s Director of Development.
Bridges of Hope International was founded in 2002 by Dennis and Susan Wadley of Santa Barbara, California. The Wadleys first learned about the HIV/AIDS pandemic through Time magazine and subsequently made two visits to South Africa for the purpose of learning first hand about the effects of the disease. After falling in love with the people and the country, the Wadleys assembled a team, received training and moved to the Cape Town area in 2003. Today, they continue to minister in South Africa, Ethiopia, and Micronesia. To learn more, watch the videos on this page or click here.
Bridges of Hope International - April, 2024
Pastor Dennis Wadley joined us in-person in April. This service includes his full update.