Open Life Missions
Missions at Open Life
At Open Life we believe that every follower of Jesus should “go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” (Mark 16:15, NIV) In Acts 1:8, Jesus instructs his disciples, and consequently you and me, to testify as his witnesses to the good news that there is peace with God through him (Acts 10:36). We are to carry this testimony to our Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth—that is to our neighbors, our cities, our regions and our world.
We see many examples in Scripture of Jesus serving the poor, marginalized and foreigners. “Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:35–38, NIV)
Later, after Jesus’ death and resurrection, Jesus gave his disciples this command in Matthew 28:19–20: “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.” (NIV)
Then, early in the book of Acts, before ascending to Heaven Jesus commissions them once again in verse 8 saying, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
We have the example of Jesus. We have been called and commissioned by Jesus and we have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to go. The Gospel that has changed our own lives so profoundly is not only for us but for all people. We are God’s chosen instruments to advance his kingdom.
When we say, ‘yes’ to God and go, it first challenges and encourages us as we learn to trust in his provision. We must rely on his strength as we experience new cultures and people. And as we step out in faith, we see God’s faithfulness in his demonstration of love to us and through us as we humbly serve our global partners. It’s a privilege to partner with our global ministries and missionaries, not only with financial support, but by going, seeing their work firsthand and experiencing their impact. And when we go and serve as a team, offering our gifts to complement the ministry and outreach they are already doing, we help move their ministry forward.
We see many examples in Scripture of Jesus serving the poor, marginalized and foreigners. “Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:35–38, NIV)
Later, after Jesus’ death and resurrection, Jesus gave his disciples this command in Matthew 28:19–20: “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.” (NIV)
Then, early in the book of Acts, before ascending to Heaven Jesus commissions them once again in verse 8 saying, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
We have the example of Jesus. We have been called and commissioned by Jesus and we have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to go. The Gospel that has changed our own lives so profoundly is not only for us but for all people. We are God’s chosen instruments to advance his kingdom.
When we say, ‘yes’ to God and go, it first challenges and encourages us as we learn to trust in his provision. We must rely on his strength as we experience new cultures and people. And as we step out in faith, we see God’s faithfulness in his demonstration of love to us and through us as we humbly serve our global partners. It’s a privilege to partner with our global ministries and missionaries, not only with financial support, but by going, seeing their work firsthand and experiencing their impact. And when we go and serve as a team, offering our gifts to complement the ministry and outreach they are already doing, we help move their ministry forward.
2025 Trips
In 2025, Open Life has two opportunities to serve globally. The first opportunity is coming fast in January to Bangladesh to serve Speak Up for the Poor. Registration for this trip will close at the end of August. The second opportunity is to serve missionaries Jamie and Berly Bello in Dominican Republic in late July.
CLICK HERE FOR TRIP DETAILS
CLICK HERE FOR TRIP DETAILS
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