WE HAVE MOVED!

We have moved!!

On behalf of CFCI, we thank you so much for reading and keeping up with our blog posts on the site, but in line with our recent website upgrade you can now find all blog posts (all the old, plus the new!) over at: cfci.org/blog/

We can’t wait to see you there!

My CFCI Story: Judy Calhoon

Our newest blog feature is a series of posts about the way God has been moving among those who have been on missions trips. You can read the first two here and here. Today, we introduce our newest post, featuring Guatemala missions team member Judy Calhoon. 

Judy works with the Outreach Committee at her church, and went to Guatemala in March this year with a group from CFCI. Along with handing out Biblical and prayer material written in Spanish, she had the opportunity to share her story with the nationals. She was also able to minister to the people in terms of care and time.

On one visit to a nursing home was particularly powerful:

Transformation Testimony: Drunk Turned Disciple

By Barbara Rowe

Juan Carlos is a young man I met on the street. He was begging me for money to buy another drink. I refused the donation but stopped to talk to him, about his life and how he was wasting it away on alcohol. Over a period of months I became his friend, and he began to turn to me for help. He wanted to leave alcohol behind and live a more fulfilling life.

Now, two years later, Juan Carlos is making progress with that goal.  He has suffered several relapses, but each time is able to extend his sober time, most recently almost to a full year.

Anderson Mateo

Now Juan Carlos has a new swing in his step, and a pride in his baby son, Anderson Mateo, born only a few months days ago.  As Christ For the City International missionaries, Alex Guerrero and I provided transportation to and from the hospital, for which Juan Carlos and Ingrid (the baby's mother) were very grateful.

You never know what a day will bring.  I find that to be particularly true as a missionary.  Our job is to serve, as Jesus served, without judgement or prejudice, and with a lot of love.  I am grateful to all of you who make this ministry possible, through your prayers and donations.

Together, we can continue to make an impact for good on the youth here in El Salvador! Click the picture below to partner with Christ For the City International!

(Video) Costa Rica Office Virtual Tour

Our Costa Rica offices just got an upgrade! What you must remember, though, is that those offices are not merely a workplace; they also serve as a hospitality house (with meals and showers) for teams that come through. Please take a couple of minutes to examine the way that your gifts, partnership, prayers, and support are blessing those who work and serve and bless the community of San José, Costa Rica.


 

And to give to the work of CFCI in Costa Rica, simply click below and follow the instructions!

Missionary Moment: Change, One Tiny Heart at a Time

By Amy Speake, missionary in Costa Rica

Oliver, happy with his pencil case.

The first time I met five-year-old Oliver (his mom calls him Stuart), his dark eyes looked deeply into mine. He did not speak, but his immense, seemingly unlimited bursts of energy captivated me.

Persecution in Mexico

In rural parts of Mexico, beyond the authority of the national government, who wouldn't do not want to make the long, difficult journey up broken dirt roads into the mountains, people still cling to a unique and bizarre mixture of indigenous ideas and Catholicism.

My CFCI Story: Mark Byler

Three weeks ago, we heard the amazing testimony of a young man named Jacob Tuma and the way God blessed the desires of his heart in Guatemala. Today, we wanted to introduce another young man whose experience in Costa Rica powerfully influenced his worldview in a way he did not expect. 

Mark is a married tile setter, with three beautiful children. His passions are his family, his church, and reaching out to families with kids who have special needs. Even so, the mission trip was able to reveal to him what giving God his whole heart looked like. 

The Way to Start Understanding Missionary Work

One of the key challenges every missionary has is that their work is far away. On the one hand, this seems glamorous. The other country has many unique customs, foods, and celebrations. However, the life of a missionary is rarely glamorous. More often, it has to deal with the challenges of culture - the language and communication barriers and the differences in cultural assumptions. 

Enter the Vision Tour. It gives you the opportunity to have the veil lifted, and the eyes cleared. Without relying on the adjectives and descriptions and pictures of other people, you can see what Christ For the City International missionaries are busy doing. You can meet the people they are serving and see the needs firsthand. 

http://cfci.org/#/central-america/el-salvador-vision-tour

News: The Gangster Transformation Continues

In May, we reported about a crusade in Pavas, a sector in San José. More than 1,000 people gave their lives to the Lord in that crusade. Some of those people were some teenagers and young men who had been involved in the gang lifestyle. Many of these were dangerous men: gang leaders and assassins. In fact, the leader of the most powerful gang in the areas, a group called the Devils, gave his life to the Lord through that outreach.

We reported on a particular retreat that allowed these young men to confirm their commitment to the Lord, to trade their weapons for the Word of God, and to be baptized. Thirty-seven of them did so with relish.

We are happy to report that the seeds planted in that crusade have not been stolen by the devil, choked by weeds, or scorched by the sun.

Missionary Moment: When Love Hits Home

By Barbara Rowe, missionary in El Salvador

“Cool haircut,” I say to David as he comes into the kitchen. He quickly gives a dramatic swish of the head and strikes a side pose, and I laugh. Minutes later he has found an old bent watercolor brush which he holds next to his head. “Meet my little brother,” he says, which elicits another hearty laugh. When I come to his room to say goodnight, he quickly shushes me, pointing to his paintbrush “little brother” who is “sleeping” on the bed.

David is clearly gifted with a quirky sense of humor that makes him a natural comedian. He is the fourteen-year-old son of our newest CFCI missionary, Alex, who moved in mid-last year. Alex’s family joined us at the beginning of the school year. The move was not only a practical decision but also a strategic one. The neighborhood where the family was living is a dangerous one. Murders and gun-battles are commonplace, and the family was living in an insecure tin house.

For this reason, late last year I took funds from my retirement account to add two more bedrooms and a bathroom to my house.

My CFCI Story: Jacob Tuma

Today, we introduce a new feature to our blog: My CFCI Story. We just wanted to take some time to highlight a few of the individuals and ministries that make Christ For the City International so special. Our first piece is from a young man who traveled to Guatemala, and got a lot more than he bargained for. Enjoy!

“God is accomplishing amazing things through the faithful service of His people in Guatemala!” said Jacob Tuma, a senior at Concordia University. “I loved seeing the passion and joy of the Christians there amidst the poverty and injustice.” 

Missionary Moment: Meals Made Easy in Mexico

The post is simple today. We just wanted to show you how God has provided for one of our ministries, Camp Kikomar in Mexico. As a summer camp, one of their big needs has been for a fully operational kitchen and dining room. Both were completed and inaugurated not long ago. We just wanted you to have the opportunity to see the joy on people's faces over something as simple as a meal.

Short-Term Missionary Testimony: Paper Hearts and Wooden Shacks

One of our goals as a missions organization and blog is not merely to challenge you to live lives that are pleasing to the Lord but to also encourage you with stories about people that are living out their faith in dynamic ways. Anna has a story like that. Currently, she is a short-term missionary in Argentina. The following is one of her updates about the things that she has been doing - or, more accurately, that God has been doing through her.

The things God has shown me in the month of being here are absolutely incredible. He is opening my eyes and breaking my heart in so many different ways. Among the different ministry sites we go to, my absolute favorite is Los Galpones, a shanty town about five minutes from where I live. The ministry we do there is mostly with the kids. On Thursday afternoons we go for a few hours to help them with their homework, and on Saturday mornings we go to play with them and serve them lunch. 

I wish I could portray the broken things that I see every time I step foot inside those walls. 

Short-Term Missionary Testimony: Overwhelmed by Love

By Isabel Klaassen, short-term missionary to Costa Rica

I went to Costa Rica recently. We did construction on La Lúz y la Vida Church, put on a Vacation Bible School and youth service, and forged some beautiful and amazing relationships. What was unforgettable, though, was the love that radiated from everyone I met.

Here in the United States kindergarteners are taught about “stranger danger.” Some of that is common sense, but we live in constant fear of what could happen. In Costa Rica, I was overwhelmed by the amount of love that everyone extended to us even though we were complete strangers from a foreign country. 

An Open Letter from the President of Christ For the City International

To Whom it May Concern:

Where do you turn to if you want to be a part of transforming cities?

If you’re like many Christians, you will partner with Christ For the City International.

Why?

Because you have seen what happens to communities when purpose-driven men and women come to them. You know that when the church is united in a city-wide effort, powerful things happen.

But mostly because you know the heart of our missionaries, who are giving so much of themselves to bring God’s Kingdom to earth in dynamic, meaningful ways.

Because of your support, Christ For the City International has dramatically grown in the last twenty years, and that has meant that the number of people who have experienced transformation and hope has also grown.

Thanks to you, hundreds of thousands of people have experienced the love of Jesus – whether in a cleaned-up city, a dramatic presentation of the Gospel, or a team to serve the ministries.

Christ For the City International is here to serve you!  We exist to help you become the kind of man or woman of God who will serve the people who need it the most.

Your gift is extremely important to us because it allows us to help people in need come to Christ and for people like you to serve Him on the mission field.

Whether you give $200 or $2,000, or even $20,000, your gift makes a huge impact in the lives of the people we serve, as well as our volunteers and missionaries. And you can choose what you give to: whether you would like to partner with us in India, Colombia, Costa Rica, or with any one of our other bases in the 17 countries we serve around the world. It’s up to you!

Please consider making as generous a gift as you can.

Christ For the City International is committed to helping people transform cities by transforming lives. . Your contributions make this possible.

Your gift will make a world of difference. I promise you.

Thank you so much for your help.

President

Christ For the City International

Starving Children

By Sara Hayduchok

On my first full day here, we spent our morning in Los Galpones which is one of the dirtiest and most poverty-stricken parts of the city. There, I encountered dozens of starving children. Thanks be to God, we brought them exactly what they needed. We brought torta (cake), mate (tea), and pasta (...lunch), as wellas what they really needed and expected from us: amor (love). I know some of you are reading this and thinking: "Really? It doesn't get much cheesier than that." Let me explain.

A Sea-Crossing Pilgrimage

If you have never moved overseas, I highly recommend it.

It is a wonderfully terrifying way to be launched outside your comfort zone, where you can come shaking, overwhelmed, to the Lord. It serves to sift out idols and comforts and figure out who you are in Him and Him alone. It’s an eye-opening, gut-wrenching, astoundingly beautiful process that wears a thousand coats - some old and horrid and some new and comforting. You welcome into your life the unrelenting stream of power adaptors, jet lag, currency conversions, unpalatable foods, enraging traditions, delightful surprises, language differences, and an abundance of misunderstandings. 

Sounds great, right? 

Seriously, it is.

I am in the midst of it yet again. Since leaving high school seven years ago, I have moved twelve times, and either visited or lived in eight different countries. And in a few days I’m moving cross-continentally once more.

Missionary Moment: God Still Knocks

It was a warm, Sunday afternoon when our Mission Caleb team visited La Camila neighborhood. Our group of missionaries-in-training had come to put on a “show” for the children of this impoverished community in the mountainous outskirts of Medellin. Boys and girls gathered while the “missionary clowns” danced and sang songs. Soon, the once-empty dirt field was teeming with joy and laughter.

A local church serving La Camila invited our team to share about the love of Jesus through a children’s event. However, children were not the only audience present that afternoon. As the sounds of celebration grew louder, parents and other family members began to peek through their windows. 

Missionary Moment: God still works miracles in prison

Our latest post was written by Amy Speake, a missionary of ours in Costa Rica. We just thought it was pretty incredible.

Recently at the women’s jail, I experienced our newest women’s jail group and was amazed at their total lack of respect during the prayer. They were joking and laughing the whole time. After my co-worker finished the prayer, I asked for them to be respectful in the future.

That day, my sermon for them was titled: “I want to be a sheep.” I began to share with them the different characteristics that were amazing about sheep and several verses in the Bible that were about sheep. One example is in John chapter 10: “His sheep hear His voice” and “He calls His sheep by name and leads them out.”

As I was talking, the Holy Spirit moved me to give a word to the ringleader of the disrespectful group.

Three Reasons You Need to Go on a Vision Tour

Vision Tour (Noun) - 1) An opportunity for an individual to travel overseas and see possibilities for serving, getting involved, and doing ministry. This is accomplished through the development of relationships with missionaries and ministry partners. 

And here are a few reasons you need to go.

1. You are too busy

Busyness drowns out God’s voice in our lives and can lead us down a path of apathy and apostacy. When you thirst to slow down it is God’s Holy Spirit telling you that you need to enter into His rest more – and what better way to do that than to go somewhere where He is working!

2. You want to see God working in new ways

Mission trips are amazing experiences. You get to see first hand how God is working with people in different cultures and languages. It is amazing the people you meet, their dedication to being God’s hands and feet to those in need and having seen how God is at work in their lives – you can see how He is at work in yours!

3. So you can recommend it to your church and friends

You are not the only one too busy – so is your pastor and your friends. They too long to see God at work; it brings refreshment and hope to their lives too! Invite a friend or your pastor to come on a Vision Tour too!

One fantastic missions trip opportunity is our upcoming Summer Vision Tour, July 28 through August 1, hosted by our president, Chip Anderson. If you’re interested in the possibility of at least seeing what you might be getting yourself into, please email drchip@cfci.org or visit the link below. 

(Short-Term) Missionary Testimony - Tijuana, Mexico

My name is Terese, I am 21 and from Denmark. 

Before I went on my mission trip to Tijuana, Mexico I was a little worried because I didn't know what the people would be like. I didn't know if they would like me; what my job would be; and if I would like it there. However, I was sure God was leading me, so I trusted Him - even though He was leading me a little out of my comfort zone. 

Before I went, I was excited to see what He had in store for me. Though I had some expectations, I never could have predicted all the blessings He had in store for me! 

Firstly, I have been a part of a ministry with a God-centered heart. God is doing so many great things through the people here. The pastor's family, with whom I spent a lot of my time, are such sweet people. The whole church family has been so welcoming and good to me. They still are! 

Secondly, I have been a part of building houses for families. Before, four people were living in a  room of that was ten square meters or about the size of a closet. I saw a church building being built in a weekend, and people getting free dental and medical care who otherwise couldn't afford it. 

Thirdly, I have seen many willing hearts being used by God for great things. I have seen Americans using a whole weekend doing mission work in Tijuana - even middle schoolers burning with a passion for mission work - and others devoting their life to being a part of God's work down here. It is amazing! 

And best of all, I have had the chance to build relationships with my family in Christ - young and old - from the other side of the world. God has blessed me so much in my time here. I am thankful! It is amazing what God is doing here in Tijuana and all around the world. He is good. To Him be the glory!

Terese is spending more than two months in Mexico. This is her fifth mission trip, but her first one to a Spanish-speaking country. She heard about Christ For the City International through viva.org.

CFCI does a lot of work like this all around the world! To support this process of discipleship and ministry support, click the link below. 

Three Reasons People Miss Out on a Missions Trip (And why they're actually more like excuses)

A missions trip tends to be an amazing experience. People step out of their comfort zones, see God work in miraculous ways, and meet some truly wonderful people! However, Satan tends to get in the way, and he is good at what he does. He is good at taking the challenges and legitimate hurdles that come with any large-scale trip and making them appear insurmountable. The end result is that there are many good people who end up missing out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

Here are a few of those common challenges, and a few good responses for the naysayers. 

1. They’re busy
Of course, this is the one everybody uses because there is rarely a time when it doesn’t apply. There are always a number of things vying for our attention - many of which are worthwhile. Everything from visiting a second cousin to doing yard work to learning Spanish can add to the steady stream of demands on our limited time. However, there is one simple truth that is hard, though necessary, to accept: we always make time for the things that are important to us. If we can’t “find time” for something, it’s usually because it’s not important enough to make a priority. 

2. They don’t have the finances at the moment
Anytime you make an overseas trip, it’s going to be expensive. That’s the fact of the matter. Most of the time, though, people underestimate the cost of not having to think about where they are going to eat next, or whether their room is being taken care of, or being able to see some of the most significant elements of a ministry. Also, this raises the question of what is the worth of actually having an experience. Nothing we can tell you can come close to the wallop of smells and the power of seeing the smiles of real people, and feeling the Costa Rica sun on your skin. And when you see the need... there are no words for it. Again, it’s one thing to talk about it; it’s another to see children with sunken eyes and hollow cheeks… and still see the joy of the Lord shining from their eyes. 

(Also, most people underestimate the amount they spend on lattes at Starbucks, or how much they spend on fast food every year. Those are simple cuts that could go long ways in allowing people to experience the amazing benefits of a missions trip.)

3. They would rather go someplace nicer – like Europe or the Bahamas or Aruba
A missions trip is not a vacation. While it’s easy to think of it as one because it has many of the staples – a unique country for a week or so with many wonderful experiences and lots of developing friendships – a missions trip is different for a couple of reasons: A) it’s not for your benefit and B) it’s not about your enjoyment of the place. While the wonderful end result is that most people do have the benefit of sunshine and tourist attractions, those are not the most important things. They are just the kindnesses of God for our willingness to be faithful. But they should not be expected things. The expectations should, in fact, be the opposite: to visit the worst places, to work as hard as we have ever worked in our lives, and as a result, to grow in dynamic, powerful ways. A missions trip is not a vacation: it’s an opportunity to be God’s floodlight in a pitch-black place.

God has good desires for His people. He desires for His people to experience enjoyment and the happiness of the moment. But God is more concerned in what’s inside us: the growth of character and purpose. A missions trip is often not without the former, but its essence is in the latter. Do not be dismayed if this sounds hard; mountains are hard to climb, and that challenge is part of the reason they afford spectacular views.

One fantastic missions trip opportunity is our upcoming Summer Vision Tour, July 28 through August 1, hosted by our president, Chip Anderson. If you’re interested in the possibility of at least seeing what you might be getting yourself into, please email drchip@cfci.org or visit the link below. 

Written by John Michael Den Hartog

Repost: Johnny "Hugger"

This repost from back in 2013 is an amazing story of the way that God can transform a life.

Ocean Beach is a beautiful waterfront community in San Diego, CA. San Diego is known for its restaurants, antique shops and clubs.  Sadly, it also has a reputation for homelessness. 

Louie and Yvonne Juarez reached out to this community through street evangelism.

God has brought many people into their lives through this outreach.  John is one example of how the Spirit is moving there.

John Statser is known on the streets as “Hugger.” Hugger lived on the streets of Ocean Beach for 9 years. He lived in bathrooms, alley ways and  behind dumpsters. He was an alcoholic with bleeding ulcers on his legs. His bleeding was so bad that he was dying and everyone was telling him to get help. Hugger’s legs looked so bad and he smelled so ripe that it was hard to get close to him. Your heart went out to him but it was hard to touch him, yet he always wanted to hug you, hence the name Hugger. We thought Hugger was a Christian because he persistently quoted Bible verses and spoke of Jesus.

 One day Yvonne felt called by the Spirit to wash Hugger’s feet. He didn’t accept the offer because it was too painful physically as well as emotionally. Yvonne talked to him about Jesus standing at the door of his heart knocking. Hugger said, “The door is open.”  Yvonne answered, “You have to invite Him in.”  At that instance there was obvious spiritual warfare. Hugger was oppressed by demons. He became angry and violent. Yvonne prayed and placed her hand on him, letting him know that Jesus loved him. The name of Jesus calmed him at that moment. A few feet away, the Ocean Beach team was praying for Hugger and Yvonne. They prayed he would be delivered of the demons and be healed of his disease.

The next day, God did a miracle! Hugger was in his right mind! He was clean, and his legs were healed!!  Yet, he still had not invited Jesus into his heart. The following Tuesday Hugger was back to drinking, his legs were bleeding again and he was walking with a crutch. It was apparent that he had little time to live. It was also amazing how God had healed him for that one day.

 A week and a half after this encounter Hugger accepted the Lord. He quit drinking because he had invited Jesus in. Yvonne and Louie took Hugger into their home to live with them so that he could be discipled in a Christian home. John works at the church Louie pastors and is now helping as a sound tech on Sunday mornings. He has led two people to the Lord since inviting Jesus into his heart.

People see the parallel of Hugger’s life to man in the Bible who was demon possessed and healed by Jesus.  People see his changed life when they come to the Juarez’s home to eat side-by-side with Hugger and enjoy the meal together. Hugger’s story is a testimony to the power of Jesus’ transforming love and power to those who call on Him.

Transformation Testimony: Tirrases (Part 4 of 4)

Yes, this is the fourth in a wonderful series we've gotten to have this week. You can check out the rest of them by just looking around the blog. Or you can see the videos by going to our YouTube Channel. Anyway, we have saved the best for last. This is one of the most amazing stories we've seen so far: God healed this woman through the Tirrases ministry of Christ For the City International. And not of anything small, either...

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None of this would be possible without the support of people like you. If God touched your heart through this testimony, please consider giving to the ministry of Christ For the City International around the world. You won't regret it.

Transformation Testimony: Tirrases (Part 3 of 4)

God is heavily at work in the ministry of Tirrases. Earlier this week, we posted a video about how He was working in one family by building their faith in ways the rest of the church had not done. Then, we showed how even something as innocuous as a party can have eternal consequences. Today, we would like you to see that God is using Tirrases to build the kinds of habits that develop character. Check it out below!

And please remember that we would love to have your continued involvement in our work and in the things that God is doing. Your support, quite literally, means the world to us.

Transformation Testimony: Tirrases (Part 2 of 4)

Today we pick up with this, our second in a series on the transformation that has been happening in Tirrases. While the ministry is primarily to kids, the amazing thing is how God is using that to reach their family members with truth and the light of the Gospel. And it all started with a party...

Don't just be a viewer: engage! You can join the celebration by giving to the ministry of Christ For the City International. Start today!

Transformation Testimony: Tirrases (Part 1 of 4)

Welcome to the first in our series on mothers' testimonies - mothers whose lives and the lives of their children have been changed by the First Bible School of Tirrases, a ministry of Christ For the City - Costa Rica. Through the work of Horacio and Esther Lopez, the lives of many children and their families have been transformed.

And remember: this is just one ministry of the many that Christ For the City International (CFCI) is privileged to be a part of. To give to CFCI, click the link below!

Repost: Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory!

Yes, this is an oldie - it's also a goodie. Enjoy!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

You know that Israel was exiled due to her own disobedience and rebellion – so what about us?

How many times do we know what to do, but don’t or choose not to do it. How many times has God been faithful to us to send people into our lives to help us and we have ignored the advice?

Lots.  It’s like the Lord is about to bring in a victory in my life and I screw it up and turn it into defeat. Literally sometimes I feel like I “snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.”

Do you ever feel like that?

When I reflect on why this is true in my own life I come find that most of the time it is due to selfishness and pride. Very few times is this due to ignorance.

As this is true with me I am sure that you too have experienced this in your own life.

Paul had this same problem too – but he also knew the solution. Mediate on Romans 7 and 8 and see if you can find the answer.


For one simple way to make sure that you do not snatch defeat, partner with the ministry of CFCI through a financial donation. You'll be glad you did!

Repost: Wherever You Are, Serve Well

This is the second post in our series of posts from the past that you probably missed. If you haven't seen it yet, check out the first, Skunk in a Bottle. And don't forget to keep checking back regularly for content - we are constantly putting up new things just for you!

Three Urban Plunge participants serving at Heartland Hope Mission!

By Julie Timms, former Urban Plunge employee 


  Not too long ago, I had the opportunity to help lead a round table discussion with some college students.  The discussion centered around two main questions.  Is there such a thing as a "calling"?  Is reaching unreached people groups more important than bringing the Gospel to those in the U.S.?  Those in the room came from a mixture of backgrounds and experiences, and they all held to their own opinions on the debate.

     I wrote a post titled "Reaching Our Jerusalem".  In that post, I referenced Acts 1:8, which directs us to serve our community and city, our nation at large, and the ends of the earth.  I think that much truth can be found in that verse.  Where we are now is just as vital as "the ends of the earth".  While we should never diminish the significance of going overseas, I think that sometimes we can get caught up in the hype of the overseas missionary.  Relevant Magazine has an excellent article that discusses this subject; it's called "We Need Boring Christians".

     Based on my understanding of Jesus, I know that He loves everyone in the world equally, and He died for all.  He desires that each one of us should come into a saving faith.  Thinking about it this way, it means that the unreached people groups that have never heard the Gospel before are just as important as those in the U.S. who have potentially heard the Gospel message many times.  And the reverse is also absolutely true: Americans need to hear the Gospel and feel the love of Jesus as much as the unreached.  I think that we need to be careful not to classify non-believing Americans as unworthy of hearing and receiving the Gospel.  The mentality that they've had their chance to hear the Gospel but they rejected it should be refuted.  Someday, Jesus will return.  How will we answer Him?

     I would probably be classified as a boring Christian.  Growing up in a Midwest farm family, the furthest I've ever traveled was to Florida when I was six.  I went to a local Christian university, where a big emphasis was placed on intercultural ministry, especially going overseas.  I distinctly remember several conversations I had with different students who were Intercultural Studies majors.  They just couldn't seem to understand why I didn't want to go overseas.  I'm not in the slightest against going out of the country someday on a short-term mission trip, if the timing is right.  I don't feel called, however, to do long-term mission work out of the country.   After one mission conference session, I was talking with a student in the lunch line.  I was honest with him and said, "While listening to the guy share his incredible stories is really cool, I just don't feel that burning in my heart that God's calling me overseas." 

     I am a big proponent of local missions, marketplace ministry, and being present and active in the here and now.  I know of people with grand plans to serve God overseas someday.  It's wonderful that they feel God leading them to Africa and other places.  The problem, however, is that they are not present where God has them now.  All of their energy and focus seems to be on getting overseas someday, and they miss out on the opportunities available right where they are.

Let not our longing slay the appetite of our living. - Jim Elliot  

I think that Jim Elliot was exactly right.  We are called to serve well, wherever we are.  Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  1 Peter 4:10 states, "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."  And one more verse, found in 2 Corinthians 9:7b, which easily can relate to serving: "God loves it when the giver delights in the giving."  I don't think any of these verses talk about putting your serving on hold.

Have you ever realized that you can give things to God that are of value to Him?  Or are you just sitting around daydreaming about the greatness of His redemption, while neglecting all the things you could be doing for Him?  I'm not referring to works which could be regarded as divine and miraculous, but ordinary, simple human things - things which would be evidence to God that you are totally surrendered to Him." - Oswald Chambers

     I'll be the first to admit that it's not always easy to remain present and active in the here and now.  I'm a dreamer, so I have a tendency to squander my thought life thinking about a glorious, idealistic future.  God is faithful, however, and He continually brings people and opportunities into my life to ground me in the present-day.  Christ For the City offers plenty of ways to serve, both in your community and around the world.  If you're interested in going out of the country, get a group together and take a short-term mission trip to a Latin country. Or, go as a short-term individual for one month to a year.  You can even get involved in the U.S., through our Urban Plunge program.  Just by going on an Urban Plunge, you are guaranteed exposure to at least 7-9 ministries and organizations.  We make it easy to reach out and serve.  If you don't know where to start, just start small.  The more you serve, the easier it becomes.  And, I can resolutely say that God will bless your serving tenfold.

     Wherever you are, serve well.  

(Video) How God is making a difference in Nicaraguan schoolchildren

Nicaragua is a country clenched in the iron fist of poverty. According to the CIA World Factbook, more than 40 percent of the population lives below the poverty line - with 14 percent living in extreme poverty (generally defined as less than $1.25 per day). One of the big reasons for this is lack of education. Check out the video below to see why the situation is the way it is, and what CFCI - Nicaragua is doing to change that.

Isn't this exciting? To be a part of the way that God is moving in the ministry of Christ For the City International, please click the link below. And believe us, this is one of the best ways to spend your money.

To Our Latest and Greatest...

Christ For the City International would like to officially welcome the two newest members of our Urban Plunge staff. Though they are only part-time, we know that God will still use them and allow them to be a blessing to the whole Urban Plunge family. But enough from us! Let their own words be their introduction. 

Christina Henderson, Urban Plunge Administrative Assistant
My dream job is to work for someone with a big picture goal and help build that dream with them. CFCI has a big dream of spreading God's Kingdom with the world, and I'm excited to see how God uses us to do that. While sending people out into the world to share the Gospel is important, we still have people here at home that need to experience God's love. I'm excited to work as the Urban Plunge Administrative Assistant because it allows to me to help build the dreams of people right here in the States. We provide opportunities that allow students to experience God's love for themselves in ways they've never been exposed to before. They also receive the eye-opening reality of people in their own city who need to know Jesus's love. Seeing people come to the understanding that their Heavenly Father is madly in love with them is one of my favorite things. I can't believe God chose me to help with this program, but I can't wait to see what He does through it! 

Marcus Brown, Urban Plunge Recruiter
Six years ago, the Lord put the calling of ministry on my heart after a short-term trip to Colombia. Since then, I have worked with inner city youth in a couple of Omaha ministries. What excites me about Urban Plunge is that God is using short-term inner city mission opportunities to spread the love of Christ. My heart was forever changed because of my missions experience, so to be a part of a ministry who is providing those same opportunities is a dream come true. 

Both of these amazing individuals mentioned dreams. The truth is you can help those dreams continue becoming a reality by giving to the ministry of Christ For the City International. Click the link below to become a part of God's dream of global transformation.

Written By: John Michael Den Hartog

IMPACT: Spring 2015 Edition

Every quarter, we like to let you, our wonderful supporters know about what's going on through a publication called IMPACT. We recognize that many of you may not receive the print edition of this lovely little letter. In lieu of that, please enjoy the latest edition of IMPACT, on the blog for the first time ever!

Written and Designed by: John Michael Den Hartog

Edited by: Amanda Jones