One of the most powerful aspects of Christianity is that we can be a part of something so much bigger than ourselves. As Christians, we are called to reach the WORLD! We are called to go to the nations and spread the love of Jesus Christ. As a Christ follower, we are commanded to reach out to the orphans, the poor, and the widows. We are called to help the lepers in India, the persecuted in China, the poor in Africa, and the less fortunate in South America. As Christians, we are called to Go Global!
The Bible says “But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, ‘How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!’” Romans 10:14 (NLT)
The Bible clearly states that it is up to us as Christians to spread the good news of the gospel. Jesus died for all the people of the world, He intended for them to live an incredible life and spend eternity with Him in heaven. We can all have a part in fulfilling the Great Commission, whether or not we ever live in a foreign country. No matter what our situation in life we must proclaim Jesus in our words and actions, always being aware that our life is a witness to those around us. Our families, homes, workplaces, and communities are our mission fields.
Missions isn’t necessarily about traveling, customs, and passports. It isn’t about seeing the sites in exotic regions, however beautiful they may be. Missions is about obedience to Christ’s command and sacrificing our life and comfort for those that have been forgotten by the rest of the world. Missions is about helping people, but most importantly, missions is about being a part of something bigger than ourselves.
The heart of HPC is to be a healing place for a hurting world. As HPC extends its reach both locally and around the globe, we want to continue our efforts to reach out to the hurting and forgotten. Despite who they are or what they’ve done, we want people to know that they are valuable. HPC takes this commandment very seriously. We know that it is the church’s responsibility to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and help the sick. Right now we are supporting missions work in 21 countries. All of the ministries we support are actively responding to practical needs to show Jesus’ love to those who may have never heard. And here in Baton Rouge we can be a part of all God is doing all over the world.
Short Term
A short term trip could be several days or as long as a couple of weeks. It may also be no further than one state over or as far as Africa. This type of trip would involve things such as distributing food and clothing, helping to build a church, ministering in prisons and orphanages, or being part of a ministry team that preaches and teaches in the streets and/or churches. Short term mission trips are also a great idea for 1st time involvement in missions work. You will learn how you can best be part of what God is doing.
Long Term
Long term means being willing to make a commitment to being on the mission field for as little as 1 year or as long as a lifetime. Part of doing long term missions work means raising the monies needed to fund your trip. As a long term missionary, it would be important to learn the language and customs of another culture. It is such an incredible opportunity to live in another culture and build relationships with people so you can share Christ.