As a church we intend to fulfill the Great Commission that our Lord left for us (Matt. 28:18-20) and see His glory made known over all the earth (Mal. 1:11).
We are involved in local outreach and participate in and support world-wide missions to unreached parts of the world. We train and exhort people to spread the gospel in their day to day lives. Please click on the outreach ministries to view a description about them.
Furthermore, we expect that people will leave our local assembly as they are called by God to go and spread the good news of Jesus Christ to those who have never heard.
See below for the foreign and local missions we are involved in or support.
Justin & Emily Vander Ark
Justin serves as the Vice President of Global Operations at To Every Tribe in Los Fresnos, Texas. To Every Tribe is a missionary organization that seeks to plant churches among unreached people groups and currently works in Mexico, Ecuador, Papua New Guinea, and Canada. Justin is originally from Kalamazoo, MI and Emily from Tulsa, OK. They have four children: Elise, Henry, Charlotte, and Jane.
Kyle & Heather Farran
Kyle serves as the ABWE Regional Director for Western Europe. He and his wife, Heather, come alongside the 100+ ABWE missionaries in Portugal, Spain, France, England, Ireland, Germany, Norway and Italy. Their goal is to facilitate effective ministries for the glory of God by providing Shepherding, Encouragement, Leadership and Resourcing to the missionary families of Western Europe. www.farran.abwe.org
Katie
Katie has spent the past three years working as a teacher’s assistant and pursuing an M.A. in World Arts from GIAL. Now, as a member of Wycliffe Bible Translators, Katie is joining the GIAL staff as the Associate Dean of Students. Her work in student services will help expedite the preparation of workers for Bible translation, literacy, Ethno Arts, and other related tasks.
Alternatives of Kalamazoo
Alternatives Pregnancy Care Center is a non-profit, faith-based, Christian pro-life ministry, whose primary purpose is to minister to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of all who are involved in pregnancy situations. www.alternativesofkzoo.org
Kalamazoo Gospel Mission
The Kalamazoo Gospel Mission offers short term shelter, food, clothing, and support to the homeless as they learn new job skills and find work. Alongside this very practical demonstration of love they preach the gospel and disciple those who come to faith in Christ. We are privileged to work with this organization by leading some of the various services they hold throughout the month. www.kzoogospel.org
Forgotten Man Ministries
Forgotten Man Ministries allows qualified individuals to gain access to the local detention facilities on a regular basis in order to conduct evangelistic services and Bible studies with the inmates. Some of our members are a regular part of this unique ministry. www.forgottenman.org
The Kalamazoo Detention Center
The Kalamazoo Detention Center allows us to come in with Bill Smith (Youth for Christ) every other month to preach the gospel and share testimonies with the kids. We bring snacks and after the service we have opportunity to talk with those who have questions about Jesus Christ and what it means to follow Him. www.kalamazooyfc.org/jjm.html