Missions

Since the emphasis of the college is training in practical ministry, we highly recommend that students take part in the optional short term mission trip. Short-term mission trips are about 2-3 weeks and the cost for these is additional. In the Auckland campus, students are involved in fundraiser events to subsidise part of the cost and in Christchurch the students are given the option of organising their own fundraiser events.

Bible college students on Philippines mission trip 3

To date, Ministry Training College students have gone on short term missions to the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Thailand, Phillippines, Guatamala, Indonesia, Fiji, Malaysia & Samoa. All students, whether full time or part time, are strongly recommended to take part in an overseas mission trip. Our course has an emphasis on evangelism and missions. This gives a good grounding in how the gospel is spreading throughout the world, and how we can be a part of it.

"Someone told me before going on a Missions trip to the Philippines that, although my heart and desire was to be a blessing to the Filipino people we met, that I would be the one that got the greatest blessing. There were certainly challenges along the way, such as coping with heat and humidity, doing door to door evangelism, children's ministry, leading cell groups in a country where english is not a first language. What I generally met with despite this, was warm, friendly, hospitable, humble and giving people who had a wonderful ability to smile, even in their hard places. Their generosity toward us was serious heart-melting stuff. It was a not-to-be-missed experience. It certainly gave me a greater God-view and love for people and I look forward to returning." -Lyn Scott

	"The Ministry Training College missions trip was the most incredible experience! It challenged me to step out, shook my worldview and saw me reaching out to people in a way I'd never experienced before. I am definitely someone who is naturally hesitant to step out of my comfort zone and the thought of missions terrified me, but I decided to just step out and do it, and it was more than worth it. I went expecting to give out, sacrifice and serve, all this happened, but the experience I had and the people I met blessed me and gave back more than I could have anticipated. I would encourage anyone considering the missions trip, if you have a heart for God and love people, you are more than qualified to go. You'll be challenged to step out, your faith will grow, and surprise yourself with what God can do when you get there." -Amy Bolch

October saw almost the entire Ministry Training College class from the Auckland campus travelling to Samoa on a two week mission trip – about 25 people. Ministry in Samoa was focused on four areas:

A church service in the prison where there were both male and female inmates and their children. Answer for the altar call was enormous as inmates responded to the sermon and testimonies.
High School ministry where, after dance, drama, and testimonies the team was able to talk to many of the students.
House to house evangelism distributing the Jesus DVD in both Samusu and Apia with many opportunities to talk to and pray with people.
Market place ministry in Apia with dance, drama and testimonies while members of the team talked to those who had come to the markets.

One of the most exciting ministry experiences was in a small village near Samusu when a team prayed for one of the matai’s of the village. This man had been in pain and unable to walk without the aid of crutches due to the gout he had suffered from for more than 25 years. As the team prayed he was able to extend his hand and then walk freely. This Morman man then gave his heart to the Lord!

Indeed many made decisions for Christ, and team members were excited and challenged by some of the things they saw and experienced.