2016 has been another awesome year for OCMC short-term mission teams! Many of you have traveled across the globe to answer the call of making disciples of all nations, and the impact of that has been profound.

The Orthodox Christian Mission Center was able to send off 20 teams totaling 122 team members to spread the message of Christ’s love through the Orthodox Church. Team members represented 10 different jurisdictions, 33 states, and 2 from the United Kingdom and India. There were a variety of ages represented from 7 to 78 years old.

Teams traveled to 7 countries on 4 different continents totaling over 641,600 miles flown! They ministered to 1,200 adults, 2,400 youth and young adults, cared for 1,500 patients, and numerous other unrecorded individuals were reached.

Over $18,000 in grant money was received to be used for medicines, orphanages, conferences, retreats, camps, and projects for the mission teams.

Following the mission trips, at least 14 team members felt a calling on their heart for long-term mission service, and 4 have already started the process to become long-term missionaries. Not only that, but teams have helped raise awareness of missions in the lives of 1,060 supporters, including over 510 new donors!

OCMC is very thankful for another impactful year for mission teams. To be part of Christ’s ministry on earth is an incredible blessing. Every individual who participates on a team is answering the call to make disciples of all nations and impacting lives with Christ’s love. We pray that the Orthodox Church around the world continues to grow through the efforts of missionaries and mission teams.

For all of you who served on or financed mission trips, thank you. Your love for Christ and the Orthodox Faith has brought many people encouragement and hope.

It’s already time to consider joining a 2017 short-term mission team. To see what teams are available for 2017, check out ocmc.org or call OCMC at 1-877- 463- 6787 (ext. 142).