One of the great priviledges given to us by our Lord is the joy of spreading the good news of the Kingdom of God. Naturally, in the local church, most of the mission focus is local. Although, to be faithful, the local church is called into translocal mission as well.
Our Vision
The vision of St. Andrew's is to simply do our part in the re-evangelization of the world and the transformation of society. In support of our vision the International Missions Team initiates and coordinates the efforts of St. Andrew's as we seek to reach the world with the Good News that in the person of Jesus Christ the God of the universe has been made known and that this same God invites us to join in the mission of Jesus Christ of restoring all things. We currently have a presence in 11 countries of the world!
Our Mission
St. Andrew's engages in international mission work with the aim to accomplish one of three things:
- To proclaim the good news to unreached people groups
- To encourgage the indigenous faithful by providing ministry and training
- To partner with indigenous and international Christian agencies to do works of service, i.e., building a school, establishing water purification systems, etc.
Our Strategy
It's a big world! In the face of staggering human need and a myriad of Christian agencies and opportunities, how do we decide where we will invest our energies and resources? Primarily, through a network of relationships.
These relationships establish our priorities. Therefore, we have developed three levels of mission partnership and engagement which give shape to the manner in which funding and resourcing are determined and distributed.
Additionally, we proactively aim to develop and send both individuals and couples as missionaries into various settings and locations.
Our four-fold strategy may be understood as follows:
1. Level One Partnerships
Partnerships established at this level have a regional and/or national focus and usually come about at the invitation of a bishop, archbishop and may have governmental approval. Parnterships at this primary level usually involve a multi-year commitment.
We currently have two partnerships which fit this category. They are:
- Uganda. At the invitation of Archbishop of Henry Orombi St. Andrew's has established an ongoing partnership with the Diocese of Masindi-Kitara.
- Liberia. At the invitation of St. Thomas Parish in Monrovia, and supported by governmental officials in the capital city, St. Andrew's has established a partnership with the leaders in Monrovia.
2. Level Two Partnerships
Level Two partnerships have a more local focus and are usually developed between St. Andrew's and a local church or agency in a foreign country. Level Two partnerships usually involve a multi-year commitment.
We currently have several partnerships which fit this category. They are:
- Miguel Uchoa with Church of the Holy Spirit and House of Hope in Recife, Brazil.
- Simon Guillebaud and GLO located in Burundi.
- Suzy Mcall and the Lamb Institute in Honduras.
- Caleb and Louise King in Shyria, Rwanda.
3. Level Three Partnerships
While we encourage St. Andrew's members to focus their energies within our Level One and Level Two partnerships we realize that individual interests may rest elsewhere. Therefore, desiring to encourage members of St. Andrew's to pursue opportunties in countries or with agencies outside of our Level One and Two partnerships, we seek to bless and release individual members to pursue their interests.
The parntership at this Level Three category are between St. Andrew's and its members. Level Three partnerships often have a very specific and localized focus and are initiated and led by individual members with the blessing and support of our International Missions Team. Most often, they are "one off" trips, although, return visits may occur.
4. Raising Up Missionaries
One last dimension of our mission strategy is the identification, equipping and sending of both short-term and long-term missionaries into the world. Short-term mission trips often last 7-14 days. Additionally, St. Andrew's has developed and implemented a discernment process whereby men and women may explore and test their "call" to long-term mission work. A listing of St. Andrew's missionaries and a description of their work may be found in the right-hand column.
For More Information
For more information about St. Andrew's misison partnerships, or, to learn more about St. Andrew's missionaries, please click one of the links in the right-hand column.
If you would be interested in learning more about international missions, mission opportunities, or schedule a speaker for your small group/cluster/church or event, contact Anthony Kowbeidu (843.284.4327 or Email Anthony).