A Mission Trip only 20 Minutes Away

While many tend to think that a mission trip must be overseas, our mission field is all around us and New City Fellowship Church gives us a chance to spend a day on a mini mission trip working in the city of St. Louis.

Photo by: Kayla Glyshaw

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As Christ followers we are called to serve those around us and our city is in dire need of people who are willing to serve with an open mind and heart.

Every second Saturday of the month, people of all ages gather together to serve the people in the city of St. Louis with New City Fellowship Church.

Projects include mowing, raking and shoveling for widows who no longer have anyone to help with everyday needs, delivering furniture to a newly arriving refugee family, visiting residents of a city nursing home, servicing cars with their auto ministry and many other tasks that benefit families, widows and others.

Paul Patterson, leader of New City Fellowship work days, said, “The elderly, the poor, the new arrivals to America — these are the most vulnerable among us. There are tasks they cannot perform for themselves or for which they need a helping hand. More importantly, we need these folks in our lives.”

People tend to think that in order to do mission work, you must travel overseas to minister to others, but on the contrary, mission work can be done with less than 20 minutes of travel.

NCF’s mission, found on their website is “to engage and equip the body of Christ for Spirit-led deeds of justice and mercy primarily within the city of St. Louis. We do this because the need in St. Louis is great.”

Going to a New City Work day gives one a chance to be a part of building God’s kingdom on this Earth.

“You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land” (Deuteronomy 15:11). Specifically, the Lord commands us to “visit orphans and widows in their distress” (James 1:27).

“Come to a workday and you will meet some extraordinary people,” Patterson said in an email. “Walk with them long enough and they will challenge your assumptions about the city, the poor, the Christian faith, and even God, your priorities, what’s really important, and your goals, why are you here? You will be changed, and for the better.”

Not only will you have an effect on the lives of those you serve but you will also walk away with a new perspective on life and the way you see the people around you.

If you are interested in attending an NCF work day then check out their website for more details.