Go:Missions

Monthly Mission Focus

South Sudan

Missionaries: Shelvis & Nancy Smith-Mather

Rev. Nancy and Rev. Shelvis Smith-Mather have served in East Africa for nearly two decades, in efforts CNN and NPR described as “enriching the world.” Nancy led education initiatives to address widespread illiteracy. Shelvis—a University of Oxford graduate—helped develop a peace institute through RECONCILE that trains leaders nationwide. Currently, Shelvis serves as the RECONCILE Peace Institute Advisor, working with Sudanese and South Sudanese colleagues and Cambridge University to review, revise, and update the peace institute curriculum. Their advocacy has led to collaborations with Nobel Peace Prize laureates, African presidents, and institutions such as Oxford, Yale, and UNHCR. Nancy and Shelvis are grateful their children have been shaped by the extraordinary hope and hospitality of the East African communities they’ve called home..

Provide monetary support for the Missionary, Peace and Reconciliation in South Sudan, or for the RECONCILE Training Center - South Sudan

  • For peace. The people of South Sudan have endured decades of conflict, yet the majority of the country longs for peace. May this be the time when the miracle of peace takes root in South  Sudan and grows for generations.
  • For healing. Living through war impacts hearts, minds, and bodies. Bring healing, Lord, to your children wounded by the trauma of war.
  • For education. Pray that all children in South Sudan have the opportunity to go to school. May they have school buildings, books, pencils, paper, and trained teachers. May they have the tools and training to reach their dreams. 
  • GO:Global

    Through Global Missions, we partner with ministries around the world to share the love of Jesus and bring hope to every nation.

    Romania

    Romania

    Focus: Evangelism, At-risk Youth, Church Planting, Vocational Training
    Missionaries: Felipe & Janelle deWaard-Silva

    For over 7 years, Felipe & Janelle have creatively shared the gospel in Romania, starting with a rock-climbing club among the Roma people. Now, their ministry spans education, evangelism, and job training. Partnering with them provides resources to reach their community and inspires us to connect creatively through the good news.

    South Sudan

    South Sudan

    Focus: Peace, Reconciliation, Refugee Assistance
    Missionaries: Shelvis & Nancy Smith-Mather

    Shelvis leads reconciliation and healing efforts at RECONCILE Peace Institute. Nancy partners with RECONCILE to improve education, support teachers, advocate for girls, and promote peace in South Sudan.

    Bahrain

    Bahrain

    Focus: Health Care, Evangelism, Church Multiplication
    Missionaries: Blaine & Kathy Newhouse

    Blaine Newhouse serves as the senior pastor of the ELC of the National Evangelical Church of the Kingdom of Bahrain, a church planted by the RCA in 1893. His wife Kathleen teaches at Al Raja School.

    Kenya

    Kenya

    Focus: Business Training, Poverty Prevention
    Missionary: Wendy Twycross

    For 28 years, ELI has empowered orphans and families to overcome poverty, embrace Christ, and share their transformation. Wendy leads Kenyan business leaders in training new entrepreneurs, breaking poverty cycles.

    Team World Vision

    Team World Vision

    Focus: Poverty Prevention, Evangelism, Child Sponsorship

    World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

    GO:Local

    Our Local Missions focus on serving our neighbors, meeting practical needs, and sharing the hope of Jesus right here in our community

    A large, diverse group of smiling teenagers pose for a photo on a grassy lawn at dusk. A large wooden lodge and forested hills are in the background.

    Young Life & WyldLife

    Focus: Community Outreach, Youth Ministry

    Young Life (senior high) and WyldLife (junior high) Homer Glen & Lockport is committed to sharing with every teen how much God loves them. Volunteer leaders give all teens a safe place to belong regardless of their beliefs, through mentoring relationships with adult and high school leaders, small groups, and regular club gatherings that offer fun, laughter, encouragement, and an inspirational message.

    A group of incarcerated men in beige uniforms with their hands raised in prayer. The man in the foreground looks up with a heartfelt expression.

    Chicagoland Prison Outreach

    Focus: Prison Evangelism, Discipleship, Job Training, Angel of Hope

    CPO reaches out to incarcerated and previously incarcerated men, women, and their families with the love of Christ. In-prison ministries include discipleship and educational programs, while post-prison ministries provide mentoring, accountability, life skills, and vocational training. Outreach programs include the Angels of Hope family ministry and the Women of Hope.

    Four people of different ages and ethnicities smiling for a photo around a red table with books stacked on it in what appears to be a church hall.

    MEC of Mt. Greenwood

    Focus: Evangelism, Hospitality to Ethnic Communities

    The Multi-Ethnic Church of Mt. Greenwood’s mission is “To embrace and empower people of all nations present with us and together we find a faith and spirituality fulfilled in Jesus Christ.” Currently, they meet for worship, feed the homeless and underprivileged, and evangelize to immigrants.

    An older man in a camouflage hat uses a large yellow miter saw to cut wood, while another man works in the background of a room being renovated.

    World Renew

    Focus: Disaster Relief Locally and Globally

    World Renew joins communities around the world to renew hope, reconcile lives, and restore creation through disaster relief and community development in the US and globally. They provide immediate assistance with clean water, food security, and shelter and have a lasting impact on rebuilding communities.

    GO:Friendships

    This is a collection of great local organizations that we partner with.  If you’re looking for a way to serve your community, click on the logos below to connect to their website.

    The logo for the Second Story Foundation in a dark gray, textured font on a black background. An emblem with the year 2016 is above the name.