Orthodox Mission Teams are groups of Orthodox Christians who put their Faith in action, bearing witness to the Orthodox Faith all over the world. The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) sends short-term Mission Teams, usually lasting 1-4 weeks, to assist communities in Africa, Asia, Central & South America, Europe, and some inNorth America.
The first OCMC Orthodox Mission Team was to Loberi, Kenya in 1987. The Team responded to the spiritual needs of fifteen Orthodox communities with no church to worship. Since the time of that mission, short-term mission teams have met many needs of people in especially difficult circumstances in economically underdeveloped countries and in young Churches.
WHY MISSION TEAMS?
Orthodox Mission Teams establish bonds of love, support and mutual learning between Orthodox Christians in North America and communities around the world. Mission Teams:
·Express the love, unity, and support of the Orthodox Church around the world.
·Share the teachings of the Orthodox Faith.
·Help Orthodox communities in need.
·Increase awareness of the importance of international missions at home.
WHO SHOULD GO?
Hard working Orthodox Christians wishing to participate and serve! Clergy, students, seminarians, medical personnel (doctors, dentists, nurses), teachers, youth workers, engineers, construction workers, contractors, carpenters, painters, professionals, and all those willing to the share the Faith.
WHAT DO ORTHODOX MISSIONTEAMS DO?
·Preach the Gospel
·Building Projects
·Youth Outreach
·Provide Health Care
·Share the Faith
WHO REALLY BENEFITS?
Team members touch and share the daily lives of Orthodox brothers and sisters around the world. Each Team member has the privilege of offering the gift of service as a witness of the Orthodox Faith.
Sending communities participate in the mission efforts through prayer, emotional, and financial support. Parishes at home are often revitalized as they become more aware of the need for outreach, renewal, and development in their own community.
Host communities and churches in mission lands are renewed and rejuvenated by the presence and assistance of the Mission Team. The indigenous people establish meaningful relationships and have cross-cultural experiences.
OCMC Missionaries who receive Mission Teams are encouraged and affirmed in their ministries. They encourage future long-term missionaries and build their current support base.
Everyone involved benefits!
WHERE DO MISSIONTEAMS GO?
Orthodox Mission Teams have provided building, teaching, medical, and other outreach programs all over the world. Orthodox Mission Teams go where hierarchs request them. Over the years Teams have been sent to:
Alaska - Albania - Brazil - Cameroon - Ghana - Greece - Guatemala - Kenya - Korea - India - Israel - Mexico - Paraguay - Poland - Puerto Rico - Romania - Russia - Slovakia - South Africa - Tanzania - Uganda
Orthodox Mission Teams need people who are culturally sensitive, motivated to learn, and spiritually mature; at least 18 years of age; in good physical health and an active member of the Orthodox Church.
·Send a completed application including the reference form from your Orthodox parish priest to OCMC. Applications are available at online. Click here for a downloadable application now,or call toll-free (463-6784).
·Apply early enough so there is adequate time to process applications, make selections, obtain passports/visas, get immunizations, raise support, and make travel arrangements.
·Read all the information sent to Team members on how to prepare for short-term mission service including fundraising ideas.
·Raise financial support to cover costs of participation as you create mission awareness.
·Meet for pre-field orientation prior to departure to your Mission Team’s service location.
·PRAY: before, during and after!
Mission Team members need to be patient, flexible, and capable of adapting to difficult, unfamiliar, and sometimes uncomfortable realities of life in other countries.
APPLY TODAY!
OCMC is preparing for another exciting year where Orthodox Mission Teams will travel around the world. Click the link below for more information.
If you feel called to serve, begin today. Please take the time to complete an Orthodox Mission Team application and send it in. Click here for a downloadable application now.
For more information you may contact OCMC at Teams@ocmc.org,
