USA (MNN) — With record crude oil prices, a falling dollar and talk of a recession, you would think short-term mission trip participation would start being hit. That's not the case with World Hope's short-term mission program called, "Hope Corp."
Hope Corp coordinator Debbie Hoover says, "In 2007 we sent 39 teams abroad. And, right now scheduled for 2008 we have 55 teams on the books. So we're really not seeing that the economy has affected people's interest in serving, which is really impressive to me."
While the economy has hit many Americans, Hoover says not even the economy can hurt God's work. "No matter what our economy is, God's economy is greater, and He's still challenging people to step out of their comfort zones and take a cup of cold water to the needy," says Hoover. "So I really think the church is the church, and no matter what happens to our pocketbook, we're called to do God's work. And I think we're seeing that through short-term missions."
Many need food, and medical attention, and everyone needs the Gospel.
According to Hoover ,the most immediate need is for teachers for one of their teams. "We have teams that are serving overseas. They are made up of U.S. teachers who give a week or two to go overseas, pay their way, and share their teaching expertise with teachers in developing countries. And I do have some vacancies to go to Azerbaijan, Guyana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone."
World Hope also is offering trips for youth and adults that would include agriculture, community health, orphan outreach, human trafficking and more.
Hoover believes short-term missions is a key to every church mission program. "Once two or three people go, and they report back to their church on this experience of working overseas, it does really enthuse congregations. It gets more people involved."
If you'd like information on how to join World Hope on a trip, click here.
