Real-World Ministry

Real-World Ministry: October Campaigns

Written by Brad McKinnon,
Director of Christian Service

Historian and educator Henry Adams once suggested, “An education may be the wider and the richer for a large experience of the world.” Real-World Ministry. At Heritage Christian University, real-world ministry is more than a slogan; it is a fundamental component of the University’s mission to prepare effective communicators of the gospel. The Christian Service Department provides practical field experience for our students, including regular weekly service to the church and community, as well as targeted evangelistic activities each semester in various locations. During the week of October 16-22, our students will serve the communities of Fairfield, Texas and Florence, Alabama.

Jason Schick, HCU alumnus and the preaching minister with the Fairfield Church of Christ, has designed an organized and professional experience by which our students can grow spiritually, as they share the gospel with others. HCU’s Director of University Advancement, Philip Goad, has been invited to present a series of lessons focused on the grace and mercy offered by the Lord to all. In coordination with the gospel meeting, our students will meet with local residents, setting up and leading personal Bible studies. Recognizing Jesus’ command to “go and do likewise” in response to the needs of others, Thursday will be dedicated to various service projects throughout Fairfield. Brandon Beard, one of our most experienced student campaigners, will provide exceptional leadership for the students during this campaign.

The Florence campaign will focus on doing simple things in service to others that we believe will have a lasting impact. Work will consist of mowing yards, raking leaves, and making minor repairs for those who are not able to do these things for themselves. Senior HCU student, Derrick Sumerel, has planned and organized this effort in an outstanding way.

In both campaigns, our students will be guided by the principle of responsibility outlined by Paul in Galatians 6:10 – “So then, whenever we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith” (NRSV).

May God be glorified through our efforts!

Peru Mission Trip

Caring for Cusco

Written by Josh Looney

Student at Heritage Christian University

From July 9th through July 17th, 2011, I had the privilege of serving in Cusco, Peru on a medical mission. This campaign was led by Ramon Gonzales, a Peruvian native and 2010 graduate of Heritage Christian University. I was blessed with support from the Fairview Church of Christ, the congregations at Florence Boulevard and Cox Boulevard, and many individuals.

While there, we gave: free medical care, haircuts, children’s classes, clothing, Gospel literature, and Bible studies with those wanting to learn more. We saw around 600 people with the medical care, 200 children in the children’s classes, and around 120 free hair cuts.

Our team was made up of many people of many professions who wanted to contribute their time and talent to the glory of God. The campaign was held at the building of the Wanchaq Church of Christ in Cusco. The congregation was more than generous in their love and support in the effort.

Aside from work, we were also able to see many of the awesome sights of Peru. We explored the city of Cusco, toured the Macchu Picchu, and spent some time on the Pacific coast of Lima. Some of us even went parasailing! Peru is a beautiful country and I got to see some of the best of God’s creation. The Andes mountains lined up like a mighty choir to sing to the Lord and the Pacific coast echoed the praise!

I have been involved with many stateside campaigns since coming to Heritage Christian University in the Fall of 2008, but this was my first international campaign. My soul was thrilled to be able to interact with people of a different culture and to be with the Christians in Peru. The congregation was so warm and welcoming and it was so awesome to see how universal the Church really is. We pray that, through this effort, we have generated interest in the faith in the community and hope to see more souls added to the Church in the future.

Peru

Mission Work in Peru

Mission work lies very close to the heart of the Heritage Christian University family. In this video, Travis Harmon, HCU's Director of Church and Alumni Relations, details a recent trip he took to Peru.

Mission Update

Camp Ruta

Written by HCU Student Bubby Rushing

Bubby Rushing (pictured at left), a student at Heritage Christian University, has arrived back in the United States after spending time in Lithuania on a mission trip. Bubby spent time as a Bible teacher and counselor at a camp for young people. Below is a report he sent at the conclusion of the camp.

"Camp Ruta was a success; the week went great and we had no problems. The last night of the week we had some encouraging messages from the campers. One of them said, "I did not know if God was real before this camp, but now I know he is." It's so good to hear from a camper that what we are doing is beneficial. These young kids are starting from the beginning in their faith and hearing the gospel for the first time, and it is a huge blessing to be a small part of that. After camp ended we enjoyed a worship service with the Vilnius church."

Of Primary Importance

Mission Work

Mission work – whether domestic or foreign – has always been of primary importance to Heritage Christian University. Our original name, International Bible College, emphasized the universal nature of the gospel of Christ. We know that Jesus really meant His command to take the truth to every person on this planet (Matt 28:18-20). We also understand that without an obedient faith responding to the gospel men stand lost before the Creator. Thus, we do everything within our power to snatch men and women from the coming fire (cf. Jude 23).

This week some from the HCU family have left comfort and home to preach Jesus’ message.

Joey Barrier and family, accompanied by Travis and Stacey Harmon, will travel to Peru to work with HCU alumnus Ramon Gonzales.

Dr. Jeremy Barrier and his father, HCU Board Member Wayne Barrier, are in Asia. They sent this report Monday morning: “Everything is fine here in the Philippines. We are in Cebu, Philippines, and we are teaching in the Philippine Institute of Biblical Studies. We also preached several times yesterday for several congregations. One of the congregations meets in a restaurant. The owner of the restaurant, Helen, is a widow, and she has all of her workers attend the worship, while they take a ‘break’ from working on Sunday. She's quite evangelistic and has converted quite a few of them.

HCU student Bubby Rushing is in Lithuania. He sent the following report: "I am in Vilnius, Lithuania preparing for a camp starting later today in Moletai, Lithuania. The camp is for ages 8-13 and includes boys and girls. The camp is a week long and is set up like most youth camps in America. During the week I will be serving as a counselor, a Bible teacher, and on Wednesday, I will be the keynote speaker for the nightly worship. I started being a part of this work in 2008 and was also able to be here in 2009, but due to financial difficulty in 2010 the camp session was closed for the year. Other people on this trip include Danny Dodd, Bud Meyer, Stacy and Hillary Humphries, Judy Peacock, Judy Julian, Stephanie Williams (all of Pensacola Florida), and Scott Jordan (from Memphis Tennessee). Also, while we are here, we are spending time with local church members and ministers encouraging and in fellowship with them. So far it's been a very rewarding and great trip so far."

We ask that you remember these efforts before the Father’s throne.