2017-18_Mission_Catalog

                                     2017-2018 Mission Catalog

This Is WOT C... From the mimistry’s beginning in 1988, our purpose has always been to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to train others to do the same. It began with day trips to Mexico in an old school bus and continues today throughout the US, Mexico, and Nicaragua. Nothing gives us more joy than to see the lost come to know Jesus as Savior and to see the Kingdom grow. Please keep us lifted up in prayer and ask that the Lord would open new doors for us to be able to continue to fulfill the Great Commission.

Index Page 1 - Who We Are Page 2 - What We Believe Page 3 - How We Work Page 4 - Insert Page 5 - Customize Your Trip Page 6 - US Ministry Page 7 - US Ministry Facilities Page 8 - US Ministry Opportunities Page 9 - Relentless Prayer Room - Short-term Groups Page 10 - Mexico Ministry Page 11 - Mexico Ministry Facilities Page 12 - Mexico Ministry Opportunities Page 13 - Big Feed - Genesis Project Page 14 - Gateway Pastors Conference - Mexico Missionary Training School Page 15 - Nicaragua Ministry Page 16 - Nicaragua Facilities Page 17 - Nicaragua Opportunities Page 18 - MedFest - Kids Camp Page 19 - La Dalia Crusade - Big Feed Nicaragua Page 20 - Jinotega Crusade - Ironman / MASH Crusade Page 21 - Ebenezer Project - Nicaragua Missionary Training School Page 22 - Chicken Coop Festival - Sports Camp Page 23 - Building a Team, Bridging the Gap Page 24 - Testimonies Photo: Located in the rainforest, La Dalia, Nicaragua, is home to many rivers and waterfalls.

Who We Are Preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ... it’s what we love, what people need, what drives us in everything we do. We have many projects from building houses and providing medical care to loving on kids and providing meals for families. We go into schools and neighborhoods, travel by van, bus and boat, hike mountains, trek through forests and wade through muddy waters, all to take the Good News of Jesus to people around the world. We hand out beans, rice, clothes, toys, candy, pencils and tracts. We love, care, and pray for countless people. None of this, though, can be done alone. We partner with local pastors and churches and groups from the U.S. to make this all happen. It is beautiful to see the Church unite together, crossing borders and languages to change the world for Jesus.

What We Believe Way of the Cross Ministries International is a non-denominational missions organization. Our heart is to work in unity with like-minded kingdom people who desire to see the Good News of Jesus preached to the ends of the earth. 1. We believe that God is the eternal Father and Creator of all things. He has always existed in three persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), (Gen 1:1-3). 2. We believe that God created man in His image (Gen 1:27), but man rebelled against God and introduced sin into this world (Rom 5:12). Ever since then, all men have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23). 3. We believe that Jesus Christ was fully God and fully man, born of a virgin, who died for our sins, and was resurrected from the dead on the third day to freely offer salvation to all who call on and put faith in Him (Rom. 10:13). He is the only way to heaven and the only name that can be called upon to gain eternal life (Acts 4:12). 4. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah and came to usher in the kingdom of God, which is already here, but not yet revealed in its fullness (Mt. 4:17). He deserves to be the Savior and Lord of our lives (Rom. 10:9). As a result, we need to die to ourselves, forsake all, take up our crosses, and follow Him (Lk. 14:27). 5. We believe that God sent the Holy Spirit to empower us to go out and be witnesses (Acts 1:8). Just as the Father sent His Son into the world, now Jesus sends us to be His ambassadors to a lost and hurting world (Jn. 20:21). The Holy Spirit gives us gifts and causes us to bear fruit in order to carry out God’s will (1 Cor. 12:11,12). 6. We believe that the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God and final authority and standard by which we should live (1 Tim 3:16). 7. We believe that love sums up the law. We need to love God with all that we are and love our neighbors as ourselves (Mt. 22:37-39). By our love they will know that we are His disciples (Jn. 13:35). 8. We believe that every believer in the world makes up a part of the body of Christ and that God’s will for His church is that we be unified so that the world might know the Truth (Jn. 17:23). 9. We believe that it is the responsibility of the church to take the Gospel to the entire world as a testimony to all nations (Mt. 24:14). Every member in the body of Christ must play a role in building the kingdom of God by taking the Good News to all creation, making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey everything that Jesus taught (Mt. 28:18-20).

How We Work Partnerships Our goal is to unite people. This is more than bringing two people from two different countries together for a week. We have missionaries working full-time to establish relationships with local churches, pastors and congregations. These missionaries live and work with the people, getting to know them and their needs. We then work to bring our U.S. teams together with the local churches, uniting them in the work of the Lord. Relationships Relationships are important and we want to help you build lasting relationships with the people you encounter on your mission trip. Our full-time staff are your bridge to the people you see and work with on your trip. They help connect you and keep you involved even when you have gone home and are thousands of miles away. Training One of our biggest passions is to train people to be ministers of the Gospel. We partner with pastors and teachers across the U.S. to help train the people of Mexico and Nicaragua to reach out into their communities, to build their churches and to be powerful ministers for the Lord. Evangelism We are constantly reaching out and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with people. It is the heart and soul of who we are. Short-Term Missions We don’t want your team to just come for a week and go home. We don’t want you to just build a house, or just visit a church, or just play with kids. We want to build lasting relationships that unite the body of Christ. This isn’t always easy when you have different languages and thousands of miles between you, but we believe it is possible to unite and build the church to further the Kingdom of Heaven across continents and cultures.

One of our Missionary Training Students teaching other church members how to present the Gospel before a WOTC Crusade. These pastors travelled 3 hours to unite with us in a big event. Here they are praying for God to move during the event. A group from Bowlegs, OK partnered with us and a church in La Dalia, Nicaragua to take the Gospel message into the local schools. Pastor Kenneth Summey from Murfreesboro, TN teaching a group of our Missionary Training students at our base camp in Nicaragua.

We offer a lot of different mission trips throughout the year, but we know they don’t fit everyone’s schedule. We also know that many times a group has a special skill set, or a desire to work in a certain area, and we want to help you make that happen. We have many continuing projects and local partnerships that makes it possible for us to put together a custom mission trip at nearly any time of the year. We would love to talk with you or your group to get to know your heart, your skills, and your vision for your mission trip. Once we know some about your group, we can work to plug you into the area of ministry that will fit you best. We have had groups come to us with a desire to do construction, medical, children’s ministry, women’s ministry, church growth, and the list goes on. We may take a group who desires to do construction and plug them into one of our continuing projects, such as the Genesis Project (Mexico) or the Ebenezer Project (Nicaragua). A group may express a desire to work closely with a local pastor and help spiritually build the church, so we would choose a pastor we have a continuing relationship with to partner with the U.S. team. The possibilities are boundless and the need is great!

U.S. Ministry Our main headquarters is located in Harlingen, Texas. This area, the Rio Grande Valley, has the highest poverty level in Texas. Our desire is to shine the light of Jesus in our own country, to the people who desperately need the hope found in Jesus. Photo: A U.S. church group singing at the Celebrate Jesus Festival in Brownsville, TX.

U.S. Facilities Warehouse Our 180,000 square foot warehouse is located in downtown Harlingen, TX and is filled with blessings from the Lord. It is the home of our financial office and our public food and clothing bank. Everything is given freely. Those who receive food and clothes also receive the Gospel message. We also share the things we receive with more than 1,800 other ministries and churches throughout the US and Training Center Mexico. Our training center, which is located 3 miles north of the Valley International Airport, contains our church, dorm facilities, administrative offices, mechanic shop, and housing for some of our staff. Location: Harlingen, TX Group Capacity: 200 max. Amenities: bunk beds, full kitchen, chapel, A.C. Staff Housing Our staff housing is also located in Harlingen, TX. We have close to 30 missionaries and their families that live in this facility and we always have room for more! We have units for single missionaries as well as for families. All of our full-time staff are unsalaried and receive their financial support through faith. Location: Harlingen, TX Amenities: family units with multiple rooms, AC and kitchen

U.S. Opportunities            “    ”  

Relentless Prayer Room Trip Information: Activities: Cost: Free! Prayer, Intercession, Worship Length: 2 hrs. Summary: Join us twice per week to lift up the ministry, our friends and family, our nation and leaders, and any other need you may have. The Relentless Prayer Room is here for all your prayer needs. We network with other bodies of believers in several countries to stand together united in our petitions. Monday & Thursday 5:30 PM Short-Term Groups Trip Information: Trip Activities: Cost: $30 / person / day Evangelism, Music, Dramas, Outreach, Church Length: 3 - 10 days Partnership, Construction Projects, VBS Trip Summary: The Rio Grande Valley has many needs. Your group can make an impact in the lives of the people here in many ways. Trips are customizable based on the skills of your group. This is an excellent area for your team to build a sustainable relationship that will have an eternal impact. The dates for this project can be set to suit your group.

Mexico Ministry Our ministry has its roots in Mexico. The country and its people have been through a lot, and we know that God has called us to bring hope to the people through His word. We have many local pastors that we have partnered with for decades, praying with us and working beside us to see revival in the church, people, and nation of Mexico. Photo: US/Mexico Border. Praying for God’s favor before we cross.

Mexico Facilities Gateway Camp Located just 30 minutes from our Harlingen, TX facilities this beautiful camp offers groups an opportunity to stay in Mexico, partner with local pastors and minister in surrounding villages. Location: Buenas Aires, Mexico Group Capacity: 240 Amenities: Dorm facilities, full kitchen, chapel, air conditioning Aldama Camp Located six hours into Mexico from our Harlingen facilities, this camp is nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains and offers groups a breath-taking place to get away and focus on the Lord as they minister in local villages. Location: Aldama, Mexico Group Capacity: 40 Amenities: Bunk beds, couples’ rooms, full kitchen, chapel, cool mountain breeze San Fernando Orphanage Located 90 miles South of the Border, the orphanage is home to 15 children from the surrounding area. Not only are their physical needs met at the orphanage, but they also receive a firm spiritual foundation from their caretakers. Location: San Fernando, Mexico Group Capacity: 30 Amenities: Dorm facilities, full kitchen, chapel, couples housing

Mexico Opportunities                       Photo: Cooking chicken at the Big Feed Mexico

Big Feed Trip Information: Trip Activities: Cost: $185 / person Evangelism, Music, Dramas, Outreach, Medical, Length: 3 days Setup, Construction, Grilling! Trip Summary: The Big Feed is an opportunity to join together with churches and congregations from the US and Mexico to reach the people of Matamoros, Mexico. Bring your team and get ready to share the Gospel, play games, and feed the people in one of the poorest areas of Matamoros. December 27th, 28th, & 29th every year Genesis Project Trip Information: Trip Activities: Cost: $50 / person / day Evangelism, Construction, Discipleship, Music, House Cost: $2200 Dramas, Outreach, VBS, Setup Length: 6 days Trip Summary: Join us in constructing a home for a needy family in Matamoros, Mexico. We’ve been working in this area for some time and have built the first house. We have continued to minister here and disciple the new believers, but we would like to have some groups invest in a sustainable ministry project in this area. The dates for this project can be set to suit your group.

Gateway Pastors' Conference Trip Information: Trip Activities: Cost: $185 / person Intense Bible Study, Prayer, Service to the Pastor Sponsorship: $100 Mexican Pastors Length: 5 days Trip Summary: The pastors’ conferences we’ve hosted in the past have always been powerful in the Lord. During this three day conference, you can expect to hear annointed teachers, attend powerful times of prayer, and develop lasting relationships with the pastors of Northern Mexico. April 4th, 5th, & 6th, 2018 Mexico Missionary Training School Trip Information: Trip Activities: Cost: $400 (US students) Evangelism Training, Missions Training, Field $200 Mexico Student Evangelism, Ministry Development Sponsorship Trip Summary: Length: 26 days The missionary training school is designed to train those with a calling to missions or ministry to begin their journey. The teachers are from all walks of life and different parts of the world and bring practical Biblical expierence and training to give to the students who attend. Apart from sharing the Gospel ourselves, these schools have been tremendous for reaching the lost through the training the students receive. April 16th - May 12th, 2018

Nicaragua Ministry Our ministry in Nicaragua has grown tremendously in the past few years. With the addition of a base camp we now have full-time missionaries working together with local churches to love, teach, help, and encourage the people of Nicaragua. Photo: Tie-dye shirts made during our Kid’s Camp in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua Facilities Shiloh Base Camp Located just 30 minutes from the Augusto Sandino International Airport in Managua, our base camp in Las Conchitas, Masaya is a little slice of paradise with many opportunities for ministry nearby. Location: Las Conchitas, Nicaragua Group Capacity: 60 Amenities: AC, full kitchen, couples’ housing, bunk beds, volcano view!

Nicaragua Opportunities                        Photo: Traveling the Rio Escondido during the Ironman Crusade.

Med-Fest Trip Information: Trip Activities: Cost: $850 + airfare Medical, Evangelism, Kids Ministry, Bike Repair, Length: 7 days Construction Trip Summary: This trip has something for everyone. Our medical professionals set up in a local school where they can treat locals and give medicines. The school is also the staging grounds for games, evangelism, children’s ministry and bike repair. We also have teams going out to evangelize in local villages and teams working on various construction projects. January 10th - 16th, 2018 Kids Camp Trip Information: Trip Activities: Cost: $550 + airfare Kids Ministry, Crafts, Games, Small Groups Length: 7 days Trip Summary: Trip Information: Cost: $550 Length: 7 Days During this trip, we work to share the word of God in a way that children will remember and retain. We work through dramas, crafts, games and small groups to minister to 80-100 children. Small group time allows you to build relationships with the kids as you do crafts and discuss lessons. Spring Break, 2018

La Dalia Crusade Trip Information: Trip Activities: Cost: $850 + airfare Evangelism, Kids Ministry Length: 7 days Trip Summary: The rainforest surrounding La Dalia is some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. During this crusade, we’ll be travelling to out of the way schools and communities to share the Gospel. For some of the communities we’ll visit, it’ll be the first time a US team has gone in to share the Word. This trip is not for the faint of heart, so if you’re up for a challenge, join us! Spring Break, 2018 Big Feed Nicaragua Trip Activities: Trip Information: Cost: $750 + airfare Big Event Evangelism, School Evangelism, Games, VBS, Setup Length: 7 days Trip Summary: 2017 was the year of our first Big Feed in Nicaragua. We joined together with more than 100 national churches and ministries and churches to share the Gospel with close to 15,000 people over two days. We look for the next one to be even bigger! We can use evangelists, kids ministers, youth groups, anyone with a heart to serve as there’s a lot of work to be done in an event of this magnitude. June 11th - 17th, 2018

Jinotega Crusade Trip Information: Trip Activities: Cost: $850 + airfare Evangelism, Kids Ministry Length: 7 days Trip Summary: Nestled high in the mountains, Jinotega is famous for its cool climate and coffee. It’s amazing to be in Central America and experience high temperatures in the upper 70’s. Another thing that’s amazing: the ministry opportunities. The schools are inviting and the people are eager to hear the Word. June 17th - 23rd, 2018 Ironman/MASH Crusade Trip Information: Trip Activities: Cost: $850 + airfare Evangelism, Kids Ministry, Medical Length: 7 days Trip Summary: Join us for an adventure down the Rio Escondido (Hidden River) in the Eastern part of Nicaragua. If you crave a little bit of excitement in your mission trips, this one’s for you! We depart every morning from the docks in El Rama, Nicaragua and travel by boat to take the Gospel message and free medical care to the remote villages up and down the river. June 24th - 30th, 2018

Ebenezer Project Trip Information: Trip Activities: Cost: $550 / person Evangelism, Construction, VBS House sponsorship: Trip Summary: $3000 Ebenezer means \"Stone of Help\" and is the heart Length: 7 days of this continuing project. For the past year we have been working in a small area near our base camp, ministering to the people, holding weekly Bible studies, and helping build houses and restore hope to our neighbors. The dates for this project can be set to suit your group. Missionary Training School Trip Information: Trip Activities: Cost: $400 (US students) Evangelism Training, Missions Training, Field $200 Nicaragua Student Evangelism Sponsorship Trip Summary: Length: approx. 28 days The missionary training school is designed to train those with a calling to missions or evangelism to begin their journey. The teachers are from all walks of life and different parts of the world and bring practical Biblical expierence and training to give to the students who attend. Apart from sharing the Gospel ourselves, these schools have been tremendous for reaching the lost through the training the students receive. Jan. 29th - Feb. 24th, 2018, Oct. 1st - 27th, 2018

Chicken Coop Festival Trip Information: Trip Activities: Cost: $750 + airfare Evangelism, Construction, VBS Coop sponsorship: $700 Trip Summary: Length: 7 days The chicken coop project is a special blessing that we provide for worthy pastors that we partner with in Nicaragua. With good training and maintenance, a coop can provide the pastor with a much needed supplimental income. During the build, we do evangelism and VBS in the pastor’s area. The dates for this project can be set to suit your group. Sports Camp Trip Information: Trip Activities: Cost: $750 + airfare Evangelism, Sports, Discipleship Length: 6 days Trip Summary: Our sports camp can accomodate any sport you choose. Some of the more popular sports here are baseball, soccer, and basketball, but the youth love the chance to learn a new game and compete. During the camp, the youth will receive discipleship as your team works closely with them to teach them the game. During competitions, everyone receives the Gospel message. The Kingdom of God wins! The dates for this activity can be set to suit your group.

Building a Team We know the body of Christ must work together to impact the world around us. In everything we do, we strive to have a team that works well together to accomplish this goal. Our teams are comprised of three parts. 1. Your Group- We will work with you to plug your group into the area of ministry and work that best fit your talents and abilities. Your group provides the man-power we need to reach people and complete projects. 2. Local Pastors & Communities- We will connect you with a local church, pastor or community that will compliment your team and allow both sides to grow and minister effectively. Many times these pastors are just waiting and praying for someone to come and help them in ministry projects. 3. Our Local Missionaries- These are the people who live and work daily in the country you will be visiting. They know the local pastors and communities in which you will be working . They are familiar with the ins and outs of the country and the problems and struggles of the people. Together we work to see churches grow, people come to know Christ, lives changes and blessings poured out for the glory of God! Bridging the Gap How is it possible to do effective ministry in one week? We know there are many challenges in this but we work hard to make sure the ministry that is done in the time you are with us has a lasting impact. This is ultimatley done by our local missionaries who act as a bridge to connect our U.S. groups with our local pastors. They bridge the gap between countries, languages and cultures to keep you connected and informed, but also to continue the work after you have gone home.

Testimonies “We have spent an amazing two weeks at WOTC’s missionary traininng school. We have been able to minister to the students and staff and we have been ministered to! Cherril and I feel like we’ve been to a ministers retreat. The teaching from both the American and Nicaraguan pastors has blessed us. We have had the priviledge of eating with, going on outreaches with, and praying with many of the students. It has truely touched our hearts and has been an expierence we wish to repeat. Thank you Brother Ben, Phillip and Jessica, and all of WOTC staff for allowing us this opportunity. God bless you all!”- Pastor Bill & Cherril Russell, Southwest Community Church, Olathe, KS “We at Bowlegs First Baptist Church of Bowlegs, Oklahoma; have participated with the Big Feed for 16 years and Jinotega crusades for 5 years. The Way of the Cross “Lascassas Baptist has partnered with WOC since 2014 Ministries are a part of our family in their ministry to Nicaragua through MEDFest, and you can see the love of Jesus in Ironman Crusade, and most recently the Ebenezer everything that they do and a Project. This partnership has allowed LBC to fulfill it's compassion for people around the obligation to be witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ to world. It is truly a blessing to be a \"the ends of the earth.\" I would highly recommend part of God's plan.” - Gina Raper, WOC to any church looking for a well established Bowlegs First Baptist Church, partner in Missions!” - Pastor Kenneth Summey, Bowlegs, OK Lascassas Baptist Church, Lascassas, TN

   ’               ’          Way of the Cross Ministries is an inter-denominational 501(c)(3) ministry whose purpose is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to train others to do the same. Contact Us: Way of the Cross Ministries 224 N. F St. Harlingen, TX 78550 Office: (956) 425-4558 Benjamin Butler, Director (956) 793-9801 Phillip Zinck US (956) 536-1739 Nicaragua 011-505-8902-9181 Theresa Spartz (956) 298-1728 [email protected]