Let’s Go On A Neighborhood Mission Trip!

It is my privilege to serve on the Development Team of Cross Over Ministry, a non-denominational, Christian-based organization that serves the needs of the uninsured in the Richmond, Virginia metropolitan area. The mission of Cross Over Ministry is “To provide health care, promote wellness and connect the talents and resources of the community with those in need in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Volunteers are critical to the work of CrossOver, providing 50% of all patient care. Each week a committed cadre of volunteer physicians, dentists, hygienists, ophthalmologists, optometrists, pharmacists, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, and counselors dedicate their time and energy so that patients receive compassionate, quality health care. Additionally, volunteers offer administrative and clerical support to the staff and patients.

Crossover has begun a new ministry called a Neighborhood Mission Trip that engages local churches in neighborhood ministry. A local mission trip! What a novel idea. A church may choose to offer its members a local neighborhood mission trip by pulling together a team of qualified persons from its congregation to run the Cross Over clinic during hours that the clinics are not usually open for service—that is, on any evening of the week, or on a Saturday. Just a few persons are needed for a successful experience.

Crossover will meet with a church’s team and give them training prior to their mission service. This is just one example of the way the local church can get involved in the community and use the gifts of its members in Christian service to others. Check out the Cross Over Ministry web site for more information about their ministries and the opportunity to provide a neighborhood mission trip for your church. Think of other ways that you can engage the members of your congregation in neighborhood mission experiences.