John Cooper - April 12, 2026
Why Missions Matter
Resurrection Sunday always asks a follow-up question: if Jesus is alive, what do we do next? We take that question straight to the Great Commission in Matthew 28, then follow the thread into real mission work that looks like baptisms, discipleship, prayer, funding, and showing up when there is need. We start with what God is doing in the Dominican Republic through mission trips, church planting, and a community eager for the gospel. We talk about the joy of giving Magi boxes and why a simple gift can carry both dignity and a clear message about Jesus. From there we hear Judy Lopez share decades of Mexico missionary service with Crossroads, where Christian schools, hospital caregiver support, immigrant care, and an English school on the border all become practical ways to love neighbors and build long-term spiritual roots. Then we head to Zimbabwe with Hippo Valley Christian Mission and the Living Proof program, a child sponsorship model that invests in students academically and spiritually while creating a path to high school and beyond. Finally, we come home to local outreach through the Weirton Christian Center, where transportation, meals, tutoring, Bible lessons, counseling partnerships, and grief support meet kids and families right where they are. One testimony in particular reminds us that God can use a ministry to reach parents through their children and rebuild an entire household. If you care about church missions, Christian service, and what it means to be “sent” in Romans 10, this conversation will stay with you. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find these stories and join the work.
