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Our vision says that we aim to send 50% of our partners on a short-term mission in a 3 year period. With so many people stepping up to the challenge, we are unable to give them all 'platform space' to tell their stories. So here is the "Readers Digest" version of some trips.

Neil and Joy Winterbottom: South Korea Our mission was to teach English, at Missionary Training Institute in Seoul. The 35 students, of whom we had 7 each, were all in their 30s, and were supported by their churches or mission societies. Their proposed mission fields ranged from Japan in the east to Paraguay in the west. Our days, beginning at 6.30am, consisted of 2 lots of worship conducted by the students, teaching English conversation and grammar, bible study, and marking ‘homework’. In between the official timetable students individually requested help with pronunciation, extra conversation, dictation practice and correction of their sermons. They were to go to bed at 10.30pm but many worked quite a bit later than that in what was quite a punishing schedule for them. Although we left home with some trepidation, we needn’t have worried. We felt at home as soon as we entered MTI. The students and staff were all so committed and friendly; we knew within the first week that a month wasn’t going to be long enough and that we should be very sorry to leave. It was a truly inspiring, exciting and exhilarating experience and we both feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity to serve in this way. MTI is constantly looking for teachers to help their work. We are certainly hoping to return next year.

Mary Paton, Brooklyn I saw that there is a great deal of poverty in one of the world's richest countries. I worked with Metro Ministries, led by Bill Wilson; where over 19,000 children are pastored and presented with the Gospel each week. I was particularly touched by the love and enthusiasm of the teams and Volunteers. It was incredible to see children having fun, yet respecting boundaries; scripture being taught in ways relevant to their lives. Teaching being given to help them respect themselves and others. People showing them the love of Jesus. The children were able to see, that despite the violence and addiction all around them, there is another way to live their lives. Knowing Jesus makes the difference and gives them hope!

Richard Slaymaker: Bethel Church, Dagenham, London On Saturday 7th October, our team made our way into different parts of London where we stopped to offer food and drink to the homeless. I was stunned. Immediately, I had a feeling of guilt rush over me, due to the fact that I knew I would be sleeping in a bed within a few hours time. Throughout the night we stopped at numerous places to hand out hot soup and sandwiches to people. What amazes me was that so many of their faces lit up when they saw we had food and drink. We only had some soup and a roll for them, but they reacted in such a way, that it made me realize how selfish and ungrateful I could be sometimes, and that is what I think impacted me the most. It opened my eyes in a fresh way to appreciate God's Grace even more. This was the first time I had ever done anything like this before and for me it really was a case of stepping out of my comfort zone. Mission is an awesome experience, and I would love to be involved in it again very soon!

Simon Curgenven: Iceland In June 2006, I went to speak at the Annual Royal Rangers Summer Camp in Hvolsvollur, Iceland. There were about 50 young people from all over the nation on camp, and I was the main speaker. The studies were on "Fanning the flame of Faith". Many of the young people and staff spoke really good English, so there were plenty of conversations. The weather was brilliant, (for Iceland) and the tents were warm. The days consisted of Practical activities, assault course, outdoor cooking, survival skills, bible study and group work. It was a 7 day trip, and amongst all the practical activities God really touched the people's lives and encouraged them to be leaders amongst the youth in Iceland.

Estie and Maryke Van Rensburg: Japan Mission is in your heart, not a trip separate from your life. We included a mission into our holiday to Tokyo, Japan. We visited a small church in Nerima-ku, run by two American missionaries who have been there for the last 50 years! We provided the church with English bibles, teaching CD’s that were donated by Hope Resources, as well as a financial gift. During the service we gave our testimonies of what God has done in our lives and afterward shared a meal together. Measured in time – this was a short mission. However the impact on our lives was great. How wonderful it felt to be an instrument in God’s hands as we received feedback on how the church had only 400 Yen (£2) left in their accounts and was unable to pay the pastor if we hadn’t come. More – we were so encouraged by these Christians who sacrificed so much for their faith, and often risk the possibility of rejection by their family and friends. When you go on a mission you go to serve, encourage and bless others, but the amazing thing is YOU often receive even more than you give!

Chris Saunders: Kenya The 3 months I spent in Kenya were spent in different areas, doing children's work. The first 3 weeks I assisted in running holiday camps for orphans and disadvantaged children. It was there that I had the joy of leading 3 teenage boys to the Lord. I also spoke at the Sunday school where there were over 50 children. After the camps were over, much of my time was spent at 2 orphanages in Western Kenya, where many children have had terrible backgrounds. Many of the children had forgotten how to smile, but through much patience, love and care, I saw children smile again. I also spent time on the streets where I was able to share both spiritual and physical food with the many children I met. The last 3 weeks of my stay was at the Matumaini Rehab Centre, where I worked with profoundly disabled Children. Some of these were extremely damaged by their experiences, but I was able to teach Christian songs and the love of Jesus. It was an awful wrench to leave them to return to Britain.

Andrew Mantle: Sapporo, Japan I was based in a small church in Hachiken, a small suburb in the city of Sapporo, Northern Japan. (The church was about 70 people, which is large for a Japanese church.) I was involved in accompanying on the piano and leading gospel workshops as a form of evangelism to Japanese people. It was a very exciting time in which I was able to be used by God and learn about  Japan as well as myself. One of the greatest memories is of the Japanese people being deeply moved when we sang songs about Gods love. One of my greatest challenges was of communication, and learning a different culture.

John and Annick Smith: Romania In April we left home and drove in two vans to Romania, loaded with food, clothes, toys and medication amongst other things. We visited 2 orphanages, prisons for men and women, Gypsy camps, met street children and it was a blessing to empty out our full hands to them. The greatest blessing was to see men and women asking God to forgive their sins and receive Jesus Christ as their saviour. In October, John and his friend Ivor, were led to drive into unexplored territory and found 2 Orphanages in great need of food and finances, and another possibility to visit a prison. John has now travelled again to Romania in December and has another trip planned for April 2007. What an Amazing God we serve, He always makes our paths straight.

Matt, Olivia, Dan and Alison Allport: South Africa Our visit to South Africa was really challenging and inspiring. Challenging, because we saw such poverty and hardships; and inspiring, because we saw what incredible things are happening amongst the people we met. We visited an Aids Orphanage and saw the children whose parents have been killed by this disease and were really touched by being able to spend time with them.