The apostle Paul considered the help and support of other believers vital to his ministry. Philippians shows us that Epaphroditus blessed and encouraged Paul, even at the peril of his own life. In Romans, Paul’s heart overflows in chapter 16 as he greets various believers, referring to many of them as “fellow workers” or “fellow prisoners.” In 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul asks Timothy to bring John Mark to him because Paul considered him “useful to me for service.” Timothy himself was regarded by Paul as his “true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2) and “our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ” (1 Thessalonians 3:2).

It is in this spirit of service and love that we send Short-Term Ministry (STM) teams from Grace Community Church each year to support and encourage our missionaries, and it is with great joy and thankfulness that we look back on the 2025 STM season. From April to September, sixteen teams traveled abroad to support our missionaries. Their reports testify to the grace of God in using humble servants for the building up of the body of Christ around the world.

Reports from the Field

Albania — One of this year’s STM teams partnered with a faithful local church in Tirana to serve at an evangelistic youth camp. Throughout the week, the team lived alongside more than a hundred students—sharing meals, participating in activities, and engaging in countless gospel conversations. Through the generosity of Grace Church, full scholarships were provided for several orphans from a nearby orphanage, enabling them to attend the camp. Many students heard the gospel clearly for the first time, and several visited the church the following Sunday—some of whom still attend months later. Because the church maintains an ongoing ministry with the orphanage, the camp strengthened long-term relationships and opened new doors for discipleship. This trip reflects the heart of all our STMs: to support and strengthen the local church for lasting fruitfulness.

Mexico City — This summer, our 180 Student Ministry sent a team of high school students and leaders to serve alongside Iglesia Cristiana de la Gracia. The week was filled with ministry that stretched and encouraged the students while strengthening the church’s ongoing work. The team visited shut-ins, served at a government rehabilitation center, and participated in youth services, cleaning projects, and a youth conference. They cleaned more than 400 chairs owned by the church and spent extended time building relationships with local church members. A major highlight was their boldness in evangelism; in parks and neighborhoods, they eagerly shared the gospel with maturity and courage. Pastor Isaías Muñoz noted how “remarkably bold” the students were in proclaiming Christ. God used the trip to bless the church and disciple our students, who returned home strengthened and more passionate about the Great Commission.

A Harvest Still Plentiful

These ministry trips would not be possible without the prayers, generosity, and support of the Grace Church family. We are grateful for the many who have given sacrificially—financially, practically, and prayerfully—to advance the work of the gospel.

Sunday, December 7, marks the beginning of a new season of STMs. For 2026, fifteen teams have been requested by our missionaries and ministry partners. All Grace Church members 18 and older are invited to apply. These teams will serve in a variety of ministries, including evangelism, supporting conferences, and hosting Vacation Bible Schools with local churches.

For more information contact the STM office at 818-909-5702 or stm@gracechurch.org.

2026 Teams

  • Albania
  • Armenia
  • Jersey, British Channel Islands
  • Cali, Colombia
  • Medellín, Colombia
  • Pereira, Colombia
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • England
  • Indonesia
  • Monterrey, Mexico
  • Mexico City, Mexico
  • New Zealand
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Johannesburg, South Africa