St. Augustine, Florida. The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) has been accepting applications for its 2007 Orthodox Mission Teams. These Teams serve abroad for 2-4 weeks helping Orthodox Christians from different cultures build churches, learn about the faith, minister to the youth, offer medical services, and share the love of Christ.
The effect of these Team experiences can have a profound impact on one's life. On January 21st , Ancient Faith Radio broadcast an interview with Andrew Lekos, a veteran of several Mission Teams, and current Teams Director for the Mission Center, in which he shared how his participation in a team opened his eyes to Orthodoxy.
Though he grew up as an Orthodox Christian, Andrew discovered a deeper meaning of his faith while volunteering for an Orthodox Mission Team to Ghana. The experience of a new culture and time dedicated to Godly service altered Andrew's perception of who he was and his place in the world.
Andrew's journey is common among members of an Orthodox Mission Team. In bringing the Gospel to all nations, one also receives its saving message. Team members often report the feeling of being blessed for having basked in the light of the Holy Spirit while serving in a foreign land. Many participants in teams, so affected by service to Christ, have gone on to long-term missionary service as well, establishing Orthodox communities in places where Christianity is a minority faith.
The call to Mission is one that we, as Orthodox Christians, all share. It can be found in Scripture (Matthew 28:19-20), and has been part of the rich tradition of Orthodoxy from the beginning. Those interested are invited to answer the call to mission by supporting the OCMC or by volunteering for an Orthodox Mission Team.
The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) is the official international mission agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA). Its purpose is to encourage, support and facilitate the establishment and development of self-supporting, Eucharistic Orthodox Christian communities worldwide, thus incorporating the person into the fullness of a life in Christ. For more information on OCMC's Orthodox Mission Teams, contact the Mission Center at 1-877463-6784 or by e-mail at teams@ocmc.org. You can also find details regarding next years Mission Team opportunities by visiting www.ocmc.org/teams.
