First evangelical church association

 

FECA's Missions Ministry navigated new opportunities and challenges in 2024 as we sought to serve communities worldwide. Through administrative restructuring, expanded outreach initiatives, and impactful mission trips, we strengthened our commitment to sharing the Gospel and supporting our missionaries in evangelism, discipleship, church planting, and leadership development. We see the dedication of our mission workers and the ways in which God continues to lead and sustain the Missions Ministry.

 

2024 Missions in Action

This summer, our FEC Arcadia short-term missions team visited the Philippines for a retreat sponsored by Joni and Friends and the Institute for Foundational Learning. The retreat was aimed at uplifting families with disabilities. The program, designed to offer parents and their children a chance to rest and be refreshed, included singing fun songs, playing games suited to people with disabilities, showcasing exciting talents, and stirring messages.

 

In one breakout session, a woman shared her story of losing her parents to violence in her early years.  As she spoke, the Holy Spirit ministered to her, and she found the strength to forgive the man responsible for their deaths.  Her tears of pain turned to tears of joy and smiles as she praised God for freeing her from the anger and bitterness that had consumed her.  She thanked God for the peace she felt through forgiveness.  This experience highlighted the Gospel’s power: just as Christ forgives us, we are empowered to forgive others, finding peace and renewal.

A. Administration 

2024 marked a pivotal year for FECA’s Sending Committee as it was fully integrated with the Association’s Missions Committee (AMC).  This transition brought all missionaries under a unified structure.  Our Sent workers retain a separate budget but become more streamlined under the AMC, strengthening our mission work's overall efficiency and cohesion.  We also celebrate the sending of new workers, such as Lydia E, to South Asia, bringing critical healthcare to newborns in need.

 

B. One Day Prayer Retreat

On January 27, 2024, FECA gathered for our annual prayer retreat.  This was a time for members of the FECA community to unite in prayer, seeking God’s guidance as we planned and carried out our missions work for the year.  The retreat theme was based on Psalm 127:1, which reminds us that the Lord builds the house and watches over the city so that the work would not be in vain.  We are to depend on God in all that we do.  Through worship, fellowship, and reflection, we offered and committed our work to the Lord, trusting Him to build and sustain our efforts for His kingdom.

 

C. Missions Director’s - Missions Trips 

This 2024 was an impactful year for FECA missions trips.  We had opportunities to serve and partner with communities across the globe.  Highlights included: 

 

Belize (March 1–7, 2024):  FECA and FEC Arcadia collaborated and supported the local fellowship of believers.  The team witnessed the powerful transformation in the life of one

sister baptized during the visit. 

Duckwater, Nevada (March 12-15, 2024): In partnership with the Shoshone Reservation, FEC Diamond Bar (Bro David P.) coordinated with a team of workers from his network, helped with a building project, and enjoyed fellowship with local leaders like Pastor Marvin. 

Philippines (July 12-15, 2024):  Through the involvement with Joni and Friends and the Institute for Foundational Learning, FEC Arcadia served at a family retreat for families with disabled members, witnessing the fruit of the Gospel through baptisms and spiritual growth. 

Taiwan (July 24–August 2, 2024):  We continued our partnership with FEC SGV and supported the short-term missions on Taiwan’s west coast.  I also had the opportunity to spend precious hours with long-time ministry partners, Pastor Stephen and Mei Ying.

 

D. Love Afghan Neighbor Ministries 

Throughout 2024, together with “Love Afghan Neighbors" (LAN), FECA added outreach initiatives to our Afghan Neighbor Ministries.  We equipped volunteers with the knowledge to understand Islam better and appreciate the Afghan culture.  We offered workshops and vision-casting events to help churches and individuals develop a heart for ministry towards Afghan refugees and immigrants with the intent to foster relationships that opened doors to Gospel-centered conversations.  In addition, we partnered with individuals and local churches to extend Christ’s love to our Afghan neighbors, providing opportunities for connection, care, and cultural exchange.

 

E. FW & Ministry Partner Visits 

FECA ministry partners remain vital to our mission work.  We fostered these relationships through visits and collaborations.  This 2024, we had the privilege of spending time with key partners such as Maria L, Willis and Jocelyn H, and Adam L, who continue to serve faithfully in various parts of Asia.  These visits strengthened our commitment to sharing the Gospel across cultural and national boundaries.

 

F. Arts and Missions with OMF 

In all FEC Member churches, FECA expanded our missions efforts through creative avenues, such as the Arts & Missions initiative.  In collaboration with OMF, we hosted workshops encouraging participants to use their artistic talents to fulfill the Great Commission.  We equipped individuals to integrate their faith and creativity through hands-on projects and teaching, offering new ways to connect with others and share the Gospel.

 

G. New Ministry Partner - Lydia E 

FECA is thrilled to announce that Lydia E joined Pioneers and embarked on her journey as a missionary to South Asia.  Sent out by Anchor Community Church, Lydia brings her medical expertise as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse into her ministry.   She cares for vulnerable newborns and offers hope to their anxious families as she becomes the hands and feet of Christ in her work.

 

H. Blessing - Eight Years of Church Planting Farm in East Asia

FECA Church Planting Farm ministry is an extended program of former Charis Dev. Co. celebrated eight fruitful years of cultivating spiritual growth and providing sustenance through the harvest of fruit trees. This ministry is not only a source of nourishment for local communities. More significantly, it symbolizes God’s provision and the slow, steady growth of His kingdom, as seeds of faith planted bore fruit for His glory. We are in the process of handing over this project wholly to our local church planter.

 

 

I. Challenges & Opportunities 

FECA's global missions are facing challenges in Russia and areas affected by civil unrest.  Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, we could not visit our planted church in St. Petersburg.  But we praise God and thank God that Pastor Paul Z. and his wife, Esther, can still serve there under different visa conditions.  Similarly, while civil war blocked our planned visit with ministry partner Anna L, we rejoice that she and her team remain safe and continue their vital work amidst instability.   We pray unceasingly for our missionaries, trusting in God’s care and purposes in these difficult situations.  May His will prevail.

 

J. 2024 Year-End Financials 

FECA’s General Missions and Sending Fund maintain stable balances with sufficient reserves to support ongoing work despite minor losses.  Our financial stewardship in 2024 reflects careful planning with trust in God’s provision, ensuring that we are well-positioned

to pursue our work in missions into 2025.

 

K. 2025 Missions Theme - “Let the Church Declare and Display Christ Together” 

FECA’s theme for 2025 encapsulates the heart of our mission work: the call for the Church to stand united in declaring and demonstrating Christ's love to the world. Through prayer and collaboration in the power of the Holy Spirit, we will strive to be faithful witnesses to the Gospel's transformative power.

 

Praise God for the privilege of serving Him through missions.  May the work that we pursue glorify God and bless many!