I wanted to let you know what a spectacular group you have in Tepic and Coforadia! We were all so impressed with all the people that we worked with. We made many contacts with both the Mexican people and the missionaries that will be permanent and ongoing. We are anxious to encourage and hope to get back soon better prepared and better serving. A bunch of us are starting Spanish classes this week. Tom Hurd / Pastor at Ridgway Community Church, Ridgway, Colorado
It was an amazing experience and I hope to go back soon. Once again thank you for providing all the things you said you would provide, it makes such a huge difference when you know that the organization lives up to it’s word and beyond. From a churches point of view it means so very much. Ken Skodiak / Associate Pastor at Northminster Presbyterian, Tucson, AZ
Thank you so much for your time and service to the kingdom of God. The staff at AM has truly impacted not only the people in Mexico but also a church in Houston, Texas. Thank you for your sense of humor, your passion for ministry and your hospitality! Our prayer is that the seeds that have been thrown out will grow and that doors were open for you to continue the ministry and lives will be transformed for God. Thank you for allowing us to be apart of AM and the people in Cofradia and the surrounding villages. We will be praying for you and looking forward to working with you guys soon!! Brad Pembleton / Students Pastor at Cy-Fair Christian Church, Houston, TX
“AM is to be commended on the facilities and staff. Our team was welcomed with open arms and taken care of very well….We enjoyed every aspect of the mission; from building the brick shed, pouring the foundation of the house, to reaching out to the many beautiful souls of Cofradia and surrounding villages……We’re looking forward to planning another mission trip with AM.” Terry Mitchell from Maltby Christian Assembly
âOur team had a truly awesome time ⦠We are grateful for your partnership in ministry. The other aspect of this is the fire kindled in the hearts of congregational members who hear from the team upon their return. It helps all of us grow as Christians and in our commitment to advance the Kingdom of God. Thank you for your vision and leadership in bringing the gospel to the nations.â Pastor Mike Barris / Pleasanton Presbyterian Church, Pleasanton, CA.
“I can’t begin to put words to this entire experience with God. From forming the team, to our time in Helene the Lord worked powerfully in us. I personally feel a profound change. It was joyous to witness team members filling up with love. God’s hand in our efforts was so evident â from construction, to art work, to computer support, to witnessing, to making new friends, to being in community, to hearing His word, to seeing His miracles and worshiping His majesty. I can truly say I have been with the Lord!” Carol Little / Pleasanton Presbyterian, Pleasanton, CA.
“We had a tremendous time on our short term mission experience with Alternative Missions. The Alternative Missions staff leadership and work to provide our students with the best opportunity on their trip was greatly appreciated. I commend Alternative Missions for the work they are doing to give students the opportunity to realize God’s call to missions. Thank you for the excellent work that your organization is doing in this critical area.” Eric Rasmussen - Principal, King’s High School, Seattle, WA.
“Whether the size of the group has been 40 or under 10 your staff has been gracious, organized and servant minded. The variety of missionary involvement our people have experienced has truly allowed believers with various skills and of varying age groups to become a “missionary”. Pastor Rob Carlson, Bethany Christian Assembly, Everett, WA
.
“I have known Tom Hackett for over 20 years. I can attest to Tom’s deep commitment and dependence upon the Lord for building Alternative Missions into a dynamic ministry. If you are looking for a missions ministry that is unique and relevant for both the local people groups they minister too as well as with the church teams that come to be a part of a short term missions outreach then I highly recommend Alternative Missions.” Scott Montagne, Pastor Bayside Community Church, Kingston, WA
“Alternative Missions was easy and inspiring to work with. The missionaries living in Roatan were a powerful testimony to our students (and adults). The fact that they do not fit stereotypes of what missionaries are often seen as was refreshing. They showed us that being who you are, loving life, loving God and loving people are the only requirements for being a missionary of the gospel, in Roatan or back home in the States. They provided as much support as we needed, and allowed as much freedom as we needed. I am sold on the philosophy of Alternative Missions that incorporates the short-term mission teams into the overall ministry strategy. We felt like we were contributing to the lasting ministry there, not providing two weeks of ministry and then leaving. Our work complemented what they are already doing. It was a physically, emotionally, and spiritually stretching time for all of us that caused us to fall back on God. I recommend Alternative Missions without reservation.” Jeremy Watson -Youth Ministries Intern, West Side Church Richland, Washington
“Working with Alternative Missions has been a great experience for our students here at Seattle Pacific University. An experience like this challenges students to take a close look at their values, their life goals and how they are able to serve others and serve God. Each team learns more than they can probably ever give! The staff is supportive and sensitive as well, which is vital.” Tami Anderson Englehorn / Assistant Director, Global Involvement Campus Ministries, Seattle Pacific University
“Thank you for the opportunity Alternative Missions has brought to Skyway Church. My life and other church members are so different because of being involved in short term missions. We can actually be a part of changing the world and preaching the gospel to all the nations. Building clinics and relationships brings the Kingdom of God to all the people of the world. What an awesome adventure to be a part of.” Pastor Greg Brown, Skyway Church of the West Valley, Phoenix Arizona
“Alternative Missions is my #1 choice when I want to see our young people get the ultimate missions experience! The impact that Roatan, Puerto Escondido, and Cofradia have had on our church is evident in the lives of people that have been changed forever by their experiences on the mission field. Pick a site, go, and watch God radically change the lives of the people in your group and those that you will meet.” Paul Gates / Youth Pastor, Ocean Hills Community Church, San Juan Capistrano, California
“Thanks so much for the opportunity to minister in Cofradia. …I especially enjoyed having my daughter with me. It was a dream come true for both of us.” Jeff Geise, Canyon Hills Community Church, Bothell, WA.
“I want to thank you and your staff for the wonderful experience we had in Cofradia. We are from Canyon Hills Community Church in Bothell and came down with a group of 12 highschoolers and 6 adults. We had a tremendous time of visiting the surrounding indian villages as well as spending time with the people of Cofradia, particularly the children. We did bible stories and games with the children and had the joy of seeing many give their heart to Christ. This was my first experience in missions and I will never forget it. I feel like part of my heart is with those children. Your staff was wonderful and made us as comfortable as possible and fed us well. I will always remember Dave’s preaching and the joy that he has in the Lord. Thank you so much for this wonderful experience.” Donna Korneliussen, youth leader with Canyon Hills C.C
“Alternative Missions was literally an answer to prayer for me. For the longest time I’d been wanting to go on a missions trip, to share the love of Christ and to see the world. After praying for what seemed like forever, God created the opportunity for me to go to Cofradia, Mexico with my high school youth group. I prayed and I saved and I waited and I went- and let me tell you, it was the most amazing experience I’ve ever had in my life. There is nothing like seeing a child accept Jesus Christ into their heart, it is truly a beautiful thing, something that really opened my eyes. Now I know without a doubt that God wants me to serve for longer periods of time after graduation, an option I was unsure about before the trip. Now all I can say is praise God, and thank you Alternative Missions for helping me realize that.” Amber Korneliussen (high school senior)
“I have had the privilege of being a part of 6 short term mission trips organised by Alternative Missions. One was to Rosario, Mex, three to Cofradia Mex and two to Helene, Honduras. The exciting thing I have seen about the ministry of Alternative Missions is that eventually after some infrastructure has been taken care of, God moves and people are turned to Him. I’ve seen it as I have returned to Cofradia over the years, and from the news from Helene.” Fenton Rees; Short Term Missions Coordinator at Bethany Christian Assembly, Everett, Washingtion
“It definitely changed me. I grew spiritually and just became more aware of the world around me and the differing cultures. It was awesome to be able to work for God in such a direct physical way. The outreach gave me a vision…or the beginning of a vision to work with people in lesser developed nations…to help their physical needs as well as spiritual. I really felt like we were IN the community and the culture. Much more than other trips I have been on. The food was the best i’ve ever had in my life! Honestly. Try the Conch Chowder and the Red Snapper! The staff was great and extremely real and down to earth. The month I spent in Roatan with Alternative was definitely one I will remember for the rest of my life. I relate to it all the time in conversations with other people and when thinking about my future life goals. It was a very eye-opening experience and I mark it as a point in my life where my spiritual walk really began to become real to me. I know it was God that guided me to go down there and work with the people on Roatan. I found their website on the internet and was there 3 weeks later!” Nathan J. Marion, 21, University Student, Landscaping, Web design