Missions

The Schrader family has served with Cru for 30 years, specifically with Bridges International at the University of Illinois for over 12 years. We feel more called than ever to be on the college campus right now, reaching international students for Christ!

The mission of Bridges International is to introduce Jesus to every international student on our U.S. campuses so that they may take Jesus to their nations and around the world! Over 1.3 million internationals are studying in the U.S. The future leaders of the world are right here at our doorstep! We focus on Welcoming and Serving international students; Winning them to Christ; Building them up in the Christian faith; and Sending them out to make a Kingdom impact.

As we serve God and see Him work in and through the lives of these students, we are incredibly grateful for our amazing team of ministry partners who make it possible.

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Hi, My name is Jaila Burton. I am a Chicago native working for (Campus Crusade for Christ) as a campus intern for Bridges International at my Alma Mater. Bridges International ministry, a branch of CRU that focuses on reaching international students to share the Gospel, to equip them to grow in their faith, and to share it upon returning to their home countries.

I am the full-time intern for the team at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where this previous fall semester had 11,580 enrolled international students who primarily come from China, India, and other gospel-resistant places. I have seen the Lord sow seeds of the Gospel amongst the international students on this campus. I have seen students come to faith through joining our movement and being a part of the community we have. I have witnessed and played a part in raising up our student leadership team to share the good news on campus.

Within this last year, I have seen the Lord move in incredible ways! During my first-year internship, I decided to do a second-year internship with Bridges to continue taking part in God's work. It has brought me so much joy and satisfaction because of the students and because it pleases my Father in Heaven! I would love to connect with you and tell you some stories that happened this school year! I came to Bridges International as a student and I am now able to be staff working with them full time as a student!

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship exists to establish and advance at colleges and universities witnessing communities of students and faculty who follow Jesus as Savior and Lord: growing in love for God, God’s Word, God’s people of every ethnicity and culture, and God’s purposes in the world. Mykenzie works with InterVarsity alumni, helping recent graduates across the country navigate life and faith after college. First is Mykenzie's home church, and she is so grateful for your partnership!

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Liz and I have lived in Champaign almost our whole life, and FCA has been instrumental since the FCA huddle at Champaign Central High School. While FCA has existed for 70 years around the world, FCA in our community started 32 years ago. FCA has had a strong relationship with FCC for the past 13 years and we look forward to continuing the relationship so many more athletes and coaches can be discipled and serve in great Bible preaching churches like FCC. Our mission/vision is on our website.

The Illini Land Staff (8 full-time) engage, equip, and empower coaches, athletes, and volunteers to be disciples of Jesus Christ, who in turn make disciples. Our local FCA ‘footprint’ includes 42 schools, and over 15 sport clubs where we have over 1,300 coaches. About 110 coaches and 800 athletes are involved each week in all campus huddles, team specific chapels, Bible studies, and one on one discipleship.

Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center has served women and families in Champaign County for over 35 years. We provide excellent care, compassionate support, and honest information to those facing pregnancy decisions through authentic relationships that display grace, honor life, and foster community.

The Pregnancy Resource Center is a limited medical clinic that provides 100% free and confidential services such as pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, options information, emotional support, pregnancy & parenting classes, after-abortion support, and material assistance through monthly Curbside Care events.

Another Living Alternatives service in Champaign is Merci's Refuge, a four- to five-month residential Christian counseling program for adult women seeking freedom from various life-controlling issues. This no-cost program provides a safe place for women to step away from crisis and find hope while pursuing healing and freedom.

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The Salt & Light Ministry in Champaign and Urbana, Illinois, is a beacon of hope and compassion in the community. Dedicated to serving those in need, they offer a wide range of services, including food assistance, job training, and educational programs. Their commitment to empowering individuals and families to overcome challenges and thrive is evident in their holistic approach to support. Through partnerships with local organizations and volunteers, Salt & Light creates a network of support that uplifts the entire community. Their unwavering dedication to spreading kindness and making a tangible difference in the lives of others embodies the spirit of love and service.

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Abraham and Kamala embody the transformative power of faith and compassion as they tirelessly serve their community and multiple areas throughout Nepal. Their dedication to spreading the Gospel and uplifting those in need is evident in their selfless actions and unwavering commitment. Their ministry has impacted countless lives through hundreds of churches planted, thousands of baptisms, and regular community outreach events they hold throughout the year.

We are Matthew and Sydney Barker, and we are teachers in Dakar, Senegal. Sydney grew up in First Christian Church. For a long time, her dad, Don Orr, was the missions pastor at First, and he often talked about the importance of missionary work. Matthew also grew up in Central Illinois, and both of us earned degrees in middle school education. After completing our degrees and receiving some experience in the classroom, we moved to Senegal and began teaching at Dakar Academy. The motto of Dakar Academy is "So All Can Serve" which means that the purpose of Dakar Academy is to provide quality education to students whose parents are missionaries. One of the largest reasons why families leave the mission field is that parents are concerned about the lack of quality education for their children. In addition to providing education for students from preschool through 12th grade, we also offer extracurricular activities. We offer sports, youth groups, clubs, and fine arts opportunities.

• Dakar Academy has been serving families in West Africa since 1961

• We serve 430+ students between our 3 campuses located in Senegal and our two additional co-op campuses in Guinea and Liberia.

• Our students represent 55 different countries from 6 different continents

• 20% of our secondary students live full-time in DA's on-campus boarding homes located on the sign-up for our newsletter herecentral campus.

• We are one of the only schools in West Africa that offers special education services.

• Largest English library in West Africa

You can sign up for our newsletter here and join our support team here!

Meet Joel and Rachel Williams! Rachel is a FIRST lifer. She grew up attending church at FIRST and first felt the call to full-time international missionary service when she was on one of FIRST's youth mission trips to Mexico City, Mexico, when she was 14. Joel and Rachel have since served with FIRST in a variety of ways as volunteers in the youth ministry and on the mission's board for four years before leaving for missionary service with Christian Missionary Fellowship International (CMF). This international mission organization has been partnering with the church to send missionaries around the globe for the last 75 years.

Joel and Rachel serve with CMF's Kenya Church Catalyst Team (KCAT). The KCAT Team works with existing Kenyan churches to empower, strengthen, and ignite the ministry of the indigenous church. The Community Christian Church (CCC) was planted and disciplined by CMF missionaries since 1977 and now has more than 400 congregations. The team works with over a dozen distinct people groups, from the largest slums of Nairobi to the rural plains of northern, southern, and western Kenya.

Joel and Rachel serve the Kenya Church Catalyst team through Joel’s passion for youth ministry and disciple-making and Rachel’s interest as a nurse, providing for people’s physical and spiritual needs. The Williamses provide leadership development, discipleship training, curriculum development, and community health education. Joel currently trains youth ministers in healthy youth ministry practices and coaches church leaders in starting church planting movements, while Rachel equips churches to bring the love of Christ to vulnerable communities through teachings on essential health and hygiene topics. Over the last 8 years, Joel and Rachel have established a disciple-making movement of over 12,000 bible study groups that has reached over 100,000 people with the Gospel and planted over 100 churches. In youth ministry, they have established a network of Kenyan Youth Conferences that hosts 5 locations a year, along with 20 local youth camps throughout the year, and reaching 5,000 teens every year. Finally, in the area of community development, they have launched 14 disciple-owned businesses and equipped over 3,000 girls and women with essential health education training and resources.

For more information, you can visit their website or KCAT's website here:

KCAT

Joel and Rachel

Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, is an unforgettable prom night experience for individuals with special needs. This worldwide event, held annually in churches across the globe, celebrates the uniqueness and worth of every attendee. From red carpet entrances to glamorous decorations, each detail is carefully crafted to ensure a night of joy, love, and inclusion. Guests are treated to a memorable evening filled with dancing, laughter, and VIP treatment, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime. Night to Shine is more than just a prom night; it's a celebration of dignity, acceptance, and the inherent value of every individual, echoing the foundation's mission to spread love and bring joy to those with special needs.

First Christian Church has had the incredible opportunity to partner with the Tim Tebow Foundation to host Champaign's Night to Shine since 2017.

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Show Hope's Hope for the Journey Conference is a transformative gathering designed to inspire, equip, and support families involved in adoption and foster care. Hosted by the renowned adoption advocacy organization, Show Hope, this conference offers invaluable resources, guidance, and encouragement to individuals navigating the complexities of adoption and foster care journeys. Attendees have the opportunity to connect with experts, fellow adoptive and foster families, and receive practical insights and tools to navigate their unique paths. Through workshops, keynote sessions, and meaningful discussions, Hope for the Journey Conference fosters a community of support and empowerment, empowering families to navigate challenges and celebrate the beauty of adoption and foster care.

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At First Christian Church in Champaign-Urbana, we demonstrate our core value of Outward Compassion by serving our local foster care community. Through our Foster Care Christmas Party, we extend love and support to foster families and children during the holiday season. This event provide a joyous and welcoming environment where families can come together, celebrate, and experience the true spirit of Christmas. Our commitment to serving the foster care community exemplifies what it means to be the church where we live, work, and play.