Church Embodies Call to Missions

The message of missions has always been proclaimed clearly at Golden Gate Christian Church.

But this year, the San Francisco-based, multicultural Christian Reformed congregation has seen its nearly 500 members become involved in short-term missions around the world like never before.

The church, which includes three congregations (English, Mandarin and Cantonese), has sent 46 members to China, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Guatemala, Mexico and various communities around the United States, spreading the gospel and engaging in work projects that convey the love of Christ.

Jeff Hau, a member of the church’s missions committee, said he has seen momentum building as Golden Gate members become more equipped to share their faith away from home.

“It’s been very encouraging to see,” said Hau, who himself has been on nearly a dozen short-term missions trips.

Among the most encouraging aspects of members’ migration toward missions has been the variety of age groups that have accepted a call for the short-term trips. Hau said the church has sent out groups ranging from middle-school-aged children to senior-citizen-aged adult members.

Each of the groups sent out partners with an already-established host ministry including Youthworks, Adventures in Missions and Carpenter’s Tools International.

“I think for a long time, people thought that missions trips were just for teenagers,” Hau said. “But that’s really changed.”

Golden Gate church has continued to stress an emphasis on missions, using quarterly sermon series and programming to encourage its members to become more hands-on in missions’ projects.

“There are some things in life that are optional – as Christians, involvement in world missions is not one of them,” said Golden Gate’s senior pastor, Rev. Fred Eng.

Eng said Scripture is clear about God’s heart for the nations, as evidenced by Jesus’ commandment to make disciples of all nations and to be witnesses to the ends of the world.

“Because this is something Jesus impressed upon and commissioned his disciples to do,” Eng said, “We should do likewise.”

The church also finds itself in a transitional period. For years, a financial surplus allowed the missions committee to provide significant funding – up to 50 percent of the cost – to help aid those wanting to serve on a short-term basis. A tougher economy has forced church leaders to become more strategic in their approach to distributing mission support, Hau said.

In addition to helping fund short-term trips, Golden Gate also supports nine missionaries – including two CRWM missionary couples in Asia – that it has commissioned for long-term missions projects.

As encouraged as Hau is by the large number of members that have accepted short-term calls, he said Golden Gate’s leadership continues to encourage its congregations to seek out opportunities to minister to those in the surrounding neighborhoods.

“We want people to know that they are called to be missionaries everyday and in the places where they live and with the people they come in contact with,” Hau said. “They don’t have to leave home to share the gospel with those who need it.”

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