He walks up and introduces himself. Conversation is not a problem. Energy fills the room. As lead pastor of Southern Acres Christian Church, a vibrant, growing organization in Lexington, Ky., Cameron McDonald is observant of individuals and their needs.

 

Passionate about serving God and taking people along for the ride, he gives you the correct impression that he's willing to tackle almost any opportunity that offers his congregation a way to grow with God. Almost any opportunity!

 

"These are tough times for many throughout the world," Cameron said, "and, it's our duty to help when and where we can. There is a great need for missions, and helping others around the world is one way we can advance the kingdom of God."

 

Even though he is committed to the need for short-term missions in his church, there is one thing he doesn't want to do. "I'm convinced that the administrative end of organizing trips would be a burden for a smaller church. It could become demanding to the point that you spend so much time with details that you don't get the blessing of serving others for Christ."

 

"GO InterNational manages mission trips from start to finish," he continued, "and any trips our church takes in the future will be handled by them. GO takes care of all planning and reservations and schedules, leaving church members to enjoy serving without worrying about details."

 

"Mission trips can be a major flow of blood into the energy of a church," Cameron added, "and usually changes the lives of the people going. These trips take people outside of their comfort box and put them in situations they don't normally encounter while proclaiming the love and grace of Christ."

 

"My job is to open the possibilities of missions to my congregation," he said, "and lead them to get involved. GO's job is to make the trips happen, and I certainly don't plan on getting in their way."

 

   

To support the work of GO, click here.