Friday, October 17, 2025

A mission trip is more than travel—it's an invitation into adventure with Jesus. Whether serving through CedarCreek's DreamTeam, in our local community through outreach projects, or across borders on global trips, each experience helps share the message of Jesus and show His love in tangible ways.

Every trip is unique, but they all share three key elements: serving, building relationships, and sharing how trusting Jesus changes everything. From medical support to educational programs for children to constructing homes for families, mission trips are where compassion meets action.

CedarCreek has been serving with "boots on the ground" long before our current outreach, like Serve Day and monthly Second Saturday Serve projects began. Reaching beyond our walls has always been central to our mission—helping the spiritually restless find hope and purpose through Jesus.

The First Global Step: Honduras, 1999
The very first global mission trip took place in 1999, when a team traveled to La Ceiba, Honduras, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch. Mitch caused massive destruction, including at least 10,000 deaths in Central America, widespread flooding, and immense damage from the high winds, waves, and storm surge. (1)

Those early trips were full of adventure—and plenty of lessons. (There's still laughter over how some attendees who were on the trip believed that if they drank soda fast enough, the ice wouldn't melt and make them sick!)

Voice from the Field
Karen McMillan, who has attended CedarCreek since 1998, has been on the CedarCreek staff for nearly 17 years, and joined that first trip, shares how missions changed her life and faith:

"I remember attending a women's conference in La Ceiba, Honduras. The worship was in Spanish, and I'll never forget the realization that hit me—we're all worshiping the same God. It doesn't matter what language it's in. That moment totally changed how I thought about God."

Karen says her friends throughout Central America have become like family—and the same is true for the teams she's traveled with through CedarCreek.

"Each trip creates lifelong relationships. Watching others experience missions for the first time is incredible. Some people can't imagine not going again, while others discover their place in helping send and support those who do."

Partnerships that Change Lives
One of CedarCreek's most fruitful partnerships has been with GCLA (Great Commission Latin America) and its network of Children's Development Centers (CDIs). These centers help children of all ages—from preschool through high school—discover their potential and find hope for the future.

"For ten years, I helped manage funds for CDIs across Central America," Karen recalls. "The kids weren't just names on a spreadsheet. I cared deeply for each one. I'll never forget taking photos of them one year and sending prints back for their parents—many had never seen a picture of their child before. That moment changed me."

Join the Mission
CedarCreek's mission trips continue to bring people together to serve, grow, and share Jesus' love with the world. Whether near or far, there's a place for everyone to make an impact.

Make a global difference and grow in your faith!
📅 Check out upcoming trips and mark your calendar for 2026 mission opportunities.

Mission trip history and stories were provided by Karen McMillan, who has been part of CedarCreek’s story since 1998. Karen has served on staff for 17 years as of January 2026 and currently leads as Project Manager of Ministry Services – Car Clinic. Karen continues to lead mission trips annually to Latin America. Her heart for missions and people has made a lasting impact both locally and globally.

Source:

“25 Years Later: Looking Back at the October Monster Named Mitch,” National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NOAA NESDIS), October 27, 2023. Read the full article nesdis.noaa.gov