Missions
On a Mission (From God)
Simply put, being part of Hope Missions can change your heart, soul and mind.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching out to our brothers and sisters in Christ. The Missions Team exists to help people grow in their faith journey through prayer, serving opportunities and helping partners financially and physically.
There are many ways to serve and grow with our Missions Team!
Mission Trips
Volunteer Locally
Join the God Squad
Annual Projects
Go On a Mission Trip!
At Lutheran Church of Hope, we focus on building relationships with one another and those we meet around the state, country and world for the purpose of loving each other as family in Christ. We do not go to “do,” but to “be.”
Encouragement is our act of service. By lifting the work done through local organizations and sharing with others about the strength and joy in Jesus, it enables us to serve one another.
When we return home, we advocate — first by praying for the places and people we encountered, then by seeking responsible, bold ways to share our experiences, humbly pointing to the faithfulness of God, and continuing to elevate the needs, service and work of the communities we visit.
In our growing, we are serving, and in our serving, we are growing … building each other up as the body of Christ and developing the gifts God has given each of us to use in God’s kingdom.
2024-25 Global Mission Trips
Use the interactive map below to search through upcoming mission trips through Hope’s global mission partners.
Homes of Hope
Tijuana, Mexico
Feb. 14-17, 2025 Jun. 13-16, 2025 Aug. 1-4, 2025 Aug. 29-Sep. 1, 2025
April 28 – May 6, 2025
Martin Luther Pilgrimage Through Germany
Journey to Germany with Pastor Richard to visit places important throughout Martin Luther’s ministry. This trip will provide participants with a deeper understanding of the Scriptures and a closer look at the life of Martin Luther and his mission of faith.
The Martin Luther Pilgrimage travels to Frankfort, Rhine River, Worms, Heidelberg, Leipzig and Berlin. Accommodations are hotels in Germany. The estimated trip cost is $4,000 plus airfare. Interested in going on this journey through Germany? To apply, please fill out the form below to begin the process.
Hopesters on the Ground
“Visiting Uganda was eye-opening in many ways, and God graciously revealed himself throughout our trip. We interacted with the girls and their children throughout their daily routines, which included morning and evening prayers (this consisted of singing, dancing and personal prayer time), offering to help with their daily work (such as laundry, cooking and gardening) and joining them in their classes (including literacy, hair-dressing, sweater-making, catering, business and the early childhood development programs for their children). We also organized and led Bible-based activities throughout the week, where we did a craft or activity with the girls and connected it to a biblical message.”
Anna Patton
“Going to El Salvador truly changed how I see the world and strengthened my relationship with Jesus Christ. Getting to go there and work hard in building latrines for people in need maybe doesn’t sound glamorous, but it was the time of my life! I got to play with the village kids and God taught me that love and laughter can break any language barrier. It was an experience that I will be forever grateful for.”
Laura O’Connor
Volunteer in Our Local Community!
Homelessness, Low Income and Food Insecurity
Hope partners with many nonprofits that focus on helping individuals affected by homelessness, low-income hardships and food insecurities. There are multiple ways to serve, including in-kind donations, food preparation and service, camp cleanups and more. Below are ongoing needs, but many other opportunities exist:
Please email [email protected] to get additional information or get added to the email list for monthly requests, sign up for food donations or to serve a meal at the homeless shelter on the fourth of the month.
Donation Opportunities
Hope has several mission partners that accept clothing, furniture and food donations year-round. These partners are also in constant need of help to sort through the daily donations they receive. For more information or to get involved in these ways to serve locally, please email [email protected]!
Furniture Donations
Clothing Donations
At-Risk and Underprivileged Youth
God loves us equally, no matter the circumstances, and there are several mission partners working to bring that hope to youth in our community! Through after-school, mentorship and backpack programs, retreats and meal assistance, there are ways to help serve with these partners, shining light in the darkness!
Community Cleanups
Help our partners with facility and grounds maintenance several times throughout the year. Tasks range from painting, landscaping, construction and even emergency response. This is a great way for groups, coworkers and families to serve together.
Our Local Mission Partners
Hope’s God Squad
Volunteer at Hope and the Community!
The God Squad is a group of missionally minded people who are excited about serving within the walls of Hope, the community and through our current mission partners. Subscribe to the God Squad email list to receive information on current volunteer opportunities!
What’s Happening With Hope Missions Throughout the Year!
Hope works with our local mission partners throughout the year in several ways.
Souper Bowl Food Drive
February
Hope’s annual food drive aligns with the weekend of the Big Game, and all collections are given with the goal to stock the shelves of every food pantry in the community.
Lent Project
February – March
During the season of Lent, Hope partners with different mission partners to raise money for various projects.
Vacation Bible School Mission Project
July
As over 6,000 kids attend Vacation Bible School, Hope collects nonperishable food items for local food pantries.
Back-to-School Drive
August
While kids head back to school, Hope hosts a school supply drive to help kids in need.
Thanksgiving Meal Packaging
November
On a day when Americans are focused on eating, we want to be focused on feeding the hungry!
Advent Project
December
During the season of Advent, Hope partners with different mission partners to raise money for various projects.
Get to Know Our Team
Chris Barfels
- Missions Director
- [email protected]
Krisanne Myers
- Global Missions Coordinator
- [email protected]
Mike Horstmann
- Local Missions Coordinator & Praise! Choir Director
- 515-422-9116
- [email protected]
Dave Schwartz
- Special Projects: Local & Global Missions
- 515-422-9179
- [email protected]
Missions Board
The Missions Board is a volunteer-led board of Hope members who serve two-year terms, meeting monthly to review financials, evaluate, vote and recommend mission partners, develop relationships with mission partners, and vision cast with the Hope Missions Team and senior leadership. For more information or to learn about how to apply for a board position, please email Chris Barfels, Missions Director.
Stay Connected With Missions!
Join Our Newsletter
The Missions e-newsletter includes updates from Missions Board members, a director’s update, and highlights of mission partners and trips.