Evangelism is not just something we do in foreign countries. The mission field is wherever we are. Christ's ministry was not compartmentalized; he cared for peoples' physical and spiritual needs. Although our ministry involves humanitarian work at times, we mainly feel called to evangelism, discipleship, and church planting.


We are committed to supporting, challenging and equipping churches around the world to reach their neighbors for Christ. We refuse to distinguish between so-called "mission field churches" and "mission sending churches." We train each new church community to begin the process of sending missionaries.


In this age of overwhelming fear, we need the kind of fearless witness that we see in the New Testament. Today the world missions community is gripped by insidious, crippling fears. We desire to declare the gospel openly and boldly, as we should. "Pray also for me, so that, when I open my mouth, the right words will be given to me. Then I will boldly make known the secret of the gospel, for whose sake I am an ambassador in chains, desiring to declare it as boldly as I should." (Ephesians 6:19-20)


When scripture speaks of the church, it likens it to a body. Today our churches and missions organizations too often operate like businesses or institutions. We strive to become more like the community that we see in Acts. Ministry in the context of community has many advantages, but most importantly, it is the example Christ gave us to follow. "For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ." (I Corinthians 12:12) "Let the peace of Christ also rule in your hearts, to which you were called in one body, and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you with all richness and wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, and singing to God with thankfulness in your hearts. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Colossians 3:15-17)


We believe that our God is mighty; he will accomplish his purposes. In his grace he allows us to be part of his work. Our responsibility is to take him at his word and to wholeheartedly serve him in radical ways. To God be all glory! "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world: your faith." (1 John 5:4)


The scripture tells us "You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth." (Acts 1:8) Starting where we are, each Christian should be active not only in local ministry but also in global ministry. This includes not just those of us with US passports or wealthy churches. We encourage every branch of Horizons to think globally about ministry and to continually take steps to increase global action. By the same token, each person who desires to be sent as a missionary must begin by being a missionary to his or her own community.