Missions
Who we are
Our Missions ministries exist to know God and make Him known by activating the local church body into our calling to make disciples in Long Beach and around the world.
Missionaries + Partners
Take a look at where our missionaries serve.
Brandt + Jessica Carson
David Dahl
Sandra Evans
Lisa Sudman
Kellee Popp
Brian + Christine Virtue
Tom Virtue
California, USA
Charley + Cheryl Warner
Ukraine
Krissy Flinchum
Spain
Rachel Closs
Papua New Guinea
Stephanie Sudman
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dan + Melinda Nelson
Latin America
Joash + Esther Mutua
Kenya
Learn more about our missions partners below.
Local Missions
Brandt + Jessica Carson
Long Beach | Parable
We meet students where they are with the redeeming power of the Gospel, so they realize they are seen, heard, and loved by God.
Brian + Christine Virtue
Long Beach | CRU
Serving with Cru and the International Graduate School of Leadership to train pastors, missionaries, and leaders for the Great Commission in Asia and Majority World.
Kellee Popp
Long Beach | Decision Point
Decision Point exists to proclaim the gospel to the next generation, till every student has heard.
Lisa Sudman
Lakewood | Africa Inland Misison
Lisa has been serving with AIM for over 40 years. She enjoys training and solving IT problems for office staff in the 17 AIM offices around the world. Lisa currently works for the International Office as a Support Technician for the personnel database and the bookkeeper for AIM’s Diaspora Region.
Sandra Evans
Lynwood | Only Hope Prison Ministry
My team of volunteers and myself minister the love of Jesus to those that are incarcerated and housed at Century Regional Detention Facility. We provide Bibles, Christ centered sound material, Church Services, Bible studies, prayer and individual counseling upon request. We are here to preach the Gospel and make disciples as Jesus commanded us to do.
Tom Virtue
Long Beach | CRU
Tom Virtue focuses primarily on Asian American students through Epic Movement, a ministry of Cru. He serves without his life partner, Karen, who went to be with the Lord in 2023 after they worked together for 50 years. Read more on reverse about his mission.
Cal State Long Beach’s International Student Ministry
A campus-based ministry that welcomes and builds friendships with international students through hospitality, cultural exchange, and the message of Jesus.
Decision Point
A student-led evangelism initiative that equips and empowers high school students to share the gospel and lead faith-based movements on their campuses.
His Nesting Place
A pro-life ministry and maternity home providing housing, counseling, and support to pregnant women in crisis, advocating for the sanctity of life.
Jesus Food
A local ministry led by a member of our church that provides essential resources–like canned food, water, and blankets–to homeless neighbors in our community, offering both care and connection.
Kingdom Causes Bellflower
A nonprofit organization focused on transforming neighborhoods by connecting and mobilizing local residents, churches, and leaders for community development and restoration.
Long Beach Rescue Mission
Provides food, shelter, and long-term recovery programs for men, women, and children in crisis, helping them rebuild their lives through spiritual and practical support.
Lydia House
A shelter program under Long Beach Rescue Mission offering safe housing, recovery support, and life-skills development for women and their children experiencing homelessness or addiction.
Olivecrest
A nonprofit dedicated to preventing child abuse, preserving families, and providing care for at-risk children and youth through foster care, adoption, and support services.
Precious Lamb Preschool
A Christ-centered preschool offering early education and care to children facing homelessness or living in transitional situations, while supporting their families toward long-term stability.
Global Missions
5+ Unlisted Missionaries
Please pray for our 5+ other missionaries who cannot be listed online due to the sensitive nature of their missions.
Ashraf + Nivin Ibrahim
Converge
Ashraf and Nivin reach Arabs in the Middle East and beyond, help refugees and the persecuted church, and equip others as they minister to Arabs in the region.
Charley + Cheryl Warner
Ukraine | Barnabas International
We care for global workers and help train Ukrainian churches to care for the cross-cultural missionaries they are sending around the world.
Dan + Melinda Nelson
Latin America | Converge
Dan and MeLinda are actively involved in developing transformational leaders in Mexico and training missionaries for service worldwide.
Joash + Esther Mutua
Kenya | OC International
Training Leaders through leadership development.
Krissy Flinchum
Spain | Converge
Krissy serves in southern Spain among refugees and immigrants. Her goal is to see vibrant communities of believers among unreached populations. Her ministry includes evangelism, discipleship, and coordinating teams who reach out to immigrant communities in Europe.
Rachel Closs
Papua New Guinea | Ethnos 360
Rachel is a part of a church planting team in a remote tribal location in Papua New Guinea called Bisorio. Once she completes learning their language, her ministry will be focused on the discipleship of the women and youth in the village as they grow in knowledge and maturity in Christ. Colossians 1:27-28
Stephanie Sudman
D.R. Congo | Africa Inland Mission
Children have been close to Jesus’ heart and, therefore, should also be to ours. I train and equip church and children ministry leaders to give their best in working with children and who will, therefore, respond to Jesus’ request: “Let the children come to me.”
The Timothy Initiative
A global church-planting movement that equips local believers to make disciples and start churches, especially in areas with little or no access to the gospel.
Our Local Missions ministries exist to Know God and Make Him Known by activating the local church body into our calling to meet the Great 8 needs in our community. At Arbor Road we desire to put our faith into action (James 2:15-17) by caring for the Great 8 needs in our community.
what are the Great Eight ministries?
In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus calls Christians to care for the Hungry, Thirsty, Stranger, Naked, Sick, and Imprisoned and James 1:27 calls us to care for the Widow, and Orphan.
We know 8 is a lot to memorize, so we made it a little bit easier. Take the first letter from each and you get the acronym: WHO IS SNT?
It’s kind of a trick question, the answer is Jesus, and US! Jesus was sent to be a perfect example and sacrifice for our sins and to reconcile us back to God the Father. He was also sent for the Great Eight. We are in no way saviors, but we get to act as the hands and feet of Jesus in the world today.
Get Involved
Read through the list below—if you’d like to get involved in any of our Great Eight ministries, please reach out to Amberly or Abby! We’d love to help you take the next step.
Adored (Widows Ministry)
Our Adored Ministry at Arbor Road Church is a ministry to women who have been widowed.
Jail Ministry
We partner with local missionary, Chaplain Sandra Evans, who works at the Women’s Jail in Lynwood.
Long Beach Rescue Mission
Provides food, shelter, and long-term recovery programs for men, women, and children in crisis, helping them rebuild their lives through spiritual and practical support.
Lydia House
A shelter program under Long Beach Rescue Mission offering safe housing, recovery support, and life-skills development for women and their children experiencing homelessness or addiction.
Sanctity of Life
The Sanctity of Life ministry provides pregnancy resources and support for pregnant mothers in need.
Global Missions
Global missions invite us to live out the Great Commission by sharing God’s love beyond our local community. Through partnering with missionaries and organizations worldwide, we help bring hope, practical support, and the gospel to those who have little or no access to it.
Why Global Missions?
Engaging in global missions not only impacts the lives of others but also transforms us, deepening our faith and expanding our perspective.
Whether through prayer, financial support, short-term trips, or long-term involvement, every act of participation advances God’s kingdom.
At Arbor Road Church, we believe global missions are a vital expression of our faith and a call to serve the world with compassion and purpose.
Get Involved
Read through the list below—if you’d like to get involved in any of these opportunities in Global Missions, please reach out to Amberly or Abby! We’d love to help you take the next step.
Missions Month
Join us every February for Missions Month—a time to hear inspiring speakers, participate in service opportunities, grow through workshops, and unite in prayer for God’s global work. Everyone is welcome to get involved!
Missions Service Opportunities
Interested in serving in other ways? We always need help with missions events and prayer!
Women for Missions
Women for Missions is made up of four groups of ladies who meet once a month for fellowship and to support the needs of missionaries and mission organizations connected to Arbor Road Church.
Get Help
If you are in need, please reach out to get help. Use the contact information provided below or contact our Missions team directly.
Join Adored!
Join our widows ministry for women who have lost their husbands. This community offers friendship, events, and practical support—including help from trusted handymen.
Food Pantry
Food boxes are available for pickup on campus during office hours. Stop by the security booth to grab one if you or someone you know is in need!
Pregnancy Resources
Visit the Sanctity of Life page for support, education, and care.
We also offer Beauty for Ashes, a Bible study for women seeking healing after abortion—use the form below to learn more.
GriefShare
GriefShare is a 13-week grief-recovery support group for those who have lost a loved one. Meetings are on Tuesdays from 6:30-8pm in the Green Room, A125.
Please contact Eric Reynolds for more information. 562.754.3588
Adoption Support
Reach out to our partners at Olivecrest—they’re here to help with compassion and expertise.
Juliana Ford
Community Engagement Associate
Juliana-Ford@olivecrest.org
Kingdom Causes Bellflower
A local ministry led by a member of our church that provides essential resources–like canned food, water, and blankets–to homeless neighbors in our community, offering both care and connection.
Need More Help?
See our Care page for more resources or call the church office for pastoral care, prayer needs, or anything else—we’re here for you!
(562)420-1471
info@arborroad.com
Mark your Calendars!
Missions Month | February 2026 with events happening all month.
Please join us in prayer for missions around the world.
Meet the Missions Team
Abby DeJong
Assistant Pastor of Local Missions + Young Adults
Amberly Meiter
Pastor of Missions
Ashleigh Dellos
Global Missions Ministry Associate
Cat Ricker
Local Missions Intern
Nicole Greer
Missions Intern
