Missions
What is Missions Month?
Each year we set aside the month of February to focus on Local and Global Missions. This gives us the opportunity to see and hear God is moving around the world.
We invite you to experience the impact Arbor Road Church is making through partnerships with specific missionaries and missions organizations. You are welcomed to participate in interactive stations around campus, attend seminars led by some of our missionaries, and to join us for our annual Missions Lunch at the end of the month.
2026 Theme
This year, we’re focusing on Jesus’ call in Matthew 28:19-20 to make disciples of all nations.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
We hope you are encouraged to look for ways to be disciple makers in your every-day life in addition to finding practical ways to support global missions.
Schedule
Sunday, February 1
Missions Month Begins!
Weekly Events
- Seminars Weekly on Sundays during Second Hour in A110 (see below)
- Short Term Missions Applications open February 1-28 (see below)
- Short Term Missions Trip Fundraiser on the Plaza
- Missions Lunch Tickets for sale on the Plaza or online
- Interactive Stations throughout the campus (see below)
Thursday, February 12
Missions Worship Night
6-8pm in the Worship Center
Sunday, February 15
Local Missions Fair
After each service on the Arbor Plaza
Sunday, February 22
Missions Speaker – Jeff Levine
Main Service – 9:30 and 11am
Annual Missions Lunch
12-2pm in the Lower Auditorium
This year, we’re focusing in on missions in Europe
Activities at Missions Lunch
- Global Missions Fair
- VR Experience
- Meet more of our missionaries
Friday, February 27
Kingdom Causes Bellflower Homeless Outreach Day
More details to come!
On the Arbor Plaza
Every Sunday
Short Term Mission Trip fundraiser
Missions Lunch ticket sales
Sunday, February 15 - After Each Service
Local Missions fair
Seminars - Sundays 11am in A110
Sunday, February 1
Discovering God’s heart through short term missions
Eryn Holm | Young Adults and Spiritual Formation Pastor at Calvary Church Santa Ana
Sunday, February 8
Short term missions trip interest meeting
Led by ARC missions team
Sunday, February 15
Evangelism Workshop
Brandt and Jessica Carson | Arbor Road Church Missionaries with Parable
Sunday, February 22
Spirit Driven Transformation
Zach Powell | Arbor Road Church Missionary with Servant Partners
Speakers
Eryn Holm
Young Adults and Spiritual Formation Pastor at Calvary Church Santa Ana
Eryn is the Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Calvary Church of Santa Ana and a trained Spiritual Director who loves helping people slow down and notice God at work in their everyday lives. She holds a Master’s degree in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care from Talbot Theological Seminary and has a deep passion for walking alongside others with curiosity, compassion, and hope as they grow in awareness of God’s loving presence. She is especially drawn to helping people move from merely knowing about God’s love to actually experiencing it in the deepest places of their hearts.
Brandt and Jessica Carson
Arbor Road Church Missionaries with Parable
Brandt and Jessica serve with Parable to meet high school students where they are with the redeeming power of the Gospel. They are passionate about helping students realize they are seen, heard, and loved by God.
Zach Powell
Arbor Road Church Missionary with Servant Partners
Zach and his family serve in Europe with Servant Partners. They take an evangelical and orthodox response to reaching the unreached urban poor.
Jeff Levine
Executive Director at Long Beach Rescue Mission
Jeff is the President and CEO at Long Beach Rescue Mission. He brings a wealth of mission experience, as well as church and school leadership, to the role. He has a passion for sharing the life changing message of Jesus Christ with people experiencing homelessness and in need. He also provides leadership to the LBRM staff and valuable partnerships with our community, donors, and volunteers.
Interactive Stations
Meet the Missionaries Wall + Letters to Missionaries
Worship Center Lobby
Lift Kit packing station + Local Ministries Map
Arbor Building by the elevator and stairs to the Lower Aud.
Flag Walk throughout campus
Our missionary flags will be in the Worship Center Lobby, Europe flags will be in the Arbor Building hallways
Living prayers
Next to the Missionary map
Prayer Arbor
Worship Center Lobby
Prayer Experience
Prayer Room
VR Room *15th and 22nd Only
15th in A101
22nd at Missions Lunch in the Lower Aud Green Room
Missions Lunch
February 22, 2026 12-2pm in the Lower Aud
Ticket Sales begin February 1st
2026 Short Term Missions Trips
Applications are open from February 1-28, 2026. Team selections will be made in March.
Managua, Nicaragua
July 6-11, 2026
- Middle school age + up
- 15 travelers
- $1850 per traveler
- Partnering with Ride Nature
- ARC Team leader Kyle O’Neill
Ministry Days
- Community outreach: 1 Skate, 1 Surf Skate, and 1 Surf
- Bible Study for Youth
- Project: helping with maintenance or construction at Ride Nature facilities
- Community activity: surf camp, kids activity, beach games
Transportation
- 2 days for international flight
- Private Bus to and from sites
Payment Due Date – May 5, 2026
La Mision, Mexico
July 17-20, 2026
- Middle school age + up
- 30 travelers
- $600 per traveler
- Partnering with Casa De Maná
- ARC Team leader Grace Goff
Ministry Days
- Working with Casa De Maná
- Service projects
- Engagement with their on-site staff
Transportation
- Rented Passenger Vans
Payment Due Date – June 17, 2026
Cairo, Egypt
September 10-20, 2026
- For Adults 18+
- 10 travelers
- $3500 per traveler
- Partnering with Converge
- ARC Team leaders Amberly Meiter + Ashleigh Dellos
Ministry Days
- Visit local churches and partner ministries
- Community outreach and service projects with cancer patients, people who live in the dump, and refugees
- Cultural exchange and prayer gatherings
- Encouragement sessions with local leaders
- Opportunities to share testimonies and support local believers
Transportation
- 3 days for international flight
- 1 day local transportation in-between our visitings to different locations
Payment Due Date – July 20, 2026
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.
Use the button below to email Abby DeJong to be added to future Adored Event invitations.
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
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
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.
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
