How Our Church Played a Role in Our Call to Missions

From a young age, both Chandler and Madison Ospina felt a strong calling from God to commit to the mission field. This seed was planted early on, and over the years, as they led short-term mission trips with their local church, that calling became clearer. Now, thanks to the influence of their church, they are actively raising up partners to support their future ministry in Ethiopia. Here's the story of the role their church has played in their missions journey.

We’ve always felt that God placed a longing on our hearts for missions and that He wanted us to be a part of it in some capacity. What really solidified our decision to launch into long-term missions was seeing it firsthand through short-term trips and how our local church, Compassion Christian Church (CCC), equipped us and laid a strong foundation for what it looks like to live as a missionary, just as Paul did. We remember being introduced to that vision even as a kid; we would raise support for missionaries and global projects. It made missions feel real and put into perspective that God invites all of us to take part in His mission.

Our church continued to play a huge role in our decision to pursue long-term missions. First, they casted a vision for us. Understanding that we were already a part of missions, whether as senders or those being sent, helped us realize this calling was something that is attainable, that missions weren’t just something for a specific group of people; it was something God calls everyday people to be a part of. Not only did our churches give us vision, but they also gave us real opportunities to experience it. That looked like going on short-term trips, getting to see God’s work firsthand, and meeting current missionaries in person. Being able to see the vision firsthand through short missions allowed us to change our perspective on missions and even how we viewed God. We began to see it in a new way, a way that is more connected and with a sense of urgency.

One of Chandler’s first mission trips was to Ability Ministry in Tennessee. It was during this trip that he first caught the vision for missions and began to understand how the local church supports ministries around the world. He had the opportunity to serve and pour into adults with special needs, which deeply shaped his heart for ministry.

While in Thailand, Chandler and Madison had the opportunity to invest in local church leaders. This photo shows their short-term team spending time with and praying over the family of a pastor who oversees a church in the remote village where he grew up.

Second, our church equipped us. CCC emphasized missions and provided the tools and relationships we needed to explore this path. We were connected with mentors and missionaries who helped us understand the realities of long-term missions, both the challenges and the joys. They didn’t just encourage us; they walked with us. They made space for us to ask questions and wrestle with what this calling might really mean. They offered opportunities for us to use this knowledge and hold leadership positions to best prepare and equip us for when an opportunity would arise for us to be obedient to God’s calling and be sent ourselves.

Each year, Compassion members on short-term mission trips partner with African Development Mission Trust to host a regional Sunday service. During this special gathering, multiple church plants from the region come together for one service, followed by the chance for new believers to be baptized and publicly declare their faith in Jesus.

During their visit, they had the opportunity to help host a children’s camp for the local church, Jerusalem Church. Kids from both the church and the surrounding community were invited to come, hear Bible stories, play games, and enjoy fellowship with one another.

They also had the opportunity to visit local schools and spend time sharing Bible stories with the students, followed by a time of fellowship. Pictured here is a primary school in Monduro, Zimbabwe. Moments like these remind them how eager young hearts are to hear about the love of Jesus.

We’re so honored and grateful that our church could walk with us like that. Being raised, equipped, and sent by your own church is a huge gift. These are people who know us, who’ve seen our journey, and who are uniquely positioned to offer wisdom, encouragement, and ongoing support. That kind of relationship creates a solid foundation for long-term mission work. Our story is a testament to the church’s role in helping and equipping their people for the mission field.