Going to the Other Side

Mini Mission Trips

Going to the Other Side

In our message on Mark 5, "The Disciple-Making Method of Jesus," we saw that "the other side" can serve as a metaphor for when we find ourselves out of one's comfort zone. Jesus took His disciples to "the other side" of the Sea of Galilee to Gentile territory, to create experiences that would stretch and challenge them. 


In the video clip below, you will hear from several NCC'ers involved in "other side" ministries and how God has used those experiences to deepen their discipleship. Also, check out the list below of opportunities for you to "go to the other side."

LOADING PLAYER…

URBAN IMPACT (Northside)

This ministry engages inner city youth in various after-school activities including performing arts, athletics, tutoring, and mentoring for options after they graduate from high school. Their Urban Missionaries are young people who live on the Northside so they can be in the neighborhoods of the kids they are serving. Often serving these Missionaries can be a wonderful way to support the larger ministry. They are also renovating a church for ministry space and have other ways to volunteer. They ask interested groups to please fill out the volunteer form online describing your group’s availability and interests, and someone will call you with where they can use your help.

Contact: Groups can follow up with Kat Balyesele, Kathryn.balyesele@uifpgh.org

Website: www.uifpgh.org


MORE GRACE OUTREACH (Appalachia, WV)

Plenty of work always needs to be done at this community-based ministry which provides clothing, household items, and food to people in need along with educational enrichment opportunities. This organization hosts our summer mission team each June. They would be happy to host your group and put you to work!

Contact: Theo Colebank, (681) 404-5357 or mgoconnection@gmail.com. Theo works three days per week, so if you can’t reach her, you can call the Director of MGO, Beth Luffy, (304) 435-5470.

Website: www.moregraceoutreach.com


PINE VALLEY CAMP (Ellwood City)

This Christian camping ministry is located in Ellwood City, a few miles west of Zelienople. A good introductory “other side” experience. Volunteers are needed to clean/maintain the facilities. Some interaction with campers may be possible depending on the weekend. Great for school-age kids. Call Emily to discuss your group’s availability and interests.

Contact: Emily Toland, (724) 752-1661

Website: www.pinevalleycamp.org


HOT METAL BRIDGE FAITH COMMUNITY

Through the Table Meal Ministry, you can volunteer to serve meals and give groceries to those in need in Southside.

Contact: Victoria Mangan, hotmetalvic@gmail.com

Website: www.hotmetalbridge.com


LIGHT OF LIFE RESCUE MISSION (Northside)

Transforming lives of men, women, and children through showing the love of Christ by providing food, shelter, and hope to people experiencing homelessness, poverty, or addiction. Visit their website for the many ways to use your skills and talents to serve. Volunteers need to be 13 years old to volunteer, and all volunteers need to fill out a volunteer application form.

Contact: Volunteer Coordinator, (412) 258-6128

Website: www.lightoflife.org


IMANI CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Imani is a K-12 private Christian school in East Hills and one of NCC’s mission partners. They have several opportunities to serve:

OUTDOOR PROJECT

Fall Landscaping Project (needed ASAP) - 12 volunteers or more

Pull weeds, rake leaves, cut down small tree limbs, and pick up trash around campus grounds. 

Gloves, rakes, trash bags, saws and chain saws needed. Recommend wearing boots, long sleeves and pants, and appropriate weather-related clothing for this task.

 

VIRTUAL

Tutoring students in reading, science, math, social studies, Spanish - individual volunteers needed

Can be scheduled virtually on Wednesdays or after school hours via Zoom

 
INDOOR

Telecommunications Project - 5 to 8 volunteers

Complete installation of telephones in various staff offices, classrooms and spaces.  Ethernet wiring may be required for internet connections to personal computers or laptops. Program phones for designated users.

 

IN-PERSON with masks and protocols

Office Assistant to Nia, Finance and Development

Individual volunteers for light office assistance, filing, answer telephone calls, scheduling, prepare solicitation packets, and other office duties, as assigned.

Contact: Maria Anderson, (412) 731-7982

Website: www.imanichristianacademy.org

 

LIVING IN LIBERTY (Homewood)

A Living in Liberty offers food, shelter, clothing, and sometimes creative activities to women (mostly addicted) who live on the streets. You will see the humanity and the very real spiritual and physical fight that these downtrodden Homewood women face. They are addicted, living fix to fix, meal to meal, and often living in abandoned housing or with a "man" who "cares" for them. Volunteers may encounter foul language and possible mature discussions. On the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., teams of two-three women help with providing and/or serving food, and/or assisting with free clothing distribution. Teens and older are welcome, if accompanied by a parent.

Contact:  Bonnie Nichols, (724)-612-3897

Website:  https://www.livinginliberty.org/

 

THE PITTSBURGH PROJECT

There are various projects available during their “Community Serve Days” on the 4th Saturday every month in the city. There’s a 25-person limit per day; 6-person limit per project. Currently, they have two houses that need to be gutted in November. They have many additional serving opportunities around Pittsburgh and are very flexible, so call them to discuss your team’s availability and interests, and they will provide options for you.

Contact: Charles Chapman, (412) 302-1678

Website: www.pittsburghproject.org