Welcome!
We are excited that a student in your congregation is considering going on a Mission Trip with Power to Change -Students. We truly believe that this is one of the best things a university student can do with his or her summer. These experiences help students grow in their character, are an integral part of spiritual formation, as well them develop in their leadership abilities, laying a foundation of who they will be for a lifetime.
Thank you so much for supporting and encouraging your student to come join us in bringing the gospel to the world. Our desire is that they would take what they will experience on this Mission Trip, and use it to inspire, bless, and mobilize local congregations toward ever increasing engagement in helping fulfill the Great Commission. We want to help students catch a vision for the world, pass that on to those around them, and use their influence to raise up a generation of compassionate, globally-oriented Christ followers.
About Power to Change
Power to Change is an interdenominational Christian organization established in Canada in 1967, with the purpose of helping to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20.
Josh McDowell launched what was then called Campus Crusade for Christ, at the University of British Columbia in 1967. 50 years later, Power to Change is comprised of eleven different ministries serving in multiple domains of society. The campus division (called Power to Change-Students) maintains a presence in every province on approximately 50 campuses, where we seek to change the world by helping students discover Jesus.
Evangelical Christian beliefs are at the core of the Power to Change ministry. We hold to the essential claims of Christianity. We have no ties to any one particular denomination, but work instead in cooperation with many local churches and ministries to aid in the spiritual development of young men and women. See our Statement of Faith for more information.
Partnership Model
Each one of our Mission Trips takes place within the context of a broader partnership model. We work in partnership with local churches and ministries to ensure that we are operating in a manner that is culturally relevant and appropriate, ensuring equal partnership, with the goal of serving the long term ministry in each location.
Within each partnership, our desire is to help our partnering ministries develop to a point where they are sufficiently indigenously-led, self-sustaining, and globally sending. The degree to which this is happening is determined in discussion with our local partners. We value working together to fulfill the God-given goals and dreams of our partners.
Why Student Missions?
In the 2011 study Hemorrhaging Faith: Why & When Canadian Young Adults Are Leaving, Staying and Returning to the Church 71% of engaged respondents reported that their faith came alive on a short-term missions trip! We have seen that Canadian students who participate on these trips come back excited, trained, and equipped to pass their passion on to those in their local communities of faith.
We specifically design our mission trips around the idea that university students are best equipped to engage and reach their peers. University students are the future influencers, culture shapers, and leaders of their nation. On P2C-Student mission trips, Canadian students will have the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with local students, initiate spiritual conversation, intentionally share the Gospel, and help build the foundations of faith through short-term discipleship. New believers are integrated into local churches and ministries where they will be discipled, equipped, and trained to pass their faith on to others. We pray that the ripple effects of faith will reverberate around the world!
What’s it Like to Go on a Mission Trip with P2C-S?
For over 30 years, we have sent thousands of students around the world, bringing the gospel to the nations. We desire that each Mission Trip participant will have a positive experience that includes quality training and depth of reflection, producing life-long change.
For one to six weeks, participants will…
- Live and minister in a transformational community
- Experience powerful prayer
- Be discipled by a P2C staff or intern
- Receive training by an experienced P2C staff or intern in contextualizing the gospel
- Walk day by day in the power of the Holy Spirit
- Directly engage in evangelism and discipleship with university students
Mission Trips are a life changing opportunity. Thank you so much for supporting and encouraging your student to come join us in bringing the gospel to the world. Our desire is that they would take what they will experience on this Mission Trip, and use it to inspire and mobilize the church toward helping fulfill the Great Commission! We want to help students catch a vision for the world, pass that on to those around them, and use their influence to raise up a generation of compassionate, globally-oriented Christ followers.
Who Leads the Trips?
On a typical Mission Trip with P2C-S, one male and one female director, along with a team of staff, will oversee all leadership, as well as directional and operational needs of the Mission Trip. This team is also responsible for scheduling, logistics, teaching and training of the team. Each Director has been vetted for their proven leadership ability, experience, and character. Together with their team, Directors strive to create an environment that will create opportunities for personal and spiritual growth, leadership development and ministry exposure.
What About Finances?
What is included in the cost?
The cost of each Mission Trip includes international airfare, orientation, all ministry-related costs, debrief, in-country transportation, housing, and meals. Personal expenses (such as souvenirs) are not included in the Mission Trip cost.
In addition, participants are able to raise additional funding to cover their transportation to and from orientation (if applicable) and immunizations.
Why Support Raising?
Support raising is an opportunity to grow in faith by trusting God to provide the financial resources needed to participate on a Mission Trip. We will provide tried and tested training, resources, and coaching to help each participant learn how to invite others to partner with him or her through finances and prayer. Each one of our staff and interns are responsible for building a team of ministry partners and have extensive personal experience in seeing God provide for them in this way.
How does Support Raising work?
Each year P2C-S helps hundreds of students raise up a partnership team to come alongside them in their journey toward Missions. Once the participant has been accepted to a Mission Trip with Power to Change, they will receive expert coaching in writing support letters, making phone calls, and following up with potential ministry partners. We emphasize to students that forming a prayer and financial partnership team is about nurturing relationships and inviting the body of Christ to come together for the building of God’s Kingdom.
We have seen that there are two major sources of ministry partners that will rally students as they seek to support raise. As we think about support raising, it’s always important to remember that God is the source of all blessing!
Family and Friends: It is very important for participants to share the story of what God has done in their heart with family and friends. We will help participants write a support letter to share where they are going, why they are going, and how the family member or friend can be a part of what God wants to do through them. Regardless of religious belief, family and friends are often extremely excited about partnering in this way.
Pastors and Youth pastors: Churches desire, and are often able to be a part of sending participants on Mission Trips. We encourage participants to set up a meetings with the Pastor and/or Youth Pastor to share what God has placed on their heart and invite the church and its members to participate in praying and giving toward the Mission Trip.
Financial Accountability
Power to Change Ministries is a charter member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. Your financial support is very important to our ministry. We take every step necessary to ensure your money is used in a responsible and Christ-like manner. Our Canadian charitable organization number is 118827849RR0001. For US source donations only, your donation will be received by us in trust for Power to Change International, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. If you have any questions, please contact our Partner Care Centre at 1.855.P2C.GIVE (1.855.722.4483)
If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at projects@p2c.com.