There are so many amazing things that happen on our CLA missions trips! Whether it’s a trip to the other side of the world, or an opportunity to minister on the other side of Harrisburg, we always hear such great testimonies from our team members who have participated.

First, there is nothing quite like the feeling of knowing that God has flowed through you and used you as a tool in His hands to be a blessing. What we have to offer so often seems like such a feeble effort, but somehow God has a way of taking what we bring to Him and making it useful, effective and even powerful!

Beyond that awesome feeling of being used by the Lord, every team member returns from any of our missions endeavors with new and often lifelong friendships. We leave CLA as individuals and come back as a family!

Also, without fail, our hearts are always changed in some way! Even after being part of more than 40 missions trips over the years, I come back changed every time - either having been drawn closer to the Lord, or having heard the voice of the Spirit speak to me or teach me something profound.

I can’t encourage you enough to PRAY ABOUT GOING ON A TRIP! If you’re nervous about going far away, start with one of our local or domestic missions opportunities. Just be sure to take that first step to do something! You will never regret it, and I guarantee God will do something special in and through you!

We love our local community, and we’re excited to once again be part of Jubilee Day in Mechanicsburg this summer. Jubilee Day is a popular annual event, and many individuals from our community attend. This all-day event will be held on Thursday, June 15. 

Being part of this event offers a great opportunity for our staff and volunteers to provide a fun, meaningful experience for families, connect with attendees and share information about CLA.

We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available, such as setting up the Petting Zoo area the night before, greeting guests during the day, helping with fun kids’ activities and more! Learn more about each of these options and register; we have various shifts to pick from. Families are also welcome to serve together!

Becky Ash and her husband, LeRoy, volunteered last year and shared this: "Jubilee Day was awesome! We participated with face painting and temporary tattoos. The kids loved our face painting team and the pics they painted. We really have some talented artists, and the parents like that it didn’t cost anything! We were able to give out information on our church kids ministries. My husband and I enjoyed seeing the smiles on both the children’s and parents' faces."

Our You Belong Invite Team spent their Saturday morning of Easter weekend visiting neighborhoods within a one-mile radius of CLA inviting residents to our Easter Sunday services. The team distributed more than 400 door hanger invites and met many great people who were so appreciative of the invitation and effort we made to reach out to our neighbors who don’t already have a church home.

Amy Rice shared this: "I joined the Invite Team because I felt God encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone. Knowing that a simple invitation to church could open the doors to a conversation about God, quite frankly, made me pretty nervous. I'm glad I was able to participate in this great opportunity. You never know what God might do in their life through that one invitation. I was honestly surprised at how many people seemed to genuinely appreciate the invite."

Greenlight Operation is one of CLA’s local missions partners, and we’d love for you to be part of its 5K Run for Restoration on Saturday, May 20 at 9:00 AM. This event will take place on City Island in Harrisburg and support survivors of human trafficking. Runners can participate in the fun run/walk or the certified race to compete for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place medals. The organization’s goal is to raise $20,000 to support the restorative care of trafficking survivors. Learn more and register.

“It brings our family so much joy to serve together. Whether it is in Philly at the Dream Center or Sunbury at River of Life Church, we come together meeting new people, seeing the hearts of others and being the hands and feet of Jesus. We have had so many breathtaking moments, being obedient and flexible during our experiences. It’s truly one of our families’ favorite times together…serving!” – The Reed Family

Philly Dream Center – Philadelphia, PA
We hope you will pray about being a part of one or both of these opportunities!

• Construction and Renovation | June 1-4, 2023 (Deadline May 14)
  Help in the beginning stages of renovating the space that will be utilized for the afterschool program. Anticipated project needs will require a variety of skill levels including demolition, electrical, plumbing, basic framing, general labor and cleanup support.

• Outreach and Evangelism | June 24, 2023 (Deadline June 11)
  Focusing on the Kensington (“Needle”) Park area, this one-day team will provide a unique opportunity for friends and family to serve together to minister to those who have been gripped by the opioid crisis and need to experience the new beginning that Jesus has to offer them.

Learn more and register on our Missions Trips page.

Over the past year, CLA has partnered with River of Life Assembly of God in Sunbury. The most recent visit in March 2023 was intentionally planned to help with the progress of the revitalization of this church so they could be ready for Easter.

Following their Easter service, Pastor Jan Krebs shared, “We are so blessed that you have partnered with us. We had 97 people in attendance on Easter, including 16 children. And, most importantly, we had one salvation…this person is eager to grow in a relationship with Jesus! Thank you is not a big enough word for the appreciation we have, but THANK YOU!”

On a recent trip to Tanzania, Pastor Shane felt compelled by God to do something big. Upon his return home, he shared his story with you, our church family, and you responded in a miraculous way! You have given $144,000 to complete the ministry training center that will help share the Gospel throughout Tanzania. Thank you for your prayers, giving and support to help Jesus be shared!