Impact of Short Term Missions A Decade Later
I first met Caleb Lam in 2013 when I brought him to Ghana on a short-term mission with his church. He was my room-mate for the entire trip and I was able to have many chats with him about ministry and life. Not only was it an amazing trip but the Lord protected us from a poisonous snake that snuck into our room at night. Shortly after the trip, he proposed to his now wife Cherie whom I was told came to the Lord after some conversations with me. I met Cherie after the STM as I knew they were dating. I have kept in touch with Caleb and recently, I had a meal with his family in Calgary. He is now a father of three, have attended seminary and is currently interning to be a children’s pastor in Vancouver (in part because of the Ghana STM).
(Meal with Caleb and family, August 2025)
It shows how a STM can change lives even over a decade later. I asked Caleb to write a short report about that trip.
Twelve years ago, I went on a short-term mission’s trip to Ghana through our church’s partnership with CIM.
What led me to suddenly recall this STM trip from just over 12 years ago? I was writing my statement of faith to enroll in Regent College, and it led me to realize the pivotal role the trip had in my personal journey of faith.
I was in my mid-20’s in 2013, and I was regarded as an active member in my church community. I was active in ministry serving in all sorts of roles and capacities. Yet while I considered myself a willing servant, I was not necessarily a joyful one. I regarded church ministry as a responsibility - my Sunday’s likened to another day at work, getting to church before 8am, leaving around 3pm, and often later. It was in this busy yet barren state of spirituality did the opportunity to Ghana arise.
The turning point for my dull and stagnant faith was on this short-term mission’s trip, where God opened my eyes to His faithfulness. There were several key instances in the two-week journey where God clearly and explicitly answered our prayers. Through prayer, God provided lodging for our missions’ team when our planned accommodations were not built, and God provided safety for Pastor Isaac and I from a poisonous snake. I was so naive and oblivious to the dangers of the snake that I moved closer to try to take a picture! It was only until when Daal, our driver reacted promptly to the snake did I recognize the threat. I found out soon thereafter that the snake was actually poisonous with deadly venom!
Apart from experiencing God’s provision and protection, I experienced different forms of worship, how locals related with God and engaged one another as a church community in a manner drastically than what I was accustomed to. I believed that was the turning point for me to take my faith as a meaningful relationship with God, and not simply ‘doing church stuff’.
This experience from 12 years ago has left a profound impact on my life - from getting married, raising a family and now starting a path towards vocational ministry. But far beyond the outward and observable changes, I have developed a faith rooted in Christ’s lovingkindness and faithfulness, knowing God’s spirit is present around and within me.If the opportunity comes, I encourage you to go on a mission’s trip! It is a chance to proclaim and live out the gospel, and experience the transformation through the Holy Spirit in ways you could not have even imagined.
(With the locals on a short ferry ride, 2013)
(Visiting a remote village in the interior part of the country – we were lost for a few hours before we got there! 2013)
(Worship with the locals. Check out the dresses and the suit! 2013)
(Gathering at church on a hot day – nearly 40 degrees! 2013)
Caleb Lam
I have seen it over and over again. STM changes and transform lives. Caleb is just one example. I was overcome with joy as he was sharing his story with me in August. It is through how the Lord is working in Caleb’s life and others that I continue to do what I do. It shows me the value of STMs and the lasting impact it can have.
I just led a STM team to the Romas in Serbia and North Macedonia. It was an amazing trip. Janice and family have returned to Ghana after a 4-month home assignment in Canada. Stay tuned to future newsletters to read about these experiences.
In Canada, we celebrate Thanksgiving in October, and these are just some of the things that we are thankful for but most importantly, we are thankful for Jesus Christ and His atoning work on the cross.
A STM trip to Ghana is tentatively scheduled for July 12-28, 2026. If you are interested in applying or want more information, please email us at contact@cimcanada.org
Rev. Isaac Quan
Executive Director, CIM Ministries
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September Financials 2025
1. General Fund - for general and administrative purposes, such as staff salaries
2. Designated Fund - for specific ministries in different field locations as designated (cannot be transferred between funds)
*All financial figures are in Canadian dollars and rounded to the nearest dollar
Pray With Us:
Please continue to pray for peace in Ukraine. The invasion rages on and innocent lives are lost each day. Pray for House of Mercy as they take care of refugees, physically and spiritually. Pray for peace talks and for a ceasefire. There has been much confusion regarding this process. Through it all, people in the Roma villages are still getting baptized and dedicating their lives to Jesus. The challenge for the churches is that many young men are fleeing the country.
Praise God for a successful STM to the Romas in Serbia and North Macedonia. Relationships were renewed and there were many opportunities to share the Word and encourage Roma believers. Pray for guidance for the next steps.
Pray for the pastors and teachers that we support in Ghana. Pray for fruitful ministry and God’s provision for each pastor’s family needs.
Pray for Janice as she continues with her ministry as our International Worker in Ghana. Pray for her transition back to Ghana after her 4-month home assignment in Canada. Pray for preparations for the November campus ministry missions team and guidance as she will meet with various pastors in the weeks/months ahead.
Pray for the finances of CIM Ministries. The economic situation in Canada may become very unstable with the uncertainty of a tariff trade war with the United States resulting possibly with less donors. Pray for new donors and a healthy general fund to run our ministries. Praise God that our financial situation has improved over the last year. In order to run our ministries effectively, we are currently seeking monthly donors. We encourage donors to give to our General Fund so we can distribute the funds where the needs are the greatest. Click here to donate.
Pray or the planning of our Annual General Meeting scheduled for November 1-2.
Pray for CIM USA as they are still looking for an Executive Director and Director of Ministry.
Pray for healing for Pastor Isaac as he has been diagnosed with colon cancer.