REACHING Beyond The Walls: Missions Spotlight:
For the month of August, please be in prayer for Missionaries Oliver and Kim Pierce:
Brussels, Belgium is the de facto capital of Europe and home to over 160 nationalities and 100 languages. As the headquarters of the European Union and NATO, it attracts thousands of international students and young professionals each year. Historically Catholic, Brussels now has a Muslim population (20%) that outnumbers practicing Catholics (6-8%), while 30% identify as non-religious. Less than 2% of the population identifies as evangelical Christians.
Ten years of campus ministry with RUF in several contexts has instilled in the Pierces a heart for global student outreach. They are excited to now have the opportunity to start an RUF Global in Brussels, the first RUF ministry in Western Europe. Partnering with Hope Brussels, a congregation of the International Presbyterian Church, the Pierces will focus on reaching and equipping the 160,000 students studying in the Brussels metro area.
-Please pray that the Lord would use our support-raising process this year to stir many of His people toward deeper commitment to the Great Commission and greater awareness of His global church.
-Pray also that this support raising season would prepare our family—spiritually and emotionally—for the exciting new work ahead.
-And finally, pray that the Spirit of the Lord would go before us, even now, preparing the hearts of students to find their true hope in Christ. See photos HERE.
Highlands Bahamas Missions Report Team #1
Praise God for His protection and provision! Our Highlands Bahamas Short-Term Missions team (Cameron Walters, Laura Antoon, Jack Lanier, Will Day, John, Karen & Harry Thomas, David, Kathryn, Hannah & Sarah Day, Cindy & Chip Johnson) returned safely from their trip to Nassau on July 19. It was a powerful week of ministry and an incredible opportunity to see God at work.
The team served alongside MTW missionaries Tim and Bev Hart—faithful partners supported by Highlands—hosting a literacy and STEM camp for approximately 35–40 students in grades 1 through 6. Each day, the team had the opportunity to share the gospel and lead a Vacation Bible School, planting seeds of truth in young hearts. We’re especially grateful for our gifted and dedicated teachers who led literacy, STEM, and VBS activities. The students were engaged, and the gospel was clearly communicated throughout the week. On Sunday, the team canvassed a nearby neighborhood that was vastly different from what many of us experience in the U.S. It was a deeply humbling and eye-opening experience, particularly for our teenagers, who were struck by the contrast and reminded of how blessed we are. One of the greatest praises is that God kept the team safe and mostly healthy, even as a few members fell ill toward the end. The team pressed on with strength and unity. We are also incredibly thankful for Tim and Bev Hart—gracious, faithful hosts who have built a remarkable ministry presence in Nassau.
Please join us in praising God for:
His protection and faithfulness throughout the trip
The gospel going forth clearly and consistently each day
The students who attended and heard about Jesus
The life-changing experiences for our team members
And join us in praying for:
Tim and Bev Hart, as they continue this week’s camp—asking God to provide extra hands and strength for the work
The second Highlands team heading to Nassau July 26–August 2—for safety, team unity, flexibility, and spiritual impact
The hearts of the children, that they would truly be moved to know and trust God
Thank you, Highlands family, for your prayers and support!
Our Supported Missionaries
Teresa Wilson, USA, with Japanese Team
Craig and Stacy Pohl, Japan
Trey and Kiki Adams, Thailand
Brent Kooi, Australia
Tim and Bev Hart, Bahamas
Lenden and Gemma Fleeman, Spain
Derek and Shannon Ebbers, Romania
Scott and Christine D., Turkey
Bob and Andrea Burnham, Ukraine
Jon and Tracy Eide, Ukraine
Andrew Sheppard, Ukraine
Jonathan and Olya Powell, Ukraine
Daniel and Katie Brink, Belgium
Nate and Nikki Bonham, Columbia
Manny and Terri Bersach, Columbia
Rick and Betty Aschmann, Ecuador
Rodney and Janna Davila, El Salvador
Abigail Conroy, El Salvador
Libby Sciano, El Salvador
Oliver and Kim Pierce, Belgium
Franklin and Beth Beaver, USA
Mike and Robin McMahan, USA
Glenn and Sharlene Grubb, International (USA)
Alex and Irena Ponomarev, USA Slavic Tribes (USA)
Richard Pratt, Third Millennium Ministries (USA)
Jonah, Muslim Ministries (USA)
Deddy Simanjuntak, Indonesia
Jim and Bubbles Delfin, Philippines
Clarke and Krystya Norton, Ukraine
Doug and Masha Shepherd, Ukraine
Make a Faith Promise 2025 Pledge HERE
We would like to see every family at Highlands involved in giving through Faith Promise. To continue supporting our current missionaries, we need $150,000 in Faith Promise giving.
Make A One Time Faith Promise Gift HERE
If you would like to make a Faith Promise gift now, please provide the information at the link above.
February 16-23
2025 Missions Festival, “Shine The Light.”
The Festival began on Wednesday, February 19, with our church-wide Missions Festival dinner. Everyone gathered to enjoy a delicious Filipino meal and to take part in a panel discussion with our missionaries. Meanwhile, the children had their own missions celebration upstairs, featuring a pizza party, international costumes, music, crafts, and a chance to learn about our short-term missions.
On Thursday, February 20, the Highlands Sunday School Communities met both in the Atrium and in homes to fellowship and hear from our supported missionaries: Teresa Wilson, Bob & Andrea Burnham, Jonah, Franklin and Beth Beaver, and Jim and Bubbles Delfin. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with them personally and learn more about their ministries.
On Friday evening, February 21, our Missions Committee members shared a meal with the missionaries in the home of Craig and Julie Crosland.Our current Missions Commitee members are Joseph Wheat, Craig Crosland, Brad Tisdale, Chip Johnson, David Harbaugh, Lynn Johnson, Terry Sensing, and Clay Quarterman( ex officio).
Saturday, February 22, was filled with food and fellowship! The men began the day with a hearty breakfast in the Fellowship Hall, where Jonah, their guest speaker, delivered a powerful message. Later that day, the women gathered in the Atrium for a luncheon featuring taco salads, where they heard from Teresa Wilson, Beth Beaver, and Bubbles Delfin. Overall, it was an enriching day of fellowship and learning, as Highlands had the chance to hear firsthand from missionaries and gain a deeper understanding of the impact their work has in advancing God's Kingdom worldwide.
On Sunday, February 23rd, the Highlands Missions Festival continued with our Worship Service. The children of Highlands sang "Send the Light!" and Mike Hillerman shared an update on the recent short-term mission trip to San Salvador. Mr. Jim Delfin preached a sermon from Third John titled "Shine the Light, Together!" He reminded us that those serving on the mission field are "in the well," while those of us at home are "holding the rope," highlighting that both roles are essential in advancing God's kingdom abroad.
Following the service, the Youth and Adult Communities gathered in the Fellowship Hall to hear from missionaries Franklin Beaver and Teresa Wilson. A heartfelt thank you to our missionaries, the Missions Committee, and everyone who cooked, served, and volunteered throughout the week. It was an insightful time of getting to know our missionaries personally, learning about their experiences on the mission field, and discovering ways to better support and pray for them.
Please join us on Sunday, March 9, as we conclude our Missions Festival with a final sermon from Joseph Wheat. This will also be the opportunity to make your Faith Promise Commitment pledge.
Visit HERE to view all photos of the week.
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Mission to the World - see our supported missionaries below.
World Missions is a vital part of the vision and core values of Highlands Presbyterian Church. Worship, Teaching, Nurture...REACHING! “Reaching” means to take our place as partners in ministry together, seeking to be faithful to do our part in fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission to strengthen His church and extend His Kingdom through the proclamation of the Gospel at home and abroad. Highlands “reaches” out in three areas of ministry: Home Missions, World Missions, and Mercy Ministry. For World Missions, we will seek to do this by praying for our missionaries, keeping in touch with our missionaries, providing monetary support to individual missionaries and agencies through Faith Promise, and organizing and supporting Highlands’ short-term mission teams. We would love to raise up and support people within our congregation to consider long-term service on the mission field if the Lord is calling them there. We seek to offer warm, loving hospitality to missionaries that visit our church, giving them the opportunity to share with us God’s work through them in their particular place of service. We also try to send our people “there” from time to time to be an encouragement and help to our missionaries on the field. The biggest World Missions event of the year is our annual Missions Festival. Missionary guests, a challenging speaker, and multiple opportunities for growth and fellowship make this a special time in the life of our church.
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Mission to North America (Home Missions)
The Home Missions Ministry of Highlands reaches out through church planting, campus ministries, and the support of other ministries and institutions we believe in within North America.
Ministries We Support :
Church Planting
Campus Ministries
Other Ministries and Institutions -
Short-Term Mission Opportunities
Bahamas, anyone? A team of singles, couples, and families with older children is needed to serve at a summer day camp for children in Nassau, Bahamas, July 27 through August 2. They will serve alongside our missionaries, Tim and Beverly Hart. More information and a signup for those interested will be available at the welcome table in the Atrium
Current Missions Committee Members:
Joseph Wheat
Craig Crosland
Brad Tisdale
Chip Johnson
David Harbaugh
Lynn Johnson
Terry Sensing
Clay Quarterman( ex officio)
Faith Promise Goals
Below are our goals for 2025 Faith Promise Giving.
BASE – $150,000
Support our current missionaries
STRETCH – $151,250
Add a missionary
Add funding for short-term, support, trips
HALLELUJAH! – $166,650
Add special projects funding
Increase funding for current missionaries
Goal to increase the number of participants to 150.
Highlands Missions Team Returns from El Salvador
Our Highlands missions team ( David Harbaugh, Karen Thomas, Mike & Cristy Hillerman, and Chip, Cindy & Miles Johnson) returned safely from their trip to El Salvador on October 5th. They served alongside Missions To the World missionaries in church planting work. This was accomplished through conversational English classes and mercy ministry to the homeless and those struggling with addiction. It was an eye opening trip as they got a glimpse of understanding just how much goes into starting a church plant in a different culture. Much of what the group did involved helping the missionary team make connections and contacts with people. This was done with the goal of creating relationships possibly for the future church plant. They did a lot of interacting with university students who are learning English. Most had never spoken to native English speakers before. Our team worked with an established mercy ministry group that works with the homeless and other marginalized populations. They spent an afternoon passing out meals to the homeless. Highlands missions team also traveled around the city and surrounding areas alongside the MTW team to become a little more familiar with the country, the culture, and the history of El Salvador.
Praise God for health and safety for our team and that they made it back home safely. Pray for encouragement for the MTW team in El Salvador, continued growth and transformation in the region, and that lives would be changed through this mission. Thank you to our team for serving and representing Highlands! See full photos gallery HERE.