Westwood has a long and distinguished history in missions. Reflecting a Great Commission mindset, this body of believers, over the course of many years, has made a significant contribution to world missions through the investment of both people and money. Financially, for example, in 2004, Westwood contributed more than $340,000 through the church budget, missions challenge, and designated giving. But perhaps more encouraging is the evidence of people who have committed their lives to missions. A common thread weaving through this missions directory reveals that a majority of the missionaries the church supports were either raised at Westwood or are children of Westwood members.

Ten years ago, the church solidified its commitment to missions by adopting, as a part of its overall vision statement, the goal of sending out 20 new missionaries by the year 2020. Then appearing a inconceivable, this vision, in 2005, is closer than we would have ever imagined. Many have gone and many more are now preparing to go.

Six years ago, Westwood established a sister-church relationship with the Irpen House of Prayer in Irpen, Ukraine. This relationship has provided many opportunities to introduce missions to Westwood members via short-term trips.

Four years ago, the Missions Leadership Team (MLT), along with the elders and staff, discerned that the Lord would direct our mission's strategy to include the adoption and focus on an unreached people group. After much prayer and seeking of the Lord's will, the Kazakhs of Kazakhstan were adopted as our primary focus for the coming years. We stand committed to giving high priority to our unreached people group as we develop and direct future Westwood missionaries. However, the elders and MLT want always to be open to new initiatives and directives that the Holy Spirit might give as we pursue the strategy of focusing on those who have had the least chance to hear the Gospel. In  that light, in the past two years we have sent two couples to China with others showing interest in this country.

Westwood's vision and commitment to missions invite you to explore and expand your own personal involvement in our church's input toward reaching those who have never heard the Gospel.                                              

Bob Barnes, Missions Pastor