From Peru to Vietnam to Africa to Scott Valley

Kingdom Networkers on Main Street

By Serena Travis

One day while teaching summer school in 1981, Drake was atop a water tower on a sparsely populated island east of Miami. In stunning silence, what unfolded before him that day was the most colorful sunset he’d ever seen.  Sherbet reds, oranges and yellows were a billowing explosion of beauty. God had finally gotten his attention. He realized God had work for him were he to join Him in Kingdom endeavors. At 19 years, his high school years of stalling the Almighty were over.

Today, after nearly thirty years of mission experience in over forty countries, Drake & Serena Travis operate Global Mission Connections (GMC) with the purpose of strengthening missions and missionaries worldwide.  God directed their ministry to Main Street in Etna, California where they minister out of a small store-front. There they facilitate a faith lending library for the public.

“Basically we train, send and take people to the mission field,” says Drake. They’ve inspired over 900 people to go into 65 countries on all continents doing evangelism, literacy training, healing crusades, medical work, and relief work.   They also fight human trafficking, build schools, churches and hospitals ... whatever is needed.

Recently, GMC helped two young churches initiate their first mission trips. Josh Huizar, one of the pastors, states, “I’m so grateful to have met a man with such passion and love for people all over the world.  Drake’s words and most importantly his mission action have truly inspired me to do likewise to love and reach people for Jesus!”

The Travis’ call has taken them on seven treks to the jungles of Vietnam for Good Samaritan Medical Dental Ministry. GMC assists with fundraising, logistics, and recruiting teams of doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and volunteers. This medical work has grown from five to 100 members traveling annually. “Drake and Serena's hearts for mission continues to touch and encourage all those around them,” states Monica Chu, GSMDM board member.

Additionally, GMC assists GloLight International in Malawi, Africa. CEO Patrick September states, “[GMC] is God’s lifeline to us right now.  They provide admin/tech support and encourage us on a regular basis.”  GloLight’s purpose is to empower rural Africans.  The African mission field needs Christian discipleship and education. A building mission trip departs for Malawi in May 2010. There is room for those who’d like to join the trip. Get to trek some of the world’s most stunning places! Apply online at: www.gmcnx.org

In Etna GMC has made a growing library of 2,000 titles available to the public. They are seeing many local residents, ministers, and tourists take advantage of this service. A rack with The Christian Journal was recently added. Want to help? “We need volunteers to further organize books and promote circulation,” says Serena Travis; GMC's executive manager.  “We welcome book and media donations.  Each book or video is a blessing that we share with our community.” Indeed, that’s GMC’s entire purpose, to network and advance the Kingdom.

Serena Travis writes from Etna, California. gmcnx.org